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Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

A close-up, vibrant image of mexican shrimp cocktail served in a clear glass bowl, topped with avocado chunks and cilantro.
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Make this fresh, zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail. It features juicy shrimp in a tangy, homemade tomato-lime sauce with crisp vegetables, perfect as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds cooked, peeled, and deveined large shrimp, chilled
  • 3 cups clamato juice (or tomato juice)
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 cup diced ripe tomato
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Tortilla chips or saltine crackers (for serving)

Instructions

  1. If your cooked shrimp are large, cut them in half or into thirds. Place the prepared shrimp in a large glass bowl and chill them in the refrigerator.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, prepare the sauce. Whisk together the clamato juice, fresh lime juice, ketchup, salt, and pepper until combined.
  3. Stir in the chopped white onion, diced tomato, minced jalapeño (if using), and cilantro into the sauce mixture. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or lime juice as needed for your preference.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chilled shrimp. Gently stir to coat all the shrimp evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Mexican shrimp cocktail for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time is important for the best taste.
  6. When ready to serve this vibrant cold appetizer, ladle the shrimp and sauce into individual chilled glasses or bowls.
  7. Top each serving with diced avocado. Serve immediately with lime wedges and tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

Notes

  • For an authentic flavor boost, some cooks add 1/4 cup of orange soda, like Jarritos, to the tomato sauce base.
  • You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or by including a dash of hot sauce.
  • This dish is best made the same day you plan to serve it to keep the vegetables crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/mexican-shrimp-cocktail-coctel-de-camarones/