Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

by

Cóctel de Camarón Recipe (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)

This Cóctel de Camarón (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) is a refreshing and flavorful seafood classic made with tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty tomato-based sauce. Unlike traditional American shrimp cocktail, the Mexican version is served chilled with lime, cilantro, onion, cucumber, and a touch of spice — making it perfect for warm days, parties, or a light meal.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 2 lbs (900 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • ½ white onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Cocktail Sauce

  • 2 cups Clamato juice or tomato juice
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (Valentina, Cholula, or your favorite)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 2 jalapeños or serrano peppers, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cooked corn kernels (optional)

For Serving

  • Lime wedges
  • Saltine crackers
  • Tostadas
  • Extra hot sauce
  • Avocado slices
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

  1. Bring water, salt, onion, garlic, and bay leaf to a boil.
  2. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
  3. Remove shrimp immediately and place in an ice bath.
  4. Drain and chill shrimp.
  5. Cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces if desired.

2. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, combine Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and oregano.
  2. Mix well until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Cóctel de Camarón

  1. Add shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and corn to the sauce.
  2. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Fold in avocado just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with:

  • Crispy tostadas
  • Saltine crackers
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa picante
  • Fresh avocado
  • Cucumber slices
  • Extra cilantro

Tips for the Best Cóctel de Camarón

  • Avoid overcooking shrimp — they should be tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Chill before serving for the best texture.
  • Add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
  • Clamato juice gives the most authentic Mexican seafood cocktail flavor.
  • For extra flavor, let the shrimp marinate briefly with lime juice before mixing.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended because the vegetables and avocado lose their texture.

Recommended SEO Heading:
Cóctel de Camarón Recipe (Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado & Lime)