Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Ever
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and satisfying appetizer bursting with fresh flavors. Plump, juicy shrimp swim in a tangy, zesty tomato-based broth with cilantro, onion, and avocado for a complete flavor explosion that will transport you to a sunny beachside cantina.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Glasses or bowls for serving
- Ice bath bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups water
- 1 ½ cups tomato juice or Clamato juice
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce such as Tapatio or Cholula
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 avocados, diced
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Saltine crackers or tostadas for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Boil the Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cook the Shrimp: Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Ice Bath: Immediately drain the shrimp and transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water). Let them cool for a few minutes.
- Chop the Shrimp: Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice (or Clamato), ketchup, lime juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
- Add the Aromatics: Stir in the chopped red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference.
- Season to Perfection: Add the cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add the chopped shrimp to the cocktail sauce and stir to combine.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Cocktails: Divide the shrimp mixture among glasses or bowls.
- Add Avocado: Top with diced avocado.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and serve with saltine crackers or tostadas. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overcook the shrimp. Adjust the spice level to your preference. Chill time is crucial for the flavors to meld. You can prepare the cocktail sauce and cook the shrimp up to a day in advance and store them separately. Consider adding diced mango or cucumber for variations. Use serrano peppers for more spice.