Name: Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/3 cup Spanish onion, chopped; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 lb chilled cooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed; 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped; 1 cucumber, finely chopped; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups chilled tomato and clam juice cocktail (such as Clamato®); 1 cup chilled ketchup (such as Heinz®); 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed, leaves chopped; 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Valentina®); 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped

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A refreshing and vibrant seafood dish that perfectly balances zesty, tangy, and savory flavors. This authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail features tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado all tossed in a bright tomato-clam juice sauce, making it an ideal appetizer or a light, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp cocktail stands out for its fresh, bold flavors and simple preparation. The lime-marinated onions add a subtle tang, while the combination of ketchup, tomato-clam juice, and hot sauce creates a uniquely rich yet refreshing dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, a perfect make-ahead option for summer days, and a lighter alternative to heavier seafood dishes. Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup Spanish onion, chopped
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 lb chilled cooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 ½ cups chilled tomato and clam juice cocktail (such as Clamato®)
1 cup chilled ketchup (such as Heinz®)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed, leaves chopped
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Valentina®)
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the chopped onion and lime juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes to lightly pickle the onions.
In a medium bowl, toss together shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, jalapeño, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together tomato-clam juice cocktail, ketchup, cilantro, and hot sauce until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the shrimp mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Gently fold in the avocado, followed by the onion-lime mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

No clam juice option: Replace tomato-clam juice with regular tomato juice for a milder flavor.
Extra spicy: Add more jalapeño or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Citrus twist: Add a splash of fresh orange juice for a sweet-citrus note.
Seafood medley: Mix in cooked crab meat or bay scallops alongside the shrimp.
Low-sugar: Use a sugar-free ketchup to reduce sweetness in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing. This dish is best enjoyed chilled and should not be reheated, as the shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

How spicy is this shrimp cocktail?

It has a mild to medium heat level from the jalapeño and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust it to your taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before adding them to the recipe.

Do I have to use tomato-clam juice?

No, you can substitute with tomato juice if you prefer a less briny flavor.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Adding it just before serving and mixing it with the lime juice in the recipe helps prevent browning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce up to 24 hours ahead, but add the avocado right before serving.

What type of shrimp is best?

Medium-sized cooked shrimp work best for bite-sized pieces that blend well with the vegetables.

Can I use other seafood?

Absolutely—try adding cooked scallops, octopus, or crab for variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ketchup and hot sauce are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with it?

Tostadas, saltine crackers, or tortilla chips are traditional and perfect for scooping.

Can I freeze leftovers?

No, freezing will change the texture of both the shrimp and vegetables, making it less enjoyable.

Conclusion

Authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail is a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive to serve. Its fresh ingredients and tangy-sweet-spicy dressing make it ideal for warm weather, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a light seafood meal with bold flavors.

Emma