Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?

You can, but you'll need to cook them first—a quick sauté or poach in salted water does the trick. Let them cool before dicing and adding to the cocktail.

Is this shrimp cocktail spicy?

The heat level is entirely up to you! Jalapeño and hot sauce add some kick, but you can reduce or omit both if you prefer a milder dish. Conversely, add more for a real punch.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix everything except the avocado up to a day ahead, then add fresh avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and to preserve its creamy texture.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use?

Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for ease and texture. Tail-off makes it even easier to dice and eat—no fussing with shells.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Name: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 medium roma tomatoes, diced; 1 medium English cucumber, chopped into 1/4″ size cubes; 1/2 cup sliced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 medium avocado, diced; 1/2-1 medium jalapeno, finely diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 cups tomato juice; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes); 2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste); 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt

Description

A vibrant and refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty tomato-based sauce. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light main dish, this healthy recipe combines classic flavors with a touch of spice and easy prep.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shrimp & Vegetables

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 medium roma tomatoes, diced
1 medium English cucumber, chopped into 1/4” size cubes
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium avocado, diced
1/2–1 medium jalapeno, finely diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)

Sauce

2 cups tomato juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons hot sauce (to taste)
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables: Dice the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno as directed, and add them to the shrimp. Add the finely minced garlic as well.
Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, prepared horseradish, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well blended to make a zesty sauce.
Combine and Chill: Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables in the large bowl. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the assembled shrimp cocktail until you are ready to serve.
Add Avocado and Serve: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to maintain its texture and color. Ladle the shrimp cocktail mixture into decorative cups or individual serving bowls for a festive presentation, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the shrimp cocktail chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce and jalapeno.
Serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers for added crunch.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 245 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 1713 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 143 mg