When it comes to dishes that balance flavor, freshness, and flair, few can compete with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail — or as it’s known in Mexico, Cóctel de Camarones.
Unlike the traditional American shrimp cocktail, which is served chilled with a simple tomato-based dipping sauce, the Mexican version is a vibrant, spoonable dish — a fusion of savory, tangy, and spicy elements all swimming in a chilled, tomato-lime bath that’s as refreshing as it is addictive.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels like sunshine in a bowl — perfect for summer cookouts, beach picnics, or even cozy nights when you need a little taste of coastal Mexico.
🦐 A Taste of Coastal Mexico
The origins of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail trace back to Mexico’s coastal regions, particularly Veracruz and Sinaloa, where seafood is a staple of everyday life. Fishermen would toss freshly caught shrimp into a tangy mix of tomato, lime, and vegetables — the perfect combination to refresh and refuel under the sun.
Over time, the dish evolved into a popular street and beach-side favorite, served in tall glasses and topped with avocado slices and crunchy saltine crackers. Every bite — or spoonful — bursts with zesty lime, sweet tomato, and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked shrimp.
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this dish come alive:
For the shrimp:
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1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tsp salt
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1 lime, juiced
For the cocktail sauce:
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1 cup tomato juice (or Clamato for a brinier flavor)
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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2 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina, Cholula, or Tapatío — adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp black pepper
For the mix-ins:
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½ cup red onion, finely diced
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1 cup tomato, chopped
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1 cucumber, peeled and diced
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1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, minced (optional for heat)
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¼ cup cilantro, chopped
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1 ripe avocado, diced
To serve:
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Tortilla chips or saltine crackers
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Extra lime wedges
👩🍳 How to Make Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
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