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Authentic Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)

Close-up of a glass bowl filled with vibrant mexican shrimp cocktail, featuring plump shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

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Make this refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Coctel de Camarones, bursting with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a spicy tomato sauce. It is an easy, flavorful appetizer perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs large shrimp, cooked and peeled
  • 1 cup clamato juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped ripe tomato
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 serrano peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Tostadas or tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. If your shrimp are not already cooked, boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large glass bowl, combine the clamato juice, fresh lime juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully mixed. This forms your zesty tomato base.
  3. Gently fold in the chopped white onion, tomato, cilantro, and minced serrano peppers into the tomato base.
  4. Add the chopped, cooked shrimp to the mixture. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time is important for the best taste.
  6. Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the avocado chunks intact.
  7. Serve the Mexican shrimp cocktail chilled in individual glasses or bowls. Offer tostadas or tortilla chips on the side for scooping.

Notes

  • For the freshest flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled juice.
  • You can substitute hot sauce for serrano peppers if you prefer a different type of heat in your spicy tomato shrimp cocktail.
  • If you are preparing this ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add it right before serving to prevent browning.

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