Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the heart of coastal Mexican cuisine.

Tender shrimp are tossed with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs, then bathed in a bright, zesty tomato-citrus sauce that’s both tangy and slightly spicy.

It’s light yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for warm days, gatherings, or when you want something that feels fresh and full of life. Every spoonful delivers a balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this recipe truly unforgettable.

Why People Will Love Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

Bright, refreshing, and full of life
The fresh citrus juices and crisp vegetables make it incredibly vibrant and satisfying.

Perfect for warm weather and gatherings
It’s served chilled, making it a cool and refreshing appetizer or light meal.

Packed with bold Mexican flavors
Jalapeño, cilantro, lime, and garlic create an authentic, zesty taste.

Healthy yet indulgent
Lean protein from shrimp combined with heart-healthy avocado and fresh produce.

Easy to prepare ahead of time
The flavors deepen and become even better as it chills.

A beautiful, colorful presentation
The mix of shrimp, vegetables, and sauce looks stunning in a serving glass or bowl.

Customizable to your spice level
You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño or hot sauce.

Light but very satisfying
It fills you up without feeling heavy, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Great for entertaining or special occasions
It feels elegant and gourmet while still being simple to make.

A true taste of coastal Mexican cuisine
This dish brings the feeling of a seaside meal right to your kitchen.

Key Ingredients

Jumbo Shrimp
The star of the dish—tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked to absorb the vibrant citrus-tomato sauce.

Celery and Cucumber
Add refreshing crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of the shrimp and avocado.

Jalapeño
Brings a fresh, lively heat that gives the cocktail its signature Mexican kick.

Avocado
Adds a creamy, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and tangy broth.

Fresh Cilantro and Onion
Provide brightness, aroma, and depth, enhancing every bite with authentic flavor.

Lime and Orange Juice
Deliver a perfect blend of tangy and sweet citrus notes that make the sauce irresistible.

Tomato Juice and Tomato Sauce
Create the classic, savory base for the shrimp cocktail, tying all the ingredients together.

Garlic and Hot Sauce
Add bold seasoning and warmth, giving the dish its delicious, slightly spicy finish.

Expert Tips

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape
Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Immediately cool them in ice water to keep them tender.

Chop all vegetables into small, even pieces
This ensures every spoonful has the perfect mix of shrimp, crunch, and creamy avocado.

Use freshly squeezed citrus juice and zest
Fresh lime and orange add natural sweetness and brightness that bottled juice can’t match.

Season the sauce before mixing it with the shrimp
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce so the broth is perfectly balanced.

Add avocado just before serving
This keeps it fresh, vibrant, and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Chill the cocktail for at least one hour
Resting time allows the flavors to blend and develop for a more authentic taste.

For a thicker cocktail, add a little more tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
This creates a heartier texture without overpowering the shrimp.

For extra flavor, include a splash of clamato or a dash of Worcestershire sauce
These add depth and complexity to the broth.

Serve in chilled glasses or bowls
It keeps the cocktail refreshing and enhances presentation.

Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro
It adds freshness and makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Lbs Jumbo Shrimp

• 2 Celery Stalks, (sliced thin)

• 1 Jalapeno, (seeded, finely chopped)

• 1 Cucumber, (chopped)

• 2 Avocados, (peeled, pitted, chopped)

• 2 Handfuls Fresh Cilantro, (chopped)

• 1/2 Small White or Yellow Onion, (finely chopped)

• 2 Limes, (juice & zest)

• 1 Orange, (juice & zest)

• 11.5 ounce Can Tomato Juice

• 1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce

• 2 Garlic Cloves, (grated)

• Favorite Hot Sauce, (to taste)

• Salt/Pepper, (to taste)

Instructions for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe:

Step 1:

Bring large pot of water to a boil.

Add shrimp and boil until shrimp curl into a loose ‘C’ shape and are cooked through.

Time will vary depending on size of shrimp.

Drain and transfer to ice or run under cool water.

Cut shrimp into bite sized chunks.

Step 2:

In large bowl combine shrimp, celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, cilantro and onion.

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Step 3:

In separate bowl combine lime juice, orange juice, tomato juice, tomato sauce, garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Pour into shrimp mixture and stir.

Step 4:

Chill for 1+ hour then serve.

Enjoy !!

Important Notes When Making Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This dish is meant to be served cold and refreshing
Allow enough chilling time so the flavors fully develop and the cocktail tastes vibrant and balanced.

Choose high-quality jumbo shrimp
Fresh or properly thawed shrimp will give you the best texture and sweetness.

Do not overcook the shrimp
Shrimp should be tender and juicy. Overcooking makes them tough and less flavorful.

Let the shrimp cool completely before mixing
This keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents the avocado from softening too early.

Adjust the spice level to your preference
Jalapeño and hot sauce can be increased or reduced for a milder or bolder kick.

Add avocado close to serving time
This preserves its creamy texture and prevents browning or mushiness.

Use fresh lime and orange juice for the best citrus flavor
They bring brightness and natural sweetness that defines the dish.

Taste and season the sauce before combining
A well-balanced broth is the key to this recipe’s success.

Chop ingredients evenly for the best presentation and flavor distribution
This gives every bite the right mix of textures.

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation
It can be stored chilled for up to a day, making it great for entertaining or meal prep.

How to Enjoy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail After Cooking

Chill Before Serving

This dish is meant to be served cold. After mixing everything, refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the shrimp absorb the citrus-tomato flavors and the cocktail becomes refreshing and vibrant.

Add the Avocado Last

Stir in the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh, creamy, and beautifully green.

Serve in Clear Glasses or Bowls

Mexican shrimp cocktail is traditionally served in chilled glasses so you can see all the colorful layers of shrimp, vegetables, and sauce.

Adjust the Spice to Taste

Offer extra hot sauce, chopped jalapeño, or chili flakes on the side so everyone can make their portion as mild or as spicy as they like.

Garnish for Extra Freshness

Top with a squeeze of lime, extra cilantro, or a small slice of orange for brightness and aroma.

Pair with the Right Sides

Enjoy it with:

Saltine crackers or tostadas
Tortilla chips
A simple green salad

These add crunch and make the dish feel like a complete meal.

Perfect for Warm Days

This is a light and refreshing seafood dish, ideal for summer lunches, beach parties, or as a festive appetizer.

Storage & Leftovers

Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving again to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition Information:

Values are based on one serving of about 1 cup.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño and hot sauce used in the recipe.

You can also use a milder pepper, like a poblano or Anaheim pepper, for a less spicy version.

How can I make the dish less watery?

Drain the chopped vegetables well before mixing them with the shrimp and sauce.

Also, avoid over-stirring the mixture as it can cause the avocado to break down and make the dish watery.

What kind of hot sauce works best in the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe ?

You can use any hot sauce that you enjoy, such as Tabasco, Cholula, or a Mexican-style hot sauce like Valentina.

How can I make the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe healthier?

To make the dish healthier, you can use a low-sodium tomato juice and sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce, and add more vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or jicama.

Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp for the recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe.

Just skip the boiling step and proceed to mix the cooked shrimp with the rest of the ingredients.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly?

Shrimp cooks quickly, and it’s essential not to overcook it. When cooked, shrimp will turn pink and opaque, and its shape will form a loose ‘C.’ If it curls tightly into a closed ‘O’ shape, it’s overcooked.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe from belaya.info features plump, juicy shrimp that are cooked to perfection and combined with a colorful medley of diced vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and avocados.

These ingredients are then tossed in a delectable sauce made with tomato juice, lime juice, and a touch of hot sauce, which adds a pleasant kick of spice to the dish. The resulting flavors are a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy, making Mexican Shrimp Cocktail an irresistible and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Served chilled in a tall glass or a decorative bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by crispy tostadas or saltine crackers, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe is sure to impress your guests and transport their taste buds to the sunny shores of Mexico.