Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is more than just an appetizer. With meaty shrimp, creamy avocado, vegetables and a flavorful tomato sauce, this could be enjoyed as lunch or dinner. This recipe takes less that 20 minutes to prepare.
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How To Make Easy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Shrimp cocktail is one of those foods that are just fun, flavorful and super simple to make. This Mexican version adds even more flavors and always reminds me of vacationing in Mexico. A sandy beach, cold margarita and we are transported to an imaginary beach vacation in the middle of winter!
Like I said, this is so easy to make. Just boil the shrimp, prep the ingredients, mix together and enjoy. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is great for lunch, dinner or as a party food. It can easily be portioned out for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones)
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with bold flavors, Mexican shrimp cocktail cóctel de camarones is a refreshing seafood dish that’s especially popular in coastal regions of Mexico. Unlike the classic American-style shrimp cocktail served with a thick red dipping sauce, the Mexican version is served in a glass with a zesty tomato-based sauce loaded with fresh vegetables, lime juice, and cilantro.
It’s cool, tangy, slightly spicy, and perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a light but satisfying meal.
- It’s served in a sauce, not just with a dipping sauce.
- It includes chopped vegetables like tomato, onion, cucumber, and avocado.
- It balances sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
- It’s often eaten with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.
What goes in Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
- Shrimp
- Celery
- Jalapeno
- Cucumber
- Avocados
- Cilantro
- Onion
- Limes
- Orange
- Tomato Juice
- Tomato Sauce
- Garlic
- Hot Sauce
How do you cook raw shrimp for shrimp cocktail?
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Drop shrimp in boiling water and boil until shrimp curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. Cooking time depends on size of shrimp.
Drain and transfer shrimp into bowl with ice or run under cold water.
How To Eat Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
I like to eat it as is. It is also fantastic over rice, with warm tortillas, tortilla chips or on any preferred grains.
More for your Mexican Food cravings:
Pico de Gallo Recipe
Carne Asada Recipe
Homemade Refried Beans
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Authentic Pork Carnitas
Mexican Street Corn Salad
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Jumbo Shrimp
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced thin)
- 1 Jalapeno (seeded, finely chopped)
- 1 Cucumber (chopped)
- 2 Avocados (peeled, pitted, chopped)
- 2 Handfuls Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 Small White or Yellow Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Limes (juice & zest)
- 1 Orange (juice & zest)
- 11.5 ounce Can Tomato Juice
- 1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce
- 2 Garlic Cloves (grated)
- Favorite Hot Sauce (to taste)
- Salt/Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and boil until shrimp curl into a loose ‘C’ shape and are cooked through. Time will vary depending on size of shrimp. Drain and transfer to ice or run under cool water. Cut shrimp into bite sized chunks.
- In large bowl combine shrimp, celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, cilantro and onion.
- In separate bowl combine lime juice, orange juice, tomato juice, tomato sauce, garlic, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Pour into shrimp mixture and stir.
- Chill for 1+ hour then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before mixing.
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much jalapeño or hot sauce you add.
Up to 2 days in an airtight container. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Yes. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for 30–60 minutes. Add avocado right before serving.
Yes. Use tomato juice with a splash of clam juice, or just plain tomato juice if preferred.
Both! Smaller portions work as appetizers, while larger servings make a light main course.
Absolutely. Some variations include octopus, crab, or scallops for a mixed seafood cocktail.
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
Great recipe! Everyone loved it!
Do you think the shrimp could be cooked in the acidic juices first like a ceviche. Then add the rest of the ingredients.
Do you know where I can find jars like you had in the Mexican Shrimp cocktail recipe