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Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

Close-up of a glass bowl filled with vibrant mexican shrimp cocktail featuring seasoned shrimp, diced avocado, tomato, and red onion.
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This recipe shares the story of a vibrant, chilled Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, bursting with fresh lime, ripe avocado, and a zesty tomato base. It is an easy, refreshing seafood appetizer perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, cooked and peeled
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
  • 1 cup V8 or tomato juice (Clamato-free option)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup ripe tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • For serving: Tortilla chips or saltine crackers

Instructions

  1. If your shrimp is not already cooked, boil or steam it until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately plunge the cooked shrimp into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large glass bowl, combine the lime juice, V8 or tomato juice, ketchup, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is uniform. This is your zesty tomato base.
  3. Add the cooked and cooled shrimp to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors. This chilling time is key for the best taste.
  5. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado, tomato, onion, cucumber, cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using). Do not add the avocado too early, as it can become mushy.
  6. Serve immediately in chilled glasses or bowls. Offer tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side for scooping.

Notes

  • For an authentic presentation, serve this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in tall, wide-rimmed glasses.
  • If you prefer a tangier, more traditional flavor, you can substitute the V8/tomato juice with Clamato juice, though this recipe focuses on a Clamato-free tomato lime profile.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of tequila or Mexican beer to the sauce mixture before chilling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/mexican-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-easy/