Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Diabetic-Friendly)!

Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Diabetic-Friendly)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced

• 2 handfuls fresh cilantro, chopped

• ½ small white or yellow onion, finely diced

• Juice and zest of 2 limes

• Juice and zest of 1 orange (use less orange juice to reduce sugar content)

• 11.5 oz can tomato juice (unsweetened or homemade, with no added sugar)

• ½ cup tomato sauce (unsweetened or homemade)

• 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

• Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook. Drain the shrimp and let them cool. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the shrimp cool, slice the celery thinly, chop the cucumber into small cubes, and finely dice the onion. Seed and chop the jalapeño (adjust the quantity based on your spice preference). Set everything aside.

3. Mix the Cocktail Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice and tomato sauce. Add the lime juice and orange juice (use less orange juice if you want to cut down on sugar), and stir in the garlic, lime zest, and orange zest. Mix everything until well combined.

4. Add Vegetables to the Base:
   Add the chopped cucumber, celery, onion, and jalapeño to the tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine.

5. Add Shrimp and Avocados:
   Carefully fold in the cooled shrimp and diced avocado. Be gentle so the avocado doesn’t get mashed. Stir in the fresh cilantro.

6. Season to Taste:
   Taste the cocktail and adjust the seasoning. Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce as desired. You can also add a little extra lime or orange juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.

7. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve in small bowls or cocktail glasses, garnished with extra cilantro or a lime wedge for a beautiful presentation.

Q&A: Common Questions & Tips for a Diabetic-Friendly Version

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of cooking them myself?
A1: Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just ensure they are fully thawed (if frozen) and cut them into smaller pieces. Avoid overcooking the shrimp when adding them to the cocktail.

Q2: How do I make this dish even lower in sugar?
A2: To keep the sugar low, use unsweetened tomato juice and unsweetened tomato sauce. You can also reduce the amount of orange juice or omit it completely and use more lime juice for a tangy flavor without added sugars. Keep in mind that the natural sugars in the orange juice are not significant enough to cause a spike in blood sugar when used in moderation.

Q3: Can I substitute the avocado?
A3: Yes, if you’re not a fan of avocado, you can substitute it with mango or papaya for a slightly sweet, tropical twist. These fruits are also lower in carbs and have a good fiber content, though they’ll change the texture and flavor a bit.

Q4: How can I control the spiciness of the cocktail?
A4: If you prefer a milder version, simply omit or reduce the amount of jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping to make it less spicy. Alternatively, use a mild hot sauce or skip the hot sauce entirely.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: Yes! This shrimp cocktail can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just add the avocado just before serving to keep it from browning.

Q6: How many servings does this recipe make?
A6: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for a light appetizer or a side dish at a gathering. If you want to serve it as a main dish, you can double the recipe for larger servings.

Q7: Can I make this recipe with a different protein?
A7: Yes, you can use other lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish (such as tilapia or cod). Just be sure to cook the protein first, then chop it into small pieces to add to the cocktail base.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the avocado may brown, so it’s best to serve the dish fresh. You can add fresh avocado to the leftovers before serving if needed.

Q9: Can I make this dish more filling?
A9: If you’d like to make it more filling, you can add a small portion of quinoa or brown rice on the side or even mix it in. Both are whole grains and are diabetic-friendly when eaten in moderation.

Summary:

This Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is diabetic-friendly and offers a perfect balance of low-carb protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the vegetables and avocado. With fresh ingredients, a zesty citrusy flavor, and a light, refreshing profile, it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to control their blood sugar while still enjoying flavorful food.