Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Coctel De Camarones

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a trip to Mexico, no passport needed? Do you crave something fresh, zingy, and utterly delicious? If so, you're in for a treat with this easy Mexican shrimp cocktail! It's a flavor bomb and super simple to make.

A Taste of Mexico in a Glass

This ain't your average British shrimp cocktail. This Mexican prawn cocktail , or Coctel de Camarones recipe , is packed with vibrant flavors.

It is a refreshing mix of juicy shrimp, tangy lime, and spicy chilies. Think sunshine in a glass!

This recipe is beginner friendly. It takes about 30 minutes to whip up. This will yield about four servings, perfect for sharing or a light lunch.

What better Mexican appetizer recipe easy to make than this?

Why You'll Love This Mexican Shrimp Summer Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein from the shrimp. It is a great source of vitamins from all those fresh veggies.

Imagine serving this at your next BBQ or garden party! It's the perfect Mexican seafood appetizer . Honestly, it's the one easy shrimp cocktail recipe your friends won't stop raving about.

It’s also super quick, perfect to keep your guests happy! I had mine done in less than 30 minutes, easy peasy!

Ready to dive in? Let's gather those ingredients and make some magic happen! Now here's the ingredients you'll need:

Let's Talk Ingredients & What You'll Need

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. You wanna make this Mexican shrimp magic happen? Good ingredients are key. It's like that saying, "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear".

And honestly, nobody wants a rubbery shrimp cocktail, you know? So let’s make a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe With Avocado And Cucumber!

The Main Players

• Shrimp: 1 pound ( 450g ) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count per pound). Get fresh shrimp. It should smell of the ocean, not fishy. Frozen is fine too. Just thaw them properly.
• Tomato Juice: 1 ½ cups ( 355ml ). Or Clamato juice. That adds a lil' extra oomph ! Honestly, I prefer Clamato. Gives it that extra something, right?
• Ketchup: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Heinz is the classic. Don't skimp.
• Red Onion: ½ cup ( 120ml ) diced. About ½ a medium onion. Adds a nice bite.
• Cilantro: ½ cup ( 15g ) chopped. Packed. If you hate cilantro, flat leaf parsley will do.
• Lime Juice: ¼ cup ( 60ml ). From about 2-3 limes. Freshly squeezed is best, innit? Bottled just doesn't cut it.
• Orange Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Freshly squeezed is best!. Just a splash of sweetness.
• Hot Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons ( 15-30ml ). Tapatio or Valentina are my go-to's. Adjust to your taste! I'm a bit of a chilli head myself, LOL!
• Jalapeños: 1-2 finely diced (about 15g diced seeded). Remove the seeds if you're a wimp. Kidding! (Sort of).
• Avocado: 1 diced. Optional. But honestly, don't skip it. It makes it next level, trust me.

Seasoning Magic for the Mexican Prawn Cocktail

We are talking serious taste explosion. So let’s see How To Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail like a pro.

• Salt, Pepper, Bay Leaf: For boiling the shrimp. Simple, but essential.
• Hot Sauce & Jalapeños: For the kick! Adjust to your liking. Wanna make a Spicy Shrimp Cocktail ? Go wild with the chillis!
• Lime & Orange Juice: Brightness and acidity. Super important.
• Consider this the best Mexican seafood appetizer for you!

Gear Up: The Equipment You'll Need

No fancy gadgets needed here. This is an Easy Shrimp Cocktail Recipe .

• Saucepan: For boiling the shrimp. Obviously.
• Colander: For draining. A sieve works too.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the veggies.
• Mixing Bowl: Big enough to hold everything.
• Citrus Juicer: Optional. But makes life easier.

That's it! Not too scary, right? Now you're ready to create this flavourful dish. Let's face it a Coctel de Camarones recipe is just a celebration in a bowl! I'm so excited for you to get started on this Mexican shrimp summer recipe .

Enjoy the Mexican Appetizer Recipes Easy .

The Secret to Amazing Mexican Shrimp

Right, let's talk about the Coctel de Camarones recipe . I'm not going to lie. Honestly, nothing beats a proper Mexican shrimp dish.

It's light, zesty, and perfect for when the sun's actually showing its face. Think of it as sunshine in a bowl.

I once made this for a barbecue, and it was gone before the burgers. True story. And if you're hunting for some Mexican Appetizer Recipes Easy , you are in the right place.

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop your red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Dice an avocado if you fancy.

Basically, get everything ready to go. This will save you time and prevents a culinary meltdown mid-cook. It is the best way on How To Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail .

A little tip: always dice your red onion really fine. Nobody wants a massive chunk of onion in their spicy shrimp cocktail .

The Magical Steps

Here's the super easy process. This is my take on the famous Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe with avocado and cucumber .

1. Boil 4 cups of water with 1 tsp of salt, some peppercorns, and a bay leaf.
2. Add 1 pound of shrimp. Cook for just 2- 3 minutes until pink.
3. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Then chop 'em up a bit.
4. Mix the tomato juice ( 1 1/2 cups ), ketchup ( 1/2 cup ), onion, cilantro, lime juice ( 1/4 cup ), orange juice ( 2 tbsp ), hot sauce ( 1-2 tbsp ) and jalapeño (adjust to your heat preferences).
5. Add the shrimp. Mix it all nicely.
6. Chill for 30 minutes . Optional, but totally worth it.
7. Serve in glasses with avocado if you are on the luxurious side.

Shrimp Wisdom

Okay, a couple of pro tips for you now. Don't overcook the shrimp, else you will end up with rubber.

Nobody likes rubbery shrimp. Adjust your spice! This Mexican prawn cocktail should make your tongue feel like it's doing a tango, but not scream for mercy.

I have seen this so many times. Want to get ahead? Make the sauce a day before. It's fine if you want to prepare your Easy Shrimp Cocktail Recipe a bit.

It only gets better over time.

So, there you have it. A cracking Mexican shrimp summer recipe . Now go on, get cooking, and enjoy a bit of sunshine.

I bet you that this is the best Mexican seafood appetizer for the summer.

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Mexican Shrimp Success

Alright, so you're ready to make some seriously awesome Mexican Shrimp Cocktail ? Fantastic! Before you dive in, let's chat about some notes that'll make your Coctel de Camarones recipe absolutely sing.

Honestly, these are the little things that can take your easy shrimp cocktail recipe from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!"

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Fiesta!

Think beyond just dumping it in a bowl. For plating, I love using tall margarita glasses. Adds a touch of class.

A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro are always a good shout. Serve with crispy tortilla chips, saltines, or even on top of tostadas for a proper mexican seafood appetizer .

As for drinks? A cold Corona with a lime wedge is classic. Or, if you're feeling fancy, a margarita will do the trick.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

This spicy shrimp cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Make sure it's in an airtight container. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the shrimp texture can get a bit weird. Reheating isn't really a thing either this is meant to be a cold dish.

It's also not a shrimp ceviche, so beware if you are looking for that specific recipe.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to mix things up a bit? You can add diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist. Or, for a creamier texture, mash in some avocado, creating something similar to an Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe With Avocado And Cucumber .

For a lighter version of the mexican shrimp summer recipe , swap the ketchup for a sugar-free version. Also, try using less hot sauce to control the spice!

Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Goodness

This Mexican Prawn Cocktail is actually pretty healthy! It's packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the veggies. It's also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

It is worth noting that it is about 250 calories, 25g of protein, 8g of fat, 20g of carbs, 12g of sugar and 800mg of sodium.

Time to get cooking

So there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to really nail your how to make mexican shrimp cocktail .

Making this Mexican Appetizer Recipes Easy can be surprisingly simple, and now, with these notes, you're totally equipped to create a showstopper!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery when making Mexican shrimp cocktail?

Ah, the dreaded rubber shrimp! The key is to avoid overcooking. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually only 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Immediately drain and rinse them with cold water to halt the cooking process.

It's like stopping the kettle just before it whistles timing is everything!

Can I make Mexican shrimp cocktail ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the Coctel de Camarones allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Prepare the cocktail and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours before serving. Just be sure not to let it freeze and keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

A little pre-planning makes you the host(ess) with the most(est)!

What are some variations I can make to this Mexican shrimp recipe?

Spice it up, sweeten it up the possibilities are endless! For a sweet and spicy kick, try adding diced mango and some finely chopped habanero peppers (use with caution!). Alternatively, mash an avocado into the cocktail sauce for a creamy, richer texture.

Get creative after all, a watched pot never boils!

I'm not a huge fan of cilantro. Is there a good substitute for the Mexican shrimp cocktail?

Totally understandable! Cilantro is a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it. If you're in the "hate it" camp, flat leaf parsley is a good substitute. It won't have the exact same citrusy zing, but it will add a fresh, herbaceous note.

Remember that the flavour profile will be slightly altered, so keep that in mind.

How long will Mexican shrimp cocktail last in the fridge?

For optimal safety and flavour, it’s best to consume your shrimp cocktail within 1-2 days of making it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the shrimp can become a bit rubbery, and the flavours may start to lose their vibrancy. When in doubt, throw it out - better safe than sorry!