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Coctel de Camarón: How to Make the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Coctel de Camarón served in a glass with shrimp, avocado, and lime.
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Coctel de Camarón is a refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail made with juicy shrimp, a tangy tomato-based sauce, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a light appetizer or a main course, served chilled with crackers or tostadas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cooked
  • 1 cup tomato juice (or Clamato for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • ½ cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 small avocado, diced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Serving & Garnish:

  • Lime wedges
  • Tostadas, tortilla chips, or saltine crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, boil for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Transfer to an ice bath, then drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Base: In a large bowl, mix tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well.
  3. Add Vegetables: Mix in diced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro.
  4. Incorporate Shrimp: Fold in the shrimp and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes.
  5. Final Touches: Gently add diced avocado before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra lime juice if needed.
  6. Serve: Spoon into chilled glasses or bowls. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, and serve with tostadas or crackers.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and hot sauce to your heat preference.
  • Customization: Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
  • Seafood Variations: Swap shrimp with cooked crab, octopus, or scallops.

Nutrition

Keywords: coctel de camarón, Mexican shrimp cocktail, easy shrimp appetizer, seafood cocktail recipe, healthy shrimp dish

Find it online: https://stacirecipes.com/coctel-de-camaron-recipe/