Introduction
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for a light meal or as a flavorful appetizer for any occasion. Bursting with zesty citrus, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeño.
this dish offers a vibrant combination of textures and tastes that are sure to please your palate. The cool shrimp.
Combined with the tangy tomato-based sauce, creates an irresistibly satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Start by boiling 2 lbs of jumbo shrimp until they curl into a loose “C” shape, then drain and cool them in ice water.
Cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and combine in a large bowl with 2 thinly sliced celery.
stalks, 1 chopped jalapeño (seeded), 1 chopped cucumber, 2 chopped avocados, a handful of chopped cilantro, and 1/2 a finely chopped onion.
For the sauce, mix the juice and zest of 2 limes and 1 orange, 11.5 oz tomato juice, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 2 grated garlic cloves, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and veggies, stirring to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then serve cold. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish!
Instructions
To start, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the jumbo shrimp. Once the shrimp curl into a loose “C” shape, they are perfectly cooked.
Drain the shrimp and immediately cool them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.
Once the shrimp have cooled, peel and devein them. Then, cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and set them aside.
Next, prepare the vegetables and aromatics. Thinly slice the celery, chop the jalapeño (making sure to seed it for a milder flavor), and chop the cucumber and avocados. Finely chop the onion and cilantro as well.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocados, onion, and cilantro. Stir everything together gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the juice and zest of the limes and orange.
Add the tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, and hot sauce to taste. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Once everything is mixed, refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
This chilling time enhances the overall taste and gives the dish a nice, refreshing coolness.
How to Make
Making a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is simple and straightforward, starting with the shrimp. Boiling the shrimp to the perfect texture is key, ensuring they are just cooked enough to maintain a firm yet tender bite.
Using ice water to cool the shrimp prevents them from overcooking, which could result in a rubbery texture.
When preparing the vegetables and aromatics, the freshness and crunch of the celery and cucumber contrast.
beautifully with the creamy avocado and juicy shrimp. The cilantro adds a fresh herbaceous note, while the jalapeño brings just the right amount of heat.
The sauce is where the magic happens. The citrus zest and juice balance the rich shrimp and avocado.
while the garlic and tomato sauce offer depth and umami. The hot sauce is optional but adds an extra layer of spice for those who enjoy a bit of kick.
After mixing everything together, the refrigeration time allows the sauce to permeate the shrimp and vegetables.
Enhancing the overall flavor. The dish can be served as an appetizer or a light meal, and it’s ideal for hot summer days.
Variations
While the classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is already bursting with flavors, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes.
For a more citrus-forward dish, add an extra orange or lime to the sauce for an even brighter flavor.
If you like your dish extra spicy, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Some may prefer to substitute the jalapeño with a milder pepper, such as poblano, for a subtler heat.
You can also experiment with different seafood options. Substitute shrimp with other shellfish, such as crab or scallops.
or even mix in a combination of shrimp and fish for a more varied seafood cocktail.
For those who prefer a vegetarian version, you could replace the shrimp with chopped mango or papaya, adding a sweet twist to the cocktail while still maintaining the refreshing flavors.
If you’re looking for an extra creamy touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema to the sauce, creating a richer, smoother texture.
For a more traditional approach, serve the shrimp cocktail in individual cups or bowls, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion and add extra hot sauce or lime to taste.
Another fun variation is to serve the shrimp cocktail with crispy tortilla chips or fried plantain chips on the side for a crunchy contrast to the creamy shrimp mixture.
Tips
To ensure the shrimp have the perfect texture, avoid overcooking them. As soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose “C,” they are ready to be removed from.
the boiling water. Cooling them in ice water immediately will help maintain their tenderness.
If you prefer your shrimp cocktail to be more or less tangy, adjust the ratio of lime and orange juice to suit your taste.
A little extra lime juice can make the dish more zesty, while more orange juice can add sweetness and depth.
For a smooth sauce, blend the tomato juice and tomato sauce before adding them to the other ingredients. This creates a more uniform base for your cocktail.
To elevate the presentation, consider serving the shrimp cocktail in a martini glass or a decorative bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or thin lime slices for a touch of elegance.
Chilling the shrimp cocktail for at least an hour is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
If possible, prepare the dish a few hours in advance or even the night before.
For a touch of crunch, consider adding some finely chopped red bell pepper or jicama to the mix. This adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
If you’re serving this dish at a party, provide small bowls of extra hot sauce, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro so guests can adjust the flavor to their liking.
Conclusion
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a versatile, refreshing, and delicious dish that brings together the perfect balance of flavors.
The combination of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a light and healthy dish, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the refreshing chill of this fantastic shrimp cocktail.