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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

A refreshing and authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail with plump shrimp, tomato-lime sauce, avocado, and crisp veggies — a perfect summer appetizer or light meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lime halved
  • 4 cups water
Cocktail Sauce
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-2 tsp hot sauce
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup tomato diced
  • 1 jalapeño finely minced (optional)
  • 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 avocado diced
  • salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
  • lime wedges
  • saltine crackers or tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Serving glasses

Method
 

  1. Bring water, lime halves, and salt to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until pink. Drain and place in ice bath.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
  3. Add chopped onion, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño, and cilantro to the sauce.
  4. Stir in cooked shrimp. Chill for 15–30 minutes.
  5. Fold in diced avocado before serving. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Serve chilled with crackers or tortilla chips. Adjust hot sauce and lime juice to taste.