Shrimp Cocktail

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
9 Min Read

Shrimp Cocktail Recipe: The Taste of Shrimp at Home

Welcome to the refreshing and delicious experience of preparing an authentic shrimp cocktail at home! This dish is a vibrant combination of seafood and fresh flavors that represents the best of sea cocktails. With few ingredients and simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy an exceptional shrimp flavor that surprises with its balance and freshness.

  • Shrimp Cocktail: The essential base that brings the recipe to life.
  • Shrimp Flavor: We try to highlight the natural flavor of the seafood with complementary ingredients.
  • Seafood Cocktail: A classic that combines the best of the sea in a single dish.

Preparation time

This recipe is perfect for when you're looking for something quick and fresh. See how much time you'll need to prepare it:

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: No additional cooking required (use pre-cooked shrimp)
  • Total: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main ingredients for shrimp cocktail

  • 250 grams of cooked shrimp
  • 1 mango diced
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1/2 white onion finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 2 serrano chilies finely chopped
  • 50 ml orange soda
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup Clamato
  • 1/2 bunch finely chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Juice of 5 lemons
  • Saltine crackers for accompaniment

If you don't find orange soda, you can substitute it with natural orange juice, but remember that it will slightly change the sweetness of the cocktail. If you don't have Clamato, a mixture of tomato juice with a touch of lemon juice can work as an improvised alternative.

Utensils we will use

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife for cutting fruits and vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Glasses or cups for serving (if you don't have cocktail glasses, a mug or a small container works just as well)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Shrimp Cocktail sauce

  1. Mix the liquids and sauces:
    • In the large bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
    • Add the juice of 5 fresh lemons and 1/2 cup of Clamato.
    • Incorporate the 50 ml of orange soda to give a sweet and bubbly touch.
    • Mix well until the sauce is homogeneous.
  2. In the large bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
  3. Add the juice of 5 fresh lemons and 1/2 cup of Clamato.
  4. Incorporate the 50 ml of orange soda to give a sweet and bubbly touch.
  5. Mix well until the sauce is homogeneous.

2. Prepare the solid ingredients

  1. Cut the vegetables and fruits:
    • Wash the cucumber and mango under cold water. Cut into medium cubes, approximately 1 cm.
    • Finely chop the white onion so that it integrates well with the others.
    • Cut the tomatoes into small cubes similar to the cucumber and mango.
    • Finely chop the serrano chilies, being careful not to overdo it to control the spiciness.
    • Finally, finely chop the fresh cilantro.
  2. Wash the cucumber and mango under cold water. Cut into medium cubes, approximately 1 cm.
  3. Finely chop the white onion so that it integrates well with the others.
  4. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes similar to the cucumber and mango.
  5. Finely chop the serrano chilies, being careful not to overdo it to control the spiciness.
  6. Finally, finely chop the fresh cilantro.

3. Combine the ingredients to achieve the shrimp flavor

  1. Mix the vegetables with the shrimp:
    • In another bowl, place the 250 grams of cooked shrimp.
    • Add the chopped cucumber, mango, onion, tomato, serrano pepper, and cilantro.
    • Mix gently so as not to break the shrimp.
  2. In another bowl, place the 250 grams of cooked shrimp.
  3. Add the chopped cucumber, mango, onion, tomato, serrano pepper, and cilantro.
  4. Mix gently so as not to break the shrimp.
  5. Incorporate the sauce and avocado:
    • Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables.
    • Add the diced avocado delicately so it doesn't turn into a purée.
    • Stir gently to distribute the flavors.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables.
  7. Add the diced avocado delicately so it doesn't turn into a purée.
  8. Stir gently to distribute the flavors.

To finish and serve

Refrigerate the cocktail for at least 15 minutes to intensify the flavors. Serve cold accompanied by crackers that will help balance the mixture and provide a crunchy texture. This dish is ideal for a fresh appetizer or as a refreshing snack on warm days.

I want to share these tips for a perfect Shrimp Cocktail

  • Balance the spice well: Use serrano pepper in moderation; if you prefer it milder, remove the seeds or substitute it with jalapeño pepper.
  • Freshness above all: The shrimp must be well cooked and fresh to avoid bitter flavors or rubbery textures.
  • Prevent the avocado from oxidizing: Add it just before serving and sprinkle a little lemon juice to maintain its color.
  • Control the sauce mixture: Adjust the amounts of ketchup and sauces so that it is not too sweet or too salty.
  • Combine with fresh pairings: This cocktail goes perfectly accompanied with a large shrimp and salmon sandwich or some fish tacos with parmesan and mango.

Nutritional Information per serving

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Proteins: 20 g
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

Approximate values for one serving considering fresh ingredients and homemade preparations.


5 keys to make your Shrimp Cocktail perfect

  • Key 1: Use of fresh shrimp and quality – The heart of the sea and shrimp lies in a fresh product to achieve an authentic flavor and ideal texture.
  • Key 2: Uniform chopping of ingredients – So that each bite has a balanced mixture, cut fruits and vegetables into similar and correctly sized cubes.
  • Key 3: Prepare the sauce in advance – This allows the flavors to blend well and the the flavor of the shrimp intensifies in the mixture.
  • Key 4: Refrigeration before serving – Let your cocktail rest in the refrigerator so that all the flavors meld and it cools down.
  • Key 5: Accompany with crackers – This adds texture and a delicious contrast that enhances the delights of the shrimp.

When is it ideal to enjoy Shrimp Cocktail?

This dish is ideal for any time you are looking for a fresh and light option. Perfect for sunny summer days or as an appetizer at family gatherings and casual celebrations. Its freshness and combination of flavors make it a favorite in the shrimp wave for outdoor parties or as a refreshing snack while enjoying with friends and family.


Quick comparison of Shrimp Cocktail with other similar delights

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Shrimp CocktailShrimp, mango, cucumberFresh flavor with sweet and spicy mix
Shrimp Cocktail with CrabShrimp, crab, tomatoIncludes varied seafood for more flavor depth
Scallop AguachileScallop, chili, lemonSpicier and more citrusy
Traditional Sandwich CakeBread, cold cuts, mayonnaiseVersatile and quick to prepare
Roasted Pineapples with Rum and SnowPineapple, rum, snowSweet dessert that complements the cocktail
Sweet Peas with Mint and OnionPeas, mint, onionFresh and different vegetable flavor

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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