Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup tomato juice, no added sugar; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp hot sauce, Mexican-style; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced; 1/2 cup firm ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; Tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving

Introduction

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty is a refreshing and flavorful seafood appetizer perfect for warm days or entertaining guests. Combining tender shrimp with a tangy tomato-lime base and fresh vegetables, it offers a delightful balance of spice and creaminess from avocado. This vibrant dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A transparent cup filled with multiple layers of shrimp cocktail, showing shrimp mixed with green avocado chunks, red tomato pieces, purple onion bits, and chopped green herbs in a red sauce. The top layer has whole shrimp, diced vegetables, and two lime wedges resting on top. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface with beige tortilla chips in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup tomato juice, no added sugar

3 tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tsp hot sauce, Mexican-style

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced

1/2 cup firm ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Tortilla chips or saltine crackers for serving

Instructions

Step 1: If shrimp are not pre-cooked, bring a pot of salted water to a low boil. Add shrimp and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain, rinse with cool water, peel and devein if necessary, then pat dry.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together tomato juice, lime juice, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce if using, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and uniform in color. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Fold in chopped onion, cilantro, cucumber, tomatoes, and jalapeño. Stir gently to combine, then cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to meld flavors and soften vegetables slightly while keeping them crisp.

Step 4: Add cooked, cooled shrimp into the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Gently stir to evenly coat shrimp without breaking them apart.

Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to blend.

Step 6: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to maintain its creamy texture. Spoon the shrimp cocktail into glasses or small bowls and serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cocktail base.

If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the tomato juice mixture before adding the vegetables and shrimp.

Substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice if needed, though lime adds the most authentic flavor.

Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best taste and texture.

For a lighter version, replace ketchup with fresh crushed tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but you must cook the shrimp first by boiling or steaming until they turn pink and opaque. Then cool them completely before combining with the cocktail mixture.

What can I serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty?

This cocktail is traditionally served with tortilla chips or saltine crackers, which add a crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp and tangy sauce.