Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 garlic clove, smashed
• 1 bay leaf

For the Cocktail Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato juice (or Clamato)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

For the Mix-Ins:

• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup tomato, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• Lime wedges
• Extra cilantro for garnish
• Tortilla chips or saltine crackers

Instructions:

Cook the Shrimp:

• Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the salt, garlic, and bay leaf.
• Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are pink and cooked through.
• Drain and immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cool, drain again and set aside.

Make the Cocktail Sauce:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped cilantro.
• Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

Prepare the Mix-Ins:

• Add the cooked shrimp, diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, avocado, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the cocktail sauce.
• Gently toss to combine.

Chill:

• Cover and refrigerate the shrimp cocktail for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

• Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual cups or a large bowl.
• Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips or saltine crackers on the side.

This refreshing Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is perfect for a light appetizer or a summer dish. It’s tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with fresh ingredients!