Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Introduction:

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, also known as Coctel de Camarones, is a refreshing and zesty dish perfect for hot summer days. It’s a delightful blend of shrimp with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and jalapenos, all tossed in a tangy sauce made from lime juice, clam juice, and hot pepper sauce. This vibrant dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal and is known for its spicy, citrusy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup tomato and clam juice cocktail (such as Clamato)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (to taste)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the onion: In a small bowl, combine the chopped onion with lime juice and let it sit for about 10 minutes to mellow the onion’s flavor.
2. Mix the shrimp and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the sauce: Stir the tomato and clam juice, ketchup, and hot pepper sauce into the shrimp mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Fold in the avocado and marinated onion: Gently fold in the avocado and the marinated onions with their lime juice.
5. Chill and serve: Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or a light, refreshing appetizer. It’s an easy dish to customize with more or less spice, depending on your taste. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or enjoy it on its own. The bold, fresh flavors of shrimp, lime, and spicy jalapeno make this dish irresistible, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!