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Dive into a refreshing and scrumptious delight with Cóctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail). Perfect for an afternoon nibble, a quick meal, or a party starter that will have everyone raving. Don’t let this mouthwatering chance slip away!

Perfect Mexican Appetizer – Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Cóctel de Camarones – this delicious Mexican shrimp cocktail is packed full of flavor! Deliciously succulent and spicy shrimp cocktail is an instant party starter. I serve this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer, along with fresh guacamole and a pitcher of cold margaritas for holiday gatherings.

Why Make This Shrimp Cocktail

  • Perfect eating for a no-cook snack or lunch
  • Great as a topping on tostadas
  • Gluten-free, made with simple fresh ingredients
  • Perfect as an easy-to-make appetizer for Holiday gathering

I serve the Cóctel de Camarones in a glass with a slice of avocado and a sprig of cilantro for a beautiful presentation. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal and is best served with tortilla chips or saltine crackers. So next time you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious and refreshing dish, try making this Mexican shrimp cocktail – your guests will thank you!

mexican shrimp cocktail

Origin of Cóctel de Camarones/ Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, also known as “Cóctel de Camarones,” is a popular dish with a rich history. Jalisco, Mexico is the birthplace of this delightful appetizer that is both flavorful and refreshing. The dish owes its origin to the plentiful seafood that is found in the nearby region. Its unique taste and texture are sure to win over even the most discerning of palates. The dish typically consists of poached or steamed shrimp, mixed with a cocktail sauce made from tomato juice, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and other seasonings. It is commonly served with avocado, crackers, or tostadas. The fresh and vibrant flavors of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail have made it a beloved and iconic dish in Mexican cuisine, enjoyed both domestically and internationally.

Ingredients You Will Need:

  • Shrimp – Medium shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed, or large shrimp cut into chunks (save a few for presentation)
  • Onions – Diced red onion
  • Lime – For the best flavor use freshly squeezed limes. Bottled lime juice is okay for convenience.
  • Tomatoes – Roma (plum) tomatoes are preferable, but any type will work
  • Chile pepper – Jalapeño seed and finely chopped, or serrano if you want spiciness
  • Cucumber – Peeled cucumber, diced, or an English cucumber( does not need to be peeled)
  • Vegetable juice – I prefer Clamato, but V8 vegetable juice can be used.
  • Cilantro – Discard the stem and chop the leaves
  • Avocados – Cubed, or sliced lengthwise if you prefer on the side.
  • Ketchup – Chilled
  • Hot Sauce – Valentina, Tabasco, or Tapatio
  • Salt & Pepper – Sea salt or kosher salt + black pepper

How to Make This Recipe

  • Mix onion with lime juice in a small bowl and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss the chopped shrimp, Roma tomatoes, cucumber,  jalapeño, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
  • Whisk tomato and clam juice cocktail, ketchup, cilantro, and hot pepper sauce in a separate bowl; stir the dressing into the shrimp mixture.
  • Gently fold in avocados. Stir in onion mixture. Cover and chill thoroughly, for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve with crackers or fried corn tortilla chips
coctel de camarones

Storing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp cocktail is most delicious the same day it’s made, but cooked shrimp will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for best results.

We Recommend

Coctel de Camaron (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)

Eunice Huerta
When you’re in the mood for something light yet loaded with flavor, Cóctel de Camarónes (Shrimp cocktail) makes a great afternoon snack or light no-cook dinner.
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 2 limes freshly squeezed
  • 1 pound chilled cooked medium shrimp - peeled deveined, and tails removed, cut into chunks*
  • 2 Roma plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups chilled tomato and clam juice cocktail such as Clamato®
  • 1 cup of Ketchup chilled
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro - stems discarded and leaves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce such as Valentina®
  • 2 avocados - peeled pitted, and chopped

Instructions
 

  • Mix onion with lime juice in a small bowl and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss the chopped shrimp, Roma tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeno, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
  • Whisk tomato and clam juice cocktail, ketchup, cilantro, and hot pepper sauce in a separate bowl; stir the dressing into the shrimp mixture.
  • Gently fold in avocados. Stir in onion mixture. Cover and chill thoroughly, for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve with crackers or fried corn tortilla chips
Keyword Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, shrimp cocktail recipe, Coctel de Camarones, spicy shrimp cocktail, mexican appetizers
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