A Refreshing Fiesta in a Bowl: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe, straight from the heart of a family kitchen and shared by iwuvcooking.com, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s so good, in fact, that it might just become a regular demand at your dinner table too!

Why This Shrimp Cocktail is a Must-Try

  • Flavorful Fiesta: This cocktail is a delightful explosion of flavors, with the sweetness of shrimp playing against the zest of citrus and the heat of jalapeño.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a light and refreshing family dinner.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to make.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or a satisfying snack.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs jumbo shrimp
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 2 avocados, chopped
  • Handful of cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • For the sauce:
    • Juice and zest of 2 limes
    • Juice and zest of 1 orange
    • 11.5 oz tomato juice
    • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
    • 2 garlic cloves, grated
    • Hot sauce to taste
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Shrimp: Boil the shrimp until they curl into a loose “C” shape. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to cool. Once cool, cut into bite-sized chunks.
  2. Prepare the Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the sliced celery, chopped jalapeño, cucumber, avocados, cilantro, and onion.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, orange juice and zest, tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine and Chill: Add the shrimp to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and veggies, stirring to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

  • Shrimp Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque, not rubbery.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and hot sauce to your preferred level of heat.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe produce for the best flavor.
  • Chill Time: Chilling the cocktail for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Presentation: Serve in individual glasses or a large bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!