Description
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and zesty seafood dish featuring tender cooked shrimp tossed in a tangy tomato sauce with crunchy vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lime. Perfectly chilled and customizable in spice, this appetizer is refreshing, healthy, and great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 avocado, cubed (for creaminess and balance)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start with cooked shrimp that’s peeled and deveined. If using raw shrimp, boil them briefly with bay leaves and a pinch of salt until pink and curled (about 3-4 minutes), then cool completely.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and jalapeños finely to ensure each bite has a balance of crunch and freshness.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce with fresh lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to taste. Stir well to create a zesty flavor base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shrimp and chopped vegetables into the bowl with the sauce. Gently fold everything together to evenly coat the shrimp without breaking them.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cocktail for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado cubes, or lime wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp and vegetables for best flavor and texture.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep shrimp intact and veggies crisp.
- Adjust spice gradually by adding hot sauce or chili slowly.
- Chill the cocktail well before serving to deepen flavors.
- Serve cold with tortilla chips, saltine crackers, or salad for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days; avoid freezing.
- Do not reheat—best served chilled for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if boiling raw shrimp)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking / boiling shrimp only
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg