The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a vibrant and tantalizing dish that brings a lively twist to the classic shrimp cocktail. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a zesty, flavorful cocktail sauce, creating a refreshing and elegant appetizer or light meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
At its core, the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail features perfectly cooked shrimp that are tender and juicy, with a smoky, slightly spicy seasoning that adds depth and complexity. The shrimp are often grilled or sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness and to add a charred, flavorful edge.
The cocktail sauce is where the dish truly shines. It’s a zesty blend of ketchup and fresh lime juice, with a touch of heat from hot sauce and a kick of horseradish. This tangy and spicy sauce is complemented by fresh cilantro, which adds a burst of herbaceous brightness and a hint of citrusy freshness. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced, lively sauce that beautifully enhances the shrimp.
The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is garnished with vibrant ingredients like diced avocado, which brings a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish, and cherry tomatoes and red onion, which add freshness and a bit of crunch. The entire concoction is often finished with additional cilantro and lime wedges, adding an extra layer of brightness and a touch of elegance.
This dish is not only visually appealing with its colorful and fresh ingredients, but it also offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The cool, crisp shrimp and creamy avocado are perfectly balanced by the tangy and spicy cocktail sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat, the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is both sophisticated and approachable. It brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the classic appeal of shrimp cocktail, creating a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- For the Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon horseradish (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cocktail Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine ketchup, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, horseradish, and ground cumin. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the level of hot sauce and horseradish according to your preference for spiciness.
- Assemble the Cocktail:
- In a large bowl or individual serving glasses, combine the cooked shrimp with the cocktail sauce. Gently toss to coat the shrimp thoroughly.
- Add diced avocado, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and additional chopped cilantro. Toss lightly to combine.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional lime wedges and cilantro if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra lime wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Shrimp Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Adjust Spiciness: Taste the cocktail sauce as you mix and adjust the amount of hot sauce and horseradish to suit your heat preference.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro for the best flavor in the cocktail sauce.
- Serving Options: This dish can be served in individual cocktail glasses for a stylish presentation or in a large bowl for casual gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail offers a refreshing twist on the traditional shrimp cocktail with zesty flavors and vibrant ingredients. It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal, bringing together the heat of the spices with the freshness of lime and cilantro. Enjoy this flavorful and elegant dish at your next gathering or as a special treat!
