Dreaming of a sunny beach getaway? This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail will transport your taste buds to paradise in just 20 minutes! Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is perfect for a light lunch, festive appetizer, or satisfying weekend meal.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tomato juice
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Dive into Flavor: The Easy Steps
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Boil and Chill the Shrimp: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain and immediately place the shrimp in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and ensure a chilled texture.
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Mix Up the Savory Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce. Whisk everything together until well blended. This is the base of your flavorful cocktail!
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Prep the Veggies: While the shrimp chills, unleash your inner chopper! Dice the cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
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Assemble Your Cocktail: Drain the chilled shrimp and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add the shrimp, diced vegetables, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly.
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Avocado Perfection: Carefully fold the diced avocado into the mixture. The avocado adds a creamy richness, so be gentle to avoid mashing it.
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Season and Serve: Season the cocktail with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with lime wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips for scooping up all the deliciousness!
Tips & Tricks:
- Want a spicier kick? Add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeno pepper.
- Don’t have fresh cilantro? Chopped fresh parsley can be a suitable substitute.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
- Leftovers? Store the shrimp cocktail in the refrigerator for up to a day.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simplicity, freshness, and vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Mexico without leaving your kitchen. So grab your favorite ingredients and get ready to dive into deliciousness!
