The Best Homemade Mexican Shrimp Cocktail You’ll Ever Try!

Looking for a zesty, refreshing, and authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe? You’ve come to the right place! Coctel de Camarones is a classic Mexican seafood dish that’s light, delicious, and packed with bold flavors from succulent shrimp, fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, and a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Unlike the traditional American shrimp cocktail, which is served with a side of cocktail sauce, this Mexican version is more like a savory seafood gazpacho. It’s perfect for hot summer days, family gatherings, or a refreshing appetizer at any Mexican-themed dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy to Make – No complicated steps!
Packed with Protein & Nutrients – A healthy, light dish!
Bold Mexican Flavors – Citrus, spice, and fresh ingredients!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Appetizer, lunch, or dinner!

Let’s dive into this Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe and learn how to make it just like they do in Mexico!

Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Main Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined
1 cup Clamato juice (or V8 juice for a tomato-based alternative)
½ cup ketchup (for a sweet and tangy balance)
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes, for a citrusy kick)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (Valentina or Tapatío for an authentic taste)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh Additions & Garnishes:

½ small red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, finely diced (for extra spice, optional)
½ cucumber, diced (adds crunch and freshness)
1 Roma tomato, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced (adds a creamy texture)
Lime wedges, for serving
Saltine crackers or tostadas, for serving

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Best Seafood Recipe — Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Fenrecipes.com

How to Make Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

Clamato juice (or V8 juice)
Ketchup
Fresh lime juice
Hot sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper

Mix well until all ingredients are combined. This is the base sauce that gives the shrimp cocktail its signature Mexican flavor.

Step2: Add Shrimp & Fresh Ingredients

Toss in the cooked shrimp, diced red onion, jalapeño, cucumber, tomato, and cilantro.
Stir well, ensuring everything is coated in the delicious sauce.

Step3: Let the Flavors Marinate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Chilling enhances the citrus and spicy notes, making the dish even more refreshing!

Step4: Add Avocado & Serve

Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado for creaminess.
Serve chilled with lime wedges, saltine crackers, or tostadas for the ultimate Mexican seafood experience!

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Use High-Quality Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp works, but fresh shrimp provides better texture and taste.

Let It Marinate – Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together.

Customize the Spice Level – Add more jalapeño or hot sauce for an extra kick, or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.

Perfect Tomato Base – Clamato juice gives a slightly briny and savory taste, while V8 juice makes it more tomato-forward.

Always Add Avocado Last – This prevents browning and keeps it fresh!

What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Pair this dish with:

Tostadas – For a crunchy bite!
Saltine crackers – A classic Mexican combination!
Sliced avocado – Enhances creaminess.

Drinks to Complement Your Meal:

Horchata (Sweet Cinnamon Rice Drink)
Agua Fresca (Fresh Fruit Juice)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fats: 6g
Vitamin C: High (from lime and tomatoes)

This dish is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential vitamins!

How to Store & Keep Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Avoid Freezing: Freezing will alter the texture of the shrimp and avocado.

Re-serving Tip: Before serving, stir well and add a splash of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw, rinse, and pat dry before using.

2. What if I don’t have Clamato juice?

You can substitute it with V8 juice or mix tomato juice with a bit of seafood broth.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best chilled for a few hours, but add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

4. Is Mexican Shrimp Cocktail healthy?

Absolutely! It’s high in protein, low in fat, and full of vitamins from fresh ingredients.

Related Recipes for Mexican Seafood Lovers

If you love this Coctel de Camarones, you’ll enjoy these:

Final Thoughts – Try This Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Today!

This Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is fresh, easy, and full of flavor! Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a summer barbecue, or just craving a light and zesty seafood dish, this Mexican favorite will become a staple in your home.

Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your version on social media!

Enjoy your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! ¡Buen provecho!