Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail 39.png

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🍀 This Shrimp Cocktail Recipe features perfectly cooked shrimp paired with a tangy, flavorful sauce for a refreshing appetizer.
πŸ₯‘ The combination of fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s both light and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 generous pound peeled and deveined small shrimp (about 41/50 count per pound) or 12 ounces cooked peeled and deveined small shrimp

1/2 cup ketchup

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1/3 cup clam juice or broth from poaching the shrimp

2 to 4 tablespoons vinegary Mexican bottled hot sauce or a chipotle-flavored sauce

About 2 tablespoons good olive oil, preferably extra virgin (optional, recommended to smooth sharpness)

Salt to taste

1/2 medium white onion, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces and rinsed, plus extra for garnish

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish

1 avocado, cubed after removing pit and scooping flesh

Tostadas, tortilla chips, or saltine crackers for serving

Instructions

1-First, if you’re using raw shrimp, bring 1 quart of heavily salted water to a boil. You can add flavors like sliced onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and black pepper for extra taste, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes. Once boiling, add the shrimp, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat as soon as the water starts bubbling again.

2-Save 1/3 cup of that cooking liquid for the sauce, then drain the rest and let the shrimp steam off the heat until it’s cooked through. Cool the shrimp completely, maybe by dunking it in ice water for a crisp texture, and drain it well. This step, which takes just a few minutes, helps avoid overcooking and keeps things tasty.

3-Next, in a bowl, combine the ketchup, fresh lime juice, clam juice or the saved broth, hot sauce, and olive oil. Add salt if it needs it, then mix in the cooled shrimp, chopped onion, and cilantro. Gently fold in the cubed avocado to keep it creamy.

4-If you’re not serving right away, pop it in the fridge to chill. Finally, serve it in glasses or bowls, garnished with extra onion and cilantro, alongside tostadas, chips, or crackers. This whole process fits into about 30 to 45 minutes, making it easy for home cooks or students.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🦐 Use smaller shrimp around 41/50 count for best texture and flavor.
🌢️ Vinegary Mexican hot sauce is essential for authentic tang and spice.
πŸ₯‘ Adding olive oil mellows sharp flavors and adds richness to the sauce.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling and mixing
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1/2 cup shrimp cocktail