Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) is such a refreshing appetizer, lunch, or dinner on a hot summer day. It’s also a popular party starter appetizer that hits all the right notes! Pop open a Modelo beer, if you drink, grab a bag of tortilla chips, and dig into the most noteworthy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail you’ll ever eat! This is one of my super picky husband’s favorite appetizers so I had to make it for him. He said my Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is better than any Mexican Shrimp Cocktail he has ever tasted at any Mexican restaurant. In fact, he said it was better than his mom’s Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! I was blown away that I made something better than his mom! Take it from my husband and kid, this is one droolworthy appetizer or meal that my family cannot get enough of!
I love the fact that this recipe is naturally gluten free and low carb, making it the perfect recipe for those following a low carb or keto diet. My healthy, protein packed appetizer, lunch, or dinner recipe, contains shrimp, fresh lime juice, salt, pepper, onion, cilantro, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño, ketchup, hot sauce, and avocado and is done in just 30 minutes!
It’s the perfect party appetizer for a summer pool party, Christmas, or game day! This is the best brunch and weekend breakfast recipe and is perfect for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo fiesta! I love serving my Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in these huge margarita glasses. You can even salt the rim and pour in some Mexican beer, if you desire! My husband loves putting Tajin chili-lime seasoning on the rim of his Mexican Shrimp Cocktail glasses and pouring in a Modelo or Corona beer – it’s the perfect brunch recipe, served with lime wedges!
What is Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)?
A lot of people describe this classic Mexican recipe known as Coctel de Camarones like a shrimp cocktail or a shrimp ceviche type dish. It’s got some kick along with some sweetness from the ketchup and crunch from the onion, cucumber, tomato, and jalapeño.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Most people have the option to buy frozen shrimp and frozen shrimp work just fine. To expedite the thawing time, place the shrimp in a bowl and run cold water over them for 5 minutes, or until thawed. They’re usually thawed in about 5 minutes. If you want to use fresh, refrigerated shrimp, feel free. You can leave the tails on or chop them off – either way, you’ll still end up with the same insanely delicious dish. I prefer to chop the tails off the shrimp because they’re mixed in with a sauce and chopping the tails off makes the sauce a lot easier to consume.
What to serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
This easy appetizer goes great with my mouthwatering Air Fryer Tortilla Chips, guacamole, and pico de gallo recipes! It is traditionally served with saltine crackers.
It’s also the best summertime snack with my Mexican Street Corn (Elotes Mexicanos), Potato Taquitos, and my Veggie Quesadillas!
Ingredients in Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
Shrimp. I use extra large shrimp although any size shrimp will do.
Lime. The juice from two limes is needed to make this recipe.
Salt. Just a small amount of salt is needed to flavor the shrimp and cocktail sauce.
Pepper. Pepper combines with the salt to season the shrimp and cocktail sauce.
Onion. Yellow, white, or red onion will work in this recipe.
Cilantro. Cilantro is an herb that provides numerous health benefits and packs a lot of aroma and flavor. According to Web MD’s article, studies have linked eating cilantro with reduced symptoms of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have shown that extracts from the cilantro plant have proven almost as effective as medication at decreasing anxiety symptoms according to Web MD’s post.
Cucumber. Cucumber provides a fresh taste and crunch and offers many health benefits as they are rich in antioxidants and promote hydration. According to Healthline’s post, cucumbers may help lower blood sugar levels and may help with weight loss.
Tomato. One medium tomato adds flavor and nutrition to this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail recipe. Tomatoes are a great source of fiber and are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Healthline’s article reports that tomatoes have been linked to improved skin health and a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
Jalapeño. Fresh jalapeño adds flavor and crunch to this shrimp cocktail. According to Healthline’s post, jalapeños are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, and contain a substantial amount of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and keeps your skin healthy and firm while vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient.
Ketchup. Tomato-based ketchup adds flavor and texture to this cocktail sauce.
Hot sauce. Use your favorite hot sauce such as Valentina, Tabasco, or Tapatio.
Avocado. Cube an avocado and mix it into the cocktail sauce. Avocado provides flavor and contains numerous health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that have been shown to reduce heart disease risk. In fact, according to Healthline’s post, avocados are rich in nutrients that most people lack in their diet, including magnesium, B6, vitamins C and E, and folate.
How to make the best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
STEP 1: Pour the shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
STEP 2: In the meantime, in a large bowl, stir the onion, cilantro, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño, ketchup, hot sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
STEP 3: When ready to serve, stir in the avocado. Stir in the shrimp and serve cold in a large margarita or schooner glass.
More shrimp recipes you’ll love!
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones), be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
Equipment
Ingredients
Cocktail Sauce
Instructions
- Pour the shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- In the meantime, in a large bowl, stir the onion, cilantro, cucumber, tomato, jalapeño, ketchup, hot sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- When ready to serve, stir in the avocado. Stir in the shrimp and serve cold in a large margarita or schooner glass.
- If you make this, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
Nutrition (per serving)
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Elise’s Kitchen Favorites
I have had so many versions of this shrimp cocktail. By far this is the best one I have ever had. I definitely will eat this again.