Description
This vibrant Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing, tangy appetizer featuring jumbo shrimp cooked to perfection and tossed with fresh vegetables like celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro. Marinated in a zesty citrus and tomato-based sauce with a hint of garlic and hot sauce, this chilled dish is perfect for warm weather or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 avocados, chopped
- Handful of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
Marinade/Sauce
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- Juice of 1 orange
- 11.5 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Boil the shrimp in a large pot of water until they curl into a loose “C” shape, indicating they are cooked, about 3-4 minutes. Then drain and quickly cool them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Once cooled, cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the celery, chop the jalapeño, cucumber, avocados, cilantro, and finely chop the onion. Add all these vegetables to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the juice and zest of the limes and orange, tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, then gently stir to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light meal, perfect for warm days or celebrations.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the cocktail marinate for several hours or overnight.
- You can adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh lime and orange juice for maximum zest and brightness.
- Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for a classic accompaniment.
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooked and cooled properly to maintain texture and safety.
