🌊 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe (Cóctel de Camarones)
🧾 Introduction:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, known as Cóctel de Camarones, is a vibrant and flavorful dish made with tender shrimp, tangy tomato-based sauce, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. It’s usually served chilled in a tall glass and garnished with lime wedges and avocado slices. Unlike American shrimp cocktail, which is simply boiled shrimp with cocktail sauce, the Mexican version is a full-flavored fusion of seafood and pico de gallo in a light tomato-clam juice blend.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
- 500g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ onion
- Water to boil
For the cocktail mixture:
- 1 cup tomato juice (V8 or Clamato preferred)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (Valentina or Tapatío)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (peeled and deseeded)
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (optional)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- More hot sauce
To serve:
- Saltine crackers or tortilla chips
🥣 Instructions & Methods:
Step 1: Cook the shrimp
- In a medium pot, bring water, salt, bay leaf, and onion to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes or until just pink.
- Drain immediately and place shrimp in ice water to stop cooking.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces if using large shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the cocktail base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Add diced tomato, cucumber, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add shrimp and mix gently.
Step 3: Chill and serve
- Refrigerate the cocktail for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve in cups or cocktail glasses.
- Garnish with lime wedges, avocado, and additional hot sauce.
🏺 History:
The roots of Cóctel de Camarones trace back to Mexico’s coastal states like Veracruz, Sinaloa, and Guerrero, where seafood is a staple of the cuisine. It evolved from Spanish culinary influence blended with local indigenous ingredients and techniques. It became widely popularized during the 20th century as Mexican street food culture thrived. Vendors would serve it in chilled glasses topped with avocado, often accompanied by music and seaside views.
🌿 Benefits:
- Rich in Protein – Shrimp provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Low in Calories – Great for light meals or appetizers.
- Packed with Vitamins – Tomato juice, lime, and fresh vegetables provide Vitamin C, A, and antioxidants.
- Heart-Healthy Fats – Avocado adds good monounsaturated fats.
- Hydrating – Served chilled with juicy vegetables, perfect for hot climates.
🏗️ Formation:
The layered construction in the cup includes:
- Base: Tomato-lime sauce with chopped veggies and herbs.
- Middle: Plump, cooked shrimp folded into the mix.
- Top: Extra whole shrimp, fresh onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Garnish: Lime wedges and spicy sauce.
Each component builds a fresh, tangy, spicy flavor profile.
🧠 Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Sodium: 600mg
💌 Lovers of This Dish:
- Beachgoers – Cooling, spicy, and hydrating!
- Seafood Lovers – Fresh and packed with shrimp!
- Health Enthusiasts – Low-fat, nutrient-dense.
- Street Food Fans – Tastes like Mexico in a cup.
- Party Hosts – Elegant appetizer or snack for summer events.
📌 Conclusion:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and satisfying dish that blends the heart of coastal Mexican cuisine with the refreshing joy of summer street food. Whether you serve it in a party glass, enjoy it beachside, or prepare it for your loved ones, this colorful recipe brings zest, tradition, and health together.
💞 With Love:
To all shrimp lovers, spice chasers, and tomato-kissed flavor fans — this one’s for you. From the waves of the Pacific coast to your table, Cóctel de Camarones invites you to sip, scoop, and smile.