Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
This Mexican-inspired shrimp cocktail is just what you need on those days when it’s too hot to cook. Or when you’re in the mood for something light yet loaded with flavorful. Shrimp cocktail makes a great afternoon snack or light no-cook, no-fuss dinner. Shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, avocado, and more are submersed in a tomato-based broth made with ketchup and Clamato juice. The layers of flavor are extraordinary! Mexican-style shrimp cocktail is also a great addition to your menu when you’re entertaining casually. Keep it in a big bowl with ice underneath and people can help themselves. Keep this Mexican recipe in mind for Cinco de Mayo, too!
What Makes Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Different Than Other Versions?
When I first started spending lots of time in Mexico, I would go to restaurants and order “coctel de camarones” and what I would receive looked nothing like the American version of Shrimp Cocktail I was accustomed to — cooked and chilled shrimp positioned and propped up over a large glass, with tails dangling down, and the glass filled with cocktail sauce. As it turns out, Mexicans have a whole different take on shrimp cocktail. Their shrimp cocktail includes shrimp, along with other vegetables like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and chiles, in a tomato sauce-based broth that includes ketchup, Mexican hot sauce, Clamato juice, clam juice, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s very soup-like, but served very chilled. Also Mexicans tend to eat coctel de camarones with saltine crackers, not tortilla chips. It’s fine with totopos or tortilla chips, but not as traditional. Two totally different versions of shrimp cocktail and I love them both!
Ingredients in Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
For this ultra flavorful Mexican-inspired shrimp cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients. The list is longer, but each ingredient plays a role in creating authenticity as well as contributing to overall depth of flavor. Everything is easy to find at well-stocked supermarkets:
Shrimp – I prefer to buy frozen cooked shrimp and thaw them Red Onion – Although white or yellow are okay Jalapeno – Use a serrano chile if you like more heat Black pepper Kosher salt Garlic English cucumber – Although other versions of cucumbers are fine, but remove the seeds Tomato – I like to use Roma tomatoes but any is fine Cilantro – Adds extra fabulous flavor but can be omitted if allergic Clamato Juice – Spicy or regular Ketchup – Any brand Clam Juice – Adds lots of flavor, found near the canned shrimp and tuna Mexican Hot Sauce – Such as Valentina or Tapatio Lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best Olive Oil – Adds flavor and a silkiness to the overall mouthfeel Worcestershire sauce – For flavor Avocado – Ripe but still firm avocado Saltine Crackers or Chips – For serving Lime Wedges – For serving
How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
What I love about this making Mexican coctel de camarones is that it’s so easy! Literally add all the ingredients to a large bowl, except the avocado, and stir to combine. Taste and check the flavor balance and add what you think it needs such as more lime juice, more hot sauce, more jalapeno or serrano, more cilantro, and don’t forget that if it tastes at all bland, it likely needs more salt for sure. After it tastes the way you like, add the avocado, and gently stir. Cover and refrigerate it for an hour before serving.
Tips for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
The Mexican shrimp cocktail is much better if allowed to refrigerate for an hour before serving both to get it really well-chilled, as well as to allow the ingredients to have to marry. I recommend starting with cold ingredients especially the clam juice, Clamato, and chilled vegetables. It reduces the amount of chill time needed. Leave a few tails on the shrimp for an added touch when serving. It’s not necessary but is a nice visual aide.
Rinse the diced onion under cold water to take a bit of the bite out especially if you’re a person who’s sensitive to the flavor of raw onion. This is a great trick to minimize it. When selecting the avocado, make sure it’s ripe but firm. Save the super soft ones for guacamole. Always add the avocado last so it doesn’t get stirred too much, and therefore mushy.
What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
This recipe is perfect as a quick Mexican shrimp appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish! Try serving this shrimp cocktail with one or more of the following:
Appetizers: Chicken Enchilada Sliders, Baked Beef Taquitos, Mexican Street Corn Dip Mains: Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas, Pozole Rojo, Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken, Beef Taco Salad Bowls Sides: Tomatillo Avocado Salsa, Instant Pot Black Beans, Instant Pot Refried Beans, Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote) Desserts: Tres Leches Cupcakes, Tres Leches Cake Drinks: Margaritas, Beergaritas, Horchata (non-alcoholic)
More Mexican Shrimp Recipes:
ALL MY SHRIMP RECIPES Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Shrimp Ceviche — The EASIEST way to make traditional shrimp ceviche and it tastes the BEST!! Ready in 30 minutes, great as an appetizer, side, or as a healthy main course that everyone LOVES!! Lime Cilantro Shrimp and Black Bean Salad – Tender juicy shrimp, black beans, avocado, cilantro, and more coated in a lime sauce that’s a FIESTA in your mouth!! An EASY and HEALTHY Mexican-inspired salad that’s ready in 10 minutes!! Shrimp Stuffed Avocados – If you like ceviche, you’re going to LOVE these EASY avocados stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and more – plus some hot sauce for a touch of heat!! There’s a time-saving shortcut so these are ready in 15 minutes with no fuss!! Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas – EASY, ready in 30 minutes, tastes AUTHENTIC, and made on ONE sheet pan to keep things simple – especially on busy nights!! You don’t need to go out to a Mexican restaurant when you can make fajitas this GOOD and healthier at home!! Avocado Mango Shrimp Salad — With tropical fruit, avocado, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and plump JUICY shrimp, this EASY 15-minute recipe will become a new FAVORITE!!
