Looking for a vibrant, no-cook dish that bursts with flavor? This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a chilled delight, blending tender shrimp with a tangy tomato-lime sauce, spicy horseradish, and creamy avocado. Perfect for warm days or a light appetizer, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, then chills to perfection. With its bold, fresh taste, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a crowd-pleasing twist on the classic shrimp cocktail that’s sure to spice up your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Cooking Required: Uses pre-cooked shrimp for an easy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
- Bright Flavors: Lime, cilantro, and hot sauce create a zesty kick.
- Quick Prep: Ready to chill in just 15 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chills for hours, freeing you up for other tasks.
- Refreshing: A cool, light option for any occasion.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, you’ll need a few simple tools. Want to upgrade your kitchen gear? Visit Our Shop at for top-quality essentials! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Large Bowl: Mixes all ingredients for your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail effortlessly.
- Spoon or Spatula: Combines the sauce and shrimp evenly.
- Knife: Chops onion, cilantro, and avocado with precision.
- Citrus Juicer: Extracts fresh lime juice easily.
Ingredients
For the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- 2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 1 ½ cups tomato and clam juice cocktail
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Directions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, add 2 pounds cooked shrimp. Stir in ½ cup chopped red onion, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon crushed garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: Pour in 1 ½ cups tomato and clam juice cocktail, ¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, ¼ cup horseradish, and 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce. Mix well to combine, then season with salt to taste.
- Add Avocado: Gently fold in 1 chopped avocado, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail for 2-3 hours to let flavors meld. Serve cold in bowls or glasses.
Expert Tips For Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Chill Time: Let it sit at least 2 hours for the best flavor in this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
- Fresh Lime: Use freshly squeezed juice for a bright, zesty taste.
- Adjust Heat: Start with less hot sauce and add more to suit your spice level.
- Gentle Avocado: Fold it in last to keep it chunky, not mushy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Additional Time: 2 hours (chilling)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing Avocado: Stir gently to avoid a mushy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
- Skipping Chill: Don’t rush—chilling melds the flavors.
- Too Much Heat: Add hot sauce gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
Variations
- Spicy Boost: Swap hot sauce for diced jalapeños.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped cucumber or celery.
- Seafood Mix: Include crab or scallops with the shrimp.
- Low-Carb: Serve over lettuce instead of with chips.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—beyond that, shrimp may lose texture. Stir gently before serving again. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the avocado and shrimp, which don’t thaw well.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
Yes, thaw and cook first, then cool before using.
2. What’s a good pairing for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
Tortilla chips, saltines, or crusty bread complement it perfectly.
3. Can I skip the clam juice?
Substitute with extra tomato juice or veggie broth, though flavor will shift.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
Mildly spicy—adjust horseradish and hot sauce to taste.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep up to a day in advance and add avocado just before chilling.
6. Is it kid-friendly?
Reduce hot sauce and horseradish for a milder Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
Conclusion
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a zesty, refreshing twist on a classic, blending cool shrimp with a tangy, spicy sauce that’s pure summer in a bowl. Quick to prep and perfect for chilling ahead, it’s ideal for parties or a light meal. Grab your shrimp, mix up that sauce, and dive into this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail—it’s a vibrant treat you’ll crave again and again!
