Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)!

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

Serves: 2-4

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes (if cooking shrimp)

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (you can also poach the shrimp yourself)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if cooking shrimp)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup (or use tomato sauce if you want a less sweet flavor)

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tapatío, Cholula, or your favorite brand)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced

• 1/2 cup ripe tomato, finely diced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)

• 1 avocado, diced (optional, for added creaminess)

For Garnish:

• Lime wedges

• Fresh cilantro

• Tortilla chips or tostadas (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:

If using uncooked shrimp, heat a little olive oil or butter in a pan. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cocktail Sauce:

In a large bowl, combine ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cumin (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

Finely chop the red onion, cucumber, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeños (if using). Dice the avocado if you’re including it.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

Add the cooked shrimp, vegetables, and avocado (if using) into the cocktail sauce and gently stir until everything is coated.

5. Serve:

Spoon the shrimp cocktail into individual cups or bowls, and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips or tostadas on the side for dipping.

Q&A for Extra Clarity:

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking or adding them to the cocktail. You can thaw them by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water.

Q: What if I want a spicier cocktail?

A: You can add more hot sauce or extra chopped jalapeños to increase the spice level. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some extra heat.

Q: Can I make this in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the cocktail up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve, but wait to add the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh.

Q: Can I use something other than ketchup for the sauce?

A: Yes! If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can use tomato sauce or even a mix of salsa and lime juice. Adjust the seasonings as necessary to get the right balance.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Definitely! You could add diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even jicama for added crunch. Just make sure the veggies are finely diced so they mix well with the shrimp and sauce.

Q: How do I serve it?

A: This dish is great served in individual cups like the photo, but you can also serve it in a large bowl for sharing. It pairs well with tortilla chips, tostadas, or even slices of crispy bread.

Enjoy your refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)!