Description
Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is a fresh and vibrant appetizer made with shrimp, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapenos, all mixed in a tangy cocktail base of clam and tomato juices. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for serving on warm days.
Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice from 2 limes
Salt and pepper to taste
3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
2 jalapeno or Serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 bundle cilantro, stems trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup shrimp (reserved from poaching shrimp) or clam juice
1 cup vegetable or tomato juice
2 large avocados, pitted and diced
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, bring salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink. Drain the shrimp and reserve 1 cup of the poaching liquid.
- Chill the shrimp and the reserved stock in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, jalapenos, and cilantro. Add the lime juice and mix well.
- Stir in the ketchup, then add 1 cup of the shrimp stock (or clam juice) and 1 cup of vegetable or tomato juice (or use 2 cups of Clamato juice).
- Gently fold in the diced avocados. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Refrigerate for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve in cocktail glasses, accompanied by saltine crackers or tostadas.
Notes
For an extra spicy kick, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
If you’re making this ahead, add the avocados just before serving to prevent them from browning.
You can substitute Clamato juice for vegetable juice for a more authentic flavor.
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
If you prefer less spice, use fewer jalapenos or omit them entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
