Authentic Mexican Shrimp cocktail recipe 

I can’t have Coctel de Camaron without a cold beer next to it.  What also comes along are the memories of that Christmas we spent at Riviera Maya eating seafood and enjoying the warm beaches and the sound of the sea. My sister worked a couple of years at Cozumel and visiting her is where I indulged myself in the most delectable authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail, or as we say, coctel de camarones? Now, you can recreate that same mouthwatering flavor right in the comfort of your own home. The tangy tomato sauce is the secret ingredient to the best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.

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Shrimp cocktail, or “cóctel de camaron,” is one of the most beloved Mexican recipes, especially popular during Lent and summertime. It’s fresh, and citrusy, and brings to mind visions of sandy beaches and ocean breezes.

What sets Mexican shrimp cocktail apart is its abundance of fresh vegetables—it’s essentially a shrimp ceviche with a generous serving of dressing.

But be warned, you’ll likely want to pair this authentic Mexican cóctel de camarónes with a cold beer garnished with fresh lime juice!

Ingredients for the Shrimp Broth:

• 2 pounds of deveined shrimp
• 3.5 cups water
• 1 celery stick
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ white onion

How to Make Shrimp Broth for Cocktail Sauce:

This authentic recipe will transport you to your favorite Mexican restaurant. We’ll start by making the shrimp broth from scratch, adding flavor to the shrimp cocktail sauce.

1. To begin, you’ll need shrimp. I recommend using 2 pounds of frozen clean shrimp but you can do it with fresh shrimp just deveined before cooking. 
2. First, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. For 2 pounds of shrimp, add 3 ½ cups of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add 1 celery stick, ¼ of an onion, 2 garlic cloves, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the shrimp and let the shrimp cooks for about 4 minutes.
3. Once the shrimp turn pink and white (if using raw shrimp), you’ll know they’re ready. Even if using cooked shrimp, this step adds incredible flavor to the broth.
4. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain the shrimp and veggies from the broth.
5. Tip. If you have the shrimp skin add it to the boiling broth it brings some extra flavor!

If you love shrimp you will love this Aguachiles Verdes recipe.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups shrimp broth
• 2 pounds shrimp, cut into chunks
• 2 cups ketchup
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 3 pinches pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 chopped serrano or jalapeno pepper. If it is too spicy for you you can use green bell pepper. Crunchy vegetables make this Mexican dish truly special.  
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup Roma tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup cucumber, chopped
• 1 avocado, cut into small squares
• 1 tbsp salt
• Optional: some people like to squeeze fresh orange juice or add habanero or valentine sauce for more picoso flavor! 

Instructions:

• In a large bowl mix ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
• Add the shrimp, cucumber, chopped serrano peppers or jalapeno peppers, cilantro, tomato, and red onion to the sauce. This mix is pretty much a pico de gallo with fresh chopped cucumber. Mix thoroughly.

• I recommend adding the avocado at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Chill in the fridge and serve cold. It pairs perfectly with crackers and a cold beer!
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in room temperature water for 5 minutes, changing the water as needed until fully thawed. Before cooking, ensure the shrimp are completely thawed.

What do you eat shrimp cocktail with?

• Shrimp cocktail is usually served with 
• saltine crackers, 
• toast points, 
• tortilla chips. 
• Mexican hot sauce, 
• lime wedges,  
• hot sauce, 
• avocado, 
• lime, 
• cilantro 

FAQs:

1. What makes this the best Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe?
   • The secret lies in making the flavorful shrimp broth from scratch. While some recipes use, tomato juice,  V8 vegetable juice, or clamato juice, this homemade shrimp broth takes just minutes to make and elevates the dish to another level.
2. Can I use prawns instead of shrimp?
   • Yes, prawns can be used interchangeably with shrimp in this recipe.
3. How long does the shrimp cocktail last in the fridge?
   • It can last 3 to 4 days and even tastes better the next day.
4. Can I freeze this recipe?
   • No, the vegetables in the cocktail won’t freeze well.
5. Is Mexican Cocktail Healthy?
   • While it’s packed with vegetables, shrimp is high in cholesterol, so enjoy it in moderation.

Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Mexico with this authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe. With fresh ingredients and a burst of citrusy flavors, it’s the perfect dish for a light lunch or a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite cold beverage for the ultimate beachside experience!

Other great options for your next Mexican-themed meal:

• Shrimp Aguachile: The ultimate hangover cure
• Mexican Inspired Tuna Salad