Description
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant appetizer featuring juicy cooked shrimp tossed in a zesty tomato-based sauce combined with fresh vegetables and herbs. Chilled to enhance the flavors, it’s a perfect dish for warm weather or festive gatherings, served with creamy avocado chunks and crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb. cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 ½ cup ripe tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cucumber (peeled and diced)
- 1-2 stalks of celery (finely chopped)
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 avocados (chopped into chunks)
Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed and finely chopped, optional)
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons Mexican hot sauce (like Cholula or Tapatio)
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
To Serve
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, ketchup, tomato sauce, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, chopped celery, cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, ground pepper, and sea salt. Stir everything thoroughly to blend all flavors together.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. This chilling time allows the sauce to build flavor and become pleasantly cold.
- Add shrimp and avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the cooked shrimp and avocado chunks, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce but not mashed.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp cocktail into a large serving bowl or individual cocktail glasses. Serve alongside tortilla chips for dipping, making it perfect for sharing and enjoying as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, keep the jalapeño seeds or add extra hot sauce.
- You can use freshly cooked shrimp or pre-cooked shrimp, just ensure they are cold before mixing.
- Chilling the mixture for the full 2-3 hours intensifies the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
- Serve immediately after adding avocado to prevent browning.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
