Mexican Shrimp Cocktail 🍤🍅
This vibrant and flavorful dish combines tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s the perfect appetizer or light meal, served chilled for a refreshing experience. Great for summer gatherings or anytime you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Veggies:
- 2 lbs cooked and chilled shrimp (half chopped, half whole)
- 4 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust heat level as desired)
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 cups Clamato juice (or tomato juice for a less tangy option)
- Juice of 1 orange
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For Serving:
- 2 avocados, diced (add just before serving)
- Saltine crackers, tostadas, or pork rinds for dipping
Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Mix everything together.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- If starting with raw shrimp, cook them in boiling water until pink and fully cooked. Chill them before use.
- Chop half of the shrimp into smaller pieces and leave the other half whole. Add them to the vegetable mixture.
3. Mix the Sauce:
- Add the ketchup, Clamato juice, orange juice, lime juice, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the bowl with the shrimp and vegetables.
- Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Incorporate the Avocado:
- Dice the avocado and gently fold it into the shrimp mixture just before serving to maintain freshness.
5. Chill:
- If your shrimp and ingredients are already cold, you can serve immediately. Otherwise, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
- Spoon the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail into bowls or glasses. Serve alongside saltine crackers, tostadas, or pork rinds for dipping.
🌟 Chef’s Tip: For an added kick, garnish with more diced jalapeños, a drizzle of lime juice, or an extra splash of hot sauce right before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Mexican Shrimp Cocktail—a hit at any party or family gathering! 🌶️🍤