Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Seafood Appetizer
This Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is packed with fresh vegetables, juicy shrimp, zesty citrus, and a savory tomato-based sauce that brings everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect easy seafood appetizer, ideal for parties, barbecues, summer gatherings, or a refreshing weeknight dish.
Ingredients for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
2 lbs jumbo shrimp
2 celery stalks, finely sliced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 cucumber, diced
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
2 handfuls fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 small white or yellow onion, finely chopped
Juice and zest of 2 limes
Juice and zest of 1 orange
1 can (330 ml) tomato juice
1/2 cup ketchup
2 garlic cloves, grated
Hot sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they curl into a loose “C” shape and turn opaque. Drain and cool under cold running water or in an ice bath. Once chilled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and onion.
Step 3: Prepare the Zesty Cocktail Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, tomato juice, ketchup, garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine & Chill
Pour the citrus-tomato sauce over the shrimp mixture and gently stir until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
How to Serve Your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Serve chilled in glasses, bowls, or jars. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime slices, or more hot sauce. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Mexican seafood recipe anytime!
Perfect for:
Summer parties
Seafood lovers
Healthy and refreshing app
Benefits of This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
1. High in Protein & Nutrients
Shrimp is a lean, high-protein seafood packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, and iodine. This makes the recipe not only delicious but also very nourishing.
2. Fresh, Light, and Low in Calories
With crunchy vegetables, citrus juice, and minimal added fats, this shrimp cocktail is naturally low in calories—perfect for a light seafood meal or a healthy appetizer.
3. Loaded with Antioxidants
Ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño offer antioxidants that help support immunity and overall well-being.
4. Great for Meal Prep & Gatherings
This recipe chills well and tastes even better after the flavors blend. It’s ideal for:
Parties
Picnics
BBQs
Family gatherings
Potlucks
5. Customizable to Your Taste
You can easily adjust:
Heat level (add more or less hot sauce)
Texture (more avocado, more cucumber)
Sauce thickness (add more tomato juice or ketchup)
It’s a flexible recipe that suits any preference.
6. Refreshing & Hydrating
Thanks to citrus juices and vegetables like cucumber and celery, this dish is refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for warm weather.
7. Quick and Easy to Prepare
With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this easy Mexican shrimp cocktail is ready fast—making it great for weeknight dinners or last-minute hosting.
8. Naturally Gluten-Free
All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
9. Bursting with Authentic Mexican Flavors
The combination of lime, cilantro, jalapeño, and tomato creates a bright, bold, and authentic taste that people love.
