By Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs jumbo shrimp
2 thinly sliced celery stalks
1 chopped jalapeño (seeded)
1 chopped cucumber
2 chopped avocados
A handful of chopped cilantro
1/2 finely chopped onion
For the Sauce:
Juice and zest of 2 limes
Juice of 1 orange
11.5 oz tomato juice
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 grated garlic cloves
Hot sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook the Shrimp:
Start by boiling the jumbo shrimp until they curl into a loose “C” shape. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain and cool them in ice water.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Once cooled, cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large bowl.
Add the Vegetables:
To the bowl with shrimp, add the sliced celery, chopped jalapeño, chopped cucumber, chopped avocados, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped onion.
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the juice and zest of the limes and orange, tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring gently to combine.
Chill:
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve:
Serve cold and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
