Hey foodies! Today I’m super excited to share my favorite Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the beaches of Puerto Peñasco. As someone who’s crazy about Mexican seafood, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe and let me tell ya – it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super fresh and refreshing – perfect for hot summer days
- Easy to customize based on your spice preference
- Can be made ahead for parties
- Uses ingredients from your local grocery store
- Takes only 30 minutes to prepare
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one generous serving (12-16 oz glass)
- 1/2 pound medium shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons white onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons ripe avocado, diced
- 5-6 inches celery stalk
- 1 Mexican lime (key lime)
- Clamato juice (well chilled)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Extra lime wedges for serving
- Saltine crackers for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
First things first let’s cook those shrimp perfectly
-
In a saucepan, combine:
- Cleaned shrimp
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onion
- Salt and pepper
- Diced tomato
- Just enough water to cover
-
Bring to a boil and cook until shrimp turn pink (about 3-4 minutes)
-
Remove from heat and let sit for 3-5 minutes
Pro tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp unless you want them rubbery!
2. Assembly Time!
Now here’s where the magic happens:
- Strain the shrimp and veggie mixture
- Transfer to your serving glass
- Add 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid
- Pour cold Clamato juice until glass is 3/4 full
- Add:
- Diced avocado
- Celery
- Cucumber (if using)
- Finish with:
- A squeeze of lime
- Hot sauce to taste
Serving Suggestions
We love serving our Mexican shrimp cocktail with:
- Ice-cold Mexican beer
- Plenty of saltine crackers
- Extra lime wedges
- Additional hot sauce on the side
Tips & Tricks
-
Temperature Matters: You can serve this two ways:
- Traditional style: warm shrimp + cold sauce
- Chilled style: refrigerate everything for 1 hour before serving
-
Make It Your Own:
- Like it spicier? Add more hot sauce
- Want more veggies? Double up!
- Not a fan of cucumber? Skip it!
-
Quick Microwave Method:
- Place shrimp mixture in microwave-safe bowl
- Cook on high for 3 minutes
- Let rest 3-5 minutes
- Continue with regular assembly
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yep! Just keep the components separate and assemble right before serving.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Best eaten same day, but will keep in fridge for 24 hours.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: You can, but cooking fresh shrimp with the vegetables adds so much more flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
Listen, I know there’s nothing quite like sitting at a beachside restaurant in Mexico enjoying a fresh coctel de camarón. But when you’re craving those flavors at home, this recipe really hits the spot! The combination of fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and that perfectly seasoned Clamato-based sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s pretty darn close to the authentic thing.
What makes this recipe special is the cooking method – by boiling the shrimp with some of the vegetables and seasonings, we’re creating a flavorful base that enriches the entire dish. Plus, the flexibility to serve it with warm shrimp and cold sauce (my personal fave) or completely chilled gives you options based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Y’all, this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is seriously a keeper! It’s perfect for those times when you’re missing vacation vibes or just want something fresh and delicious. While it might not be exactly what you’d get at La Curva in Rocky Point, it’s definitely gonna satisfy those cravings!
Don’t forget to grab your favorite cerveza and some crackers – they’re essential for the full experience! And remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to make it your own perfect version.
¡Buen provecho!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this recipe in more detail?
How to Make Mexican Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
- In a large bowl, combine everything but the avocado. Stir well to combine.
- Add the avocados and gently stir.
- Serve with crackers and lime wedges.
What is the difference between Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Ceviche?
The major difference between Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Ceviche is the ingredients. Ceviche has fresh raw fish mixed with spices and vegetables where this is only cooked shrimp.
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