Cóctel de Camarones (Shrimp Cocktail Recipe)

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds of large shrimp, peeled and cleaned

½ cup lemon juice divided

¼ cup finely chopped onion

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley a little more for garnish

½ teaspoon salt

Freshly ground pepper to taste

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup tomato sauce

½ teaspoon hot sauce optional

Olive oil to decorate

Instructions:

Place shrimp in a medium bowl; add ⅓ cup lemon juice. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Drain the shrimp and discard the lemon juice.

In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, place the water and salt. When it starts to boil add the shrimp and turn off the heat.

Let the shrimp in the water just until they are cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp to a plastic container and refrigerate.

In a small bowl, combine onion, remaining lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, pepper, hot sauce, and parsley.

Add the shrimp and serve in glass bowls over the lettuce. Serve with crackers and garnish with olive oil and parsley.

Notes:

Preparation and Marination: Marinating the shrimp in lemon juice for 30 minutes helps enhance their flavor and texture. This step is crucial for developing a refreshing taste.

Cooking Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Cooking them for 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water ensures they are perfectly cooked and tender. Overcooking can result in tough shrimp.

Sauce Preparation: The combination of finely chopped onion, lemon juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce creates a creamy and tangy cocktail sauce. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preference for spiciness.

Garnish and Serving: Serving the shrimp cocktail over lettuce in glass bowls adds an elegant touch. Garnish with olive oil and additional parsley for presentation.

Substitutions: You can use frozen shrimp or precooked shrimp for convenience, but fresh raw shrimp will provide the best texture and flavor.

Healthier Options: Consider using Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise as a healthier substitute for regular mayonnaise.

Tomato Sauce: Use your preferred type of tomato sauce based on flavor preferences. A seasoned tomato sauce can complement the dish well.

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Make-Ahead: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time by storing the shrimp and sauce separately in the refrigerator. Assemble before serving for optimal freshness.

Accompaniments: Serve Cóctel de Camarones with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted bread. It can also be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Customization: Feel free to adjust ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste. This versatile dish allows for personalization in spice level and texture.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 4 servings | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before using and follow the cooking instructions accordingly.

Can I use precooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use precooked shrimp for this recipe. However, since the shrimp is briefly cooked in the boiling water, it is recommended to use raw shrimp to ensure they are perfectly cooked and tender.

How long should I refrigerate the shrimp in lemon juice?

Refrigerate the shrimp in lemon juice for about 30 minutes. This step helps to marinate the shrimp and enhance their flavor.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the cocktail sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the cocktail sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preferences.

You can also omit the hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier alternative?

If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise to reduce the calorie and fat content.

What type of tomato sauce should I use?

You can use any type of tomato sauce that you prefer, such as a plain tomato sauce or a seasoned tomato sauce. Choose one that complements the flavors of the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and the cocktail sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply assemble the shrimp and sauce in glass bowls over the lettuce and garnish as desired.

What can I serve with Cóctel de Camarones?

Traditionally, Cóctel de Camarones is served with crackers or tortilla chips.

You can also serve it with toasted bread or as a side dish alongside a main course.