Description
Unlike American-style shrimp cocktails that rely on thick cocktail sauce, this version is lighter and more balanced, almost like a savory shrimp gazpacho. It is absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Shrimp Cocktail Base
- 1 lb (450 g) cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup (use chipotle ketchup for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Clamato (tomato-clam juice)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup (30 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely chopped avocado
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely diced cucumber
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 4 slices cucumber
- 8 whole shrimp tails (for garnish)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Tajín seasoning, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Coarsely chop the shrimp, reserving 8 whole shrimp tails for garnish.
2. Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ketchup, Clamato, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, avocado, cucumber, and jalapeño.
- Stir well until evenly combined.
3. Add the Shrimp
- Add the chopped shrimp to the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Use your hands for even mixing if preferred.
4. Season and Chill
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve
- Spoon the shrimp cocktail into tall glasses or serving bowls.
- Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and a cucumber slice.
- Place two whole shrimp tails on the rim of each glass.
- Sprinkle with Tajín seasoning to taste.
Notes
Customizing the Heat Level
- Mild: Use only 1 jalapeño, or swap for poblano or bell pepper.
- Medium: Stick to the recipe as written.
- Spicy: Add extra Tajín, hot sauce, or diced serrano peppers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold for maximum refreshment.
- Pair with saltine crackers, tostadas, or tortilla chips.
- Enjoy alongside a cold Mexican beer or michelada.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mexican, Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg