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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe (Cóctel de Camarones)

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This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones) is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish made with juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, avocado, and a zesty tomato-based cocktail sauce. Unlike American shrimp cocktail, this Mexican version is served chilled with a bold mix of lime, cilantro, onion, and spicy flavors — perfect for hot 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
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Cocktail Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato juice or Clamato juice
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Valentina or Cholula)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp 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 to stop cooking.
  4. Drain and chop larger shrimp if desired.

2. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce

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

3. Assemble the Shrimp Cocktail

  1. Add shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and corn to the sauce.
  2. Gently mix everything together.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
  4. Add diced avocado just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with:

  • Tostadas
  • Saltine crackers
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa picante
  • Cucumber slices
  • Cold Mexican beer or agua fresca

Tips for the Best Cóctel de Camarones

  • Do not overcook the shrimp — they should be tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the cocktail before serving for a more refreshing taste.
  • Add avocado at the end so it stays fresh.
  • For extra flavor, marinate shrimp briefly in lime juice before mixing.
  • Use Clamato juice for the most authentic Mexican seafood cocktail flavor.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Do not freeze — the vegetables and shrimp will lose their texture.

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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe (Authentic Cóctel de Camarones with Avocado & Lime)

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