Mexican shrimp cocktail

Here is a complete step-by-step recipe for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón) — a refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy shrimp dish served cold. It’s often enjoyed as a starter or light meal and is especially popular in warm weather.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón)

Servings: 4 to 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off)

• Salt, for boiling water

• 1 lime (cut in half)

For the Cocktail Mixture:

• 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes (or use canned diced tomatoes, drained)

• ¾ cup finely chopped red onion

• 1 cup diced cucumber (peeled and seeded)

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 to 2 jalapeños or serrano chiles, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 cup ketchup

• ½ to 1 cup tomato juice or Clamato juice (adjust for desired consistency)

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Valentina or Tapatío, to taste)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime into the water, then drop the lime halves in.

3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until pink and opaque.

4. Immediately drain and transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

5. Once cool, drain and chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces (or leave whole if preferred). Refrigerate while preparing the rest.

Step 2: Make the Cocktail Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

   • Diced tomatoes

   • Red onion

   • Cucumber

   • Jalapeño or serrano (if using)

   • Chopped cilantro

   • Lime juice

   • Ketchup

   • Tomato juice or Clamato

   • Worcestershire sauce

   • Hot sauce

2. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Taste and add more lime juice, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Avocado

1. Gently stir the cooled shrimp into the cocktail mixture.

2. Add the diced avocado just before serving to maintain texture and color. Stir carefully to avoid mashing.

Step 4: Chill

• Cover and refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. It can be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve cold in individual cocktail glasses, small bowls, or even mason jars.

2. Garnish with lime wedges and more cilantro if desired.

Optional Sides and Add-ins

• Serve with saltine crackers or crispy tostadas.

• A cold Mexican lager or michelada pairs nicely.

• Diced celery or radish can be added for crunch.

• For a spicier version, add extra chile or a splash of hot pepper brine.