Can I use pre-cooked frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat dry before mixing in. Pre-cooked shrimp make this recipe even quicker, and they hold up well in the cold, zesty sauce.

Do I have to use Clamato juice?

Clamato is traditional for that classic savory tang, but you can substitute tomato juice and add a bit more clam juice or just a splash of savory broth if you don’t have it on hand.

How spicy is this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Dial it back by using less hot sauce and removing the jalapeño seeds, or turn it up by adding serrano chiles or extra sauce.

Can I prep it ahead for a party?

Definitely — you can mix everything but the avocado up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just fold in the avocado right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds medium U20-25 count shrimp, cooked (some with tails on, optional); 1 cup red onion, finely diced (white or yellow onion may be substituted); 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (use serrano chile for more heat, optional); ½ English cucumber, diced (or another cucumber that is seeded); 2 medium Roma tomatoes, small diced; ¾ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced or to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste if desired; 32 ounce bottle Clamato Juice, spicy or regular; ¾ cup ketchup; ¾ cup clam juice; ¼ cup Mexican hot sauce (such as Valentina or Tapatio); 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed preferred; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large or 2 small avocados, small cubes; Saltine crackers or tortilla chips, for serving; Lime wedges, for serving

Description

This refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a zesty, vibrant seafood dish loaded with juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a light main course and is served chilled, making it ideal for hot weather or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shrimp & Proteins

1 1/2 pounds medium U20-25 count shrimp, cooked (some with tails on, optional)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 cup red onion, finely diced (white or yellow onion may be substituted)
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (use serrano chile for more heat, optional)
1/2 English cucumber, diced (or another cucumber that is seeded)
2 medium Roma tomatoes, small diced
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced or to taste
1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced

Seasonings

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste if desired

Liquids & Sauces

32 ounce bottle Clamato Juice, spicy or regular
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup clam juice
1/4 cup Mexican hot sauce (such as Valentina or Tapatio)
2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed preferred
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Garnishes & Serving

1 large or 2 small avocados, small cubes
Saltine crackers or tortilla chips, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add all ingredients except the avocado. Gently stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of shrimp, vegetables, and sauce ingredients.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cocktail and check for seasoning and flavor balance. Add additional salt for more depth, extra lime juice for acidity, or more jalapeno/serrano or hot sauce for heat. Fresh cilantro can also be added for enhanced flavor.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and for the cocktail to become nicely chilled.
Serve: When ready to serve, gently fold in the cubes of avocado. Serve immediately with saltine crackers or tortilla chips, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Recipe can be made up to 4 hours in advance and kept covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Best consumed within 8 hours for maximum freshness and flavor.
Adjust the spiciness by using more or less hot sauce or jalapeno/serrano according to your previewed heat level.
Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 cup)
Calories: 200
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1000mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 120mg