Bright, refreshing, and bursting with zesty flavor, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) is a beloved seafood appetizer that’s more like a shrimp salad than the traditional American version. It features chilled shrimp tossed in a tangy tomato-clam sauce, with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a pop of lime.
Often served in tall glasses with a spoon and crackers or tostadas, this dish is popular at coastal seafood stands, family gatherings, and hot summer parties. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and full of bold, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Clamato juice (or substitute with tomato juice + splash of clam juice)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1–2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: lime wedges, additional cilantro, hot sauce, diced radish
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Shrimp
- If using raw shrimp, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to chill. Pat dry and refrigerate until ready to mix.
Step 2: Make the Cocktail Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust for heat and acidity.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
- Stir in chopped onion, cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro. Mix well and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Fold in Shrimp and Avocado
- Gently add the chilled shrimp and diced avocado to the mixture. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the avocado. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve Cold
- Serve in chilled glasses or bowls, garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, or more hot sauce. Offer saltine crackers or tostadas on the side.
Variation:
- Extra Hearty: Add chopped cooked octopus or imitation crab for a mixed seafood version
- Fruit Twist: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast
- Low Carb: Skip the ketchup and use sugar-free tomato juice with fresh lime
- More Heat: Add diced habanero or chipotle in adobo
- Make It Creamy: Add a spoonful of crema or swirl in Greek yogurt before serving
COOKING Note:
If using frozen pre-cooked shrimp, thaw completely under cold water and pat dry before adding to the cocktail mix.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in tall parfait glasses with a spoon for a restaurant-style presentation
- Offer with saltine crackers, tostadas, or crispy tortilla chips
- Pair with a Mexican beer, michelada, or margarita
- Add shredded lettuce to the bottom of bowls for a light salad-style meal
- Serve alongside ceviche or guacamole for a full seafood spread
Tips:
- Chill the entire mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving—it tastes better cold
- Dice everything small so you can eat it with a spoon
- Use fresh lime juice, not bottled, for the best flavor
- Don’t skip the Clamato juice—it adds authentic umami and depth
- Use ripe but firm avocados so they don’t fall apart in the mix
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time (if using raw shrimp): 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 6 servings):
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~550mg
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and serving size.
❓FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the mixture (without avocado) 1 day in advance. Add the avocado just before serving for freshness.
What is Clamato juice?
- Clamato is a tomato-clam juice blend used in Mexican and Latin recipes. It adds savory depth and is key to authentic flavor.
Is Mexican shrimp cocktail spicy?
- It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce or jalapeños.
Can I use tomato juice instead of Clamato?
- Yes, but the flavor will be less savory. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a splash of clam juice if available.
Is this dish served as an appetizer or main dish?
- Both! It’s usually an appetizer but can easily be a light, refreshing lunch or dinner.
Conclusion:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is the ultimate refreshing appetizer—zesty, briny, cool, and packed with juicy shrimp and crunchy veggies. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or just want something light and flavorful, this Coctel de Camarones will satisfy every craving.
It’s quick to make, bursting with vibrant textures, and tastes just like your favorite Mexican seafood spot