Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Introduction

I recently made this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail for dinner, much to the delight of my father and husband, who always request it, especially around the holidays. The problem with this recipe is that they absolutely love it, and once I made it again, they now want it on a regular basis! It’s such a refreshing and flavorful dish that can easily become a household favorite, especially with the combination of fresh shrimp, crunchy veggies, and a tangy citrus sauce. It’s a dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and offers a burst of vibrant flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, chopped and seeds removed
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 2 avocados, chopped
• Handful of chopped cilantro
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 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

1. Cook the Shrimp: Begin by boiling the shrimp in a large pot of water until they curl into a loose “C” shape, which indicates they’re cooked. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shrimp and cool them quickly in ice water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are completely cool, cut them into bite-sized chunks. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Veggies: Thinly slice the celery stalks, chop the jalapeño, cucumber, avocados, cilantro, and onion. Add all the vegetables to the bowl with the shrimp.
4. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the juice and zest of the limes and orange, the tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
5. Combine: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Serve chilled for a refreshing, cool dish perfect for warm weather or as a delightful appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 220 calories (per serving, based on 8 servings)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Active Prep Time: 20 minutes (shrimp boiling, cutting veggies, making sauce)
• Chill Time: 1 hour in the refrigerator

How to Serve

• Serve in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation.
• Pair with tortilla chips or crackers for added crunch.
• Garnish with extra cilantro or slices of lime for an added burst of flavor.
• For a light dinner, serve with a side of Mexican rice or a small salad.
• Serve as an appetizer for a Mexican-themed party or family gathering.
• For a fresh touch, top with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce just before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Shrimp Cooking: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should curl into a loose “C” shape when cooked properly. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery.
2. Chill Time: Allow at least 1 hour of chilling time for the flavors to meld together. If you’re in a rush, try to chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp works well, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
4. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add more hot sauce.
5. Citrus Variations: Experiment with grapefruit juice or lemon for a different citrus twist in the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Avocado-Free: If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can leave it out or substitute it with diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the shrimp with cooked and cooled diced cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
• Smoky Flavor: For a smokier taste, add a bit of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Fruit Addition: Add diced fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the tangy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• With Chips: Serve with tortilla chips or crackers for a delicious appetizer or snack.
• Tacos: Use the shrimp cocktail mixture as a topping for tacos.
• On a Bed of Lettuce: For a lighter meal, serve on a bed of crisp lettuce for a fresh salad.
• With a Cold Drink: Pair with an ice-cold margarita or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.
• Alongside Grilled Meats: This shrimp cocktail is a great side dish to accompany grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This dish is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become rubbery after prolonged refrigeration.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the shrimp cocktail due to the delicate texture of the shrimp. Freezing may cause the shrimp to lose their texture once thawed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
2. How do I know if the shrimp are cooked?
   Shrimp are done when they curl into a loose “C” shape and turn a pinkish color.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, this dish benefits from chilling, so it can be made a few hours in advance.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.
6. How can I make this spicier?
   Add more jalapeños, or use a spicier hot sauce for more heat.
7. Can I add other fruits?
   Yes, try adding diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
8. Can I use lemon instead of lime?
   Yes, lemon can be used in place of lime for a slightly different citrus flavor.
9. How long does the shrimp cocktail last in the fridge?
   It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
10. Can I make this without avocado?
    Yes, you can omit the avocado or replace it with diced cucumber or fruit.

Conclusion

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is an easy-to-make, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion. With its vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a light meal, the combination of tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and a zesty sauce is sure to impress. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste—whether you prefer it spicier, sweeter, or with additional vegetables. Try it out, and watch your family keep asking for more!

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