Dive into Flavor: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Discover the Fresh and Zesty Delights of Mexican Seafood

If you’re a fan of seafood and crave something fresh, zesty, and satisfying, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a must-try dish. This vibrant and refreshing recipe combines succulent shrimp with a medley of crisp vegetables and a tangy tomato-based cocktail sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico’s coastal cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your preferred level of heat)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Avocado slices, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Tortilla chips or saltine crackers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

1. In a bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well coated with the seasonings. Set aside.

2. Make the Cocktail Sauce:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato juice, ketchup, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce until well combined.
2. Add the finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, diced celery, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic to the sauce. Stir to combine.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the shrimp and vegetables will also add flavor.

3. Assemble the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

1. To serve, divide the prepared cocktail sauce among individual serving glasses or bowls.
2. Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top of the sauce in each glass or bowl.

4. Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish each portion with slices of fresh avocado and a lime wedge.
2. Serve your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail immediately with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side.

5. Enjoy!

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with each spoonful of this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and zesty cocktail sauce makes it a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips:

• For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. You can cook them by boiling in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
• Adjust the heat level of the cocktail sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding diced avocado, diced tomatoes, or even chopped jalapeños for some extra kick.

Variation:

For a twist on presentation, you can serve this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in a large glass bowl or platter, creating a stunning seafood centerpiece for your next gathering.

Cook’s Note:

To keep the avocado slices fresh and prevent them from browning, you can toss them in a little lime juice before garnishing the cocktail.