Description
This vibrant Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and zesty appetizer featuring tender jumbo shrimp mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy, spiced tomato-citrus sauce. Perfectly chilled and packed with bright flavors, it makes an excellent starter or light meal for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 avocados, chopped
- Handful of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- Juice of 1 orange
- 11.5 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Boil the shrimp in a large pot of water until they curl into a loose “C” shape, indicating they are cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them tender.
- Prep Shrimp for Mixing: Once cooled, cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Vegetables: Thinly slice the celery, chop the jalapeño (with seeds removed), cucumber, avocados, cilantro, and finely chop the onion. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the juice and zest of the limes and orange, tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until well mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce.
- Chill to Develop Flavor: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to chill properly.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light dish, ideal for warm weather occasions.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are quickly cooled in ice water after boiling to maintain a firm, tender texture.
- Adjust hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh lime and orange juice for best flavor.
- The avocado adds creaminess—add it just before serving if you want to keep it from browning too much.
- This dish is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
