Description
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer featuring cooked shrimp tossed in a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce with fresh vegetables and avocado. Perfectly chilled and served with a touch of lime and optional tequila, it’s ideal for parties or light meals, delivering a delicious blend of zesty, smoky, and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180 g) ketchup
- ½ cup cold water
- ¼ cup (15 g) finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp (15 g) red Tabasco
- 1 tbsp (15 g) green Tabasco
- ¼ tsp (1.5 g) sea salt
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (2.5 g) blackened seasoning
- ¾ tsp (4 g) Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ tsp (4 g) Louisiana hot sauce
- 2 tsps (10 g) fresh lime juice
- ½ oz (15 ml) tequila (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 20-25 (400-500 g) cooked and peeled large shrimp
- 1 cup (180 g) ripe, diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup (150 g) finely diced yellow onion
- 2 avocados (cut into ½-inch (1.25 cm) chunks, 300 g flesh)
- 1 tbsp (10 g) jalapeño (finely diced)
For Serving
- lime wheels or wedges
- Tajín (for rim, optional)
- tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, cold water, cilantro, red Tabasco, green Tabasco, sea salt, black pepper, blackened seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, Louisiana hot sauce, lime juice, and tequila (if using) until the mixture is fully combined.
- Chill the sauce: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld and develop a deeper taste.
- Add the seafood and vegetables: Once the sauce is well chilled, add the cooked shrimp, diced fresh tomatoes, finely diced onion, avocado chunks, and finely diced jalapeño. Gently toss the ingredients together to coat everything evenly with the sauce, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces.
- Portion and garnish: Divide the shrimp cocktail mixture evenly into serving glasses. Optionally, rim the glass edges with Tajín seasoning and garnish each serving with a lime wedge or wheel for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold, using a fork or alongside tortilla chips for dipping to enjoy the fresh and spicy flavors fully.
Notes
- Use cooked and peeled large shrimp for best texture and ease of eating.
- The tequila is optional but adds a subtle depth to the cocktail’s flavor.
- Avoid stirring too vigorously after adding avocado to keep chunks intact.
- For a spicier variation, increase the amount of jalapeño or hot sauces.
- Chilling the sauce prior to mixing helps the flavors marry and results in a tastier cocktail.
- Tajín seasoning on the rim adds a nice tangy and slightly spicy contrast.
- This dish is best served fresh; avoid making too far ahead as avocado can brown and shrimp can lose texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
