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    Home » Recipes » Healthy » Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) + VIDEO

    Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) + VIDEO

    Last Updated January 27, 2023. Originally Posted March 18, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is an easy and refreshing recipe that's incredibly yummy. It’s seafood heaven in every bite. Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Mexican Shrimp Cocktail served in a glass cup with a plastic fork.

    Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) in a glass on a green plate and red checkered tablecloth.

    Coctel de Camarones (or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) – This dish reminds me of Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe.

    Baja California is AMAZING! Beaches, wine, and the best seafood! If you ever visit, you must check out the Mercado Negro fish market in Ensenada.

    My favorite thing to get whenever I go is this DELICIOUSNESS right here!

    Refreshing, spicy, and so so yummy.

    More Mexican Shrimp Recipes:


    Camarones a la Diabla
    Ceviche de Camaron
    Shrimp Pozole
    Caldo de Camaron

    Ingredients


    The ingredients for Coctel de Camarones labeled and on a wooden surface.

    These are all the ingredients you need to make this EASY Mexican appetizer or light lunch.

    Add more jalapeno and more hot sauce for a spicier dish.

    Cucumber is also optional, but adds GREAT texture.

    What is the difference between ceviche and shrimp cocktail?

    • Ceviche is seafood (usually fish or shrimp) that is “cooked” in lime juice. It marinates for hours or overnight in the fridge before serving.
    • Shrimp cocktail is made of boiled shrimp. They are mixed with cucumber, jalapeno, and covered in a spicy tomato sauce. It is ready to eat after chilling.

    Diced onion pickling in a white bowl.

    • Start by covering the onion with lime.
    • Set aside.

    You want to get that raw onion taste out right away. This will start the pickling process.

    The Name Game:

    You might hear the names: Coctel de Camaron or Cocktail de Camarones.
    Most people will use the name Coctel de Camarones, and that is what I call it.

    All of these names are correct.

    A hand holding a white bowl and mixing the shrimp with a wooden spoon with the other hand.

    • Boil the shrimp in water.
    • Once the shrimp turn pink, discard the water.
    • Let them cool completely.
    • Mix with the tomato, cucumber, jalapeno, and salt and pepper.

    To stop the cooking process, run cold water on the shrimp. This will also prevent them from becoming tough.

    Pro Tip:

    Find shrimp that are already cleaned and deveined. That’s is the easiest way to make this recipe. Or, you will need to remove the digestive tract before cooking.

    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Say what?! This dish is full of flavors that will mask the frozen yuckiness.

    Optimal Shrimp Sizes:

    Medium to Jumbo size shrimp. This all depends on how you are going to serve it and the size of your bowl or cup. The smaller the cup, the smaller size shrimp to use.

    A collage showing how to make coctel de camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail).

    • To the onions, add tomato juice, ketchup, and hot sauce.
    • Whisk to combine.
    • Add the mixture to the shrimp.

    Ketchup adds sweetness, but some people will omit it for a lighter texture. That’s totally up to you.

    Look for Clamato. That’s what everyone uses. Can’t find it? Mix 4 oz of tomato sauce and whisk with 1 cup water.

    More Mexican Seafood Recipes:


    Shrimp Chile Rellenos
    Tortitas de Papa con Atun
    Ceviche de Pescado
    Camarones Rancheros

    A collage showing how and when to add the ingredients necessary to make Coctel de Camaron.

    The cilantro and avocado go in last. Fold the avocado in gently.

    Or, place it right on top when serving.

    How Long Does it Last?


    Coctel de Camarones lasts up to 2-3 days in the fridge before it goes bad. Freezing is not recommended.

    A Coctel de Camarones served in a large glass cup.

    Serve with hot sauce such as Cholula, Valentina, Tapatio

    Also serve with saltine crackers, tostadas, and lime.

    Coctel de Camarones is such a tasty and delicious recipe. You’ll love every bite!

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    Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) in a glass on a green plate and red checkered tablecloth.

    Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

    Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is an easy and refreshing recipe that's incredibly yummy. It’s seafood heaven in every bite. Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.
    4.99 from 60 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch or Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 377kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
    • Juice of 3 limes about ¼ cup
    • 1 lb cooked medium-sized shrimp - peeled deveined, and tails removed
    • 2 roma tomatoes finely diced
    • 1 cucumber finely diced
    • 1-2 jalapeños pepper seeded and finely diced
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 1/2 cups tomato juice such as Clamato
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 2 teaspoons Hot pepper sauce
    • 1 bunch cilantro - discard stems and leaves chopped
    • 2 avocados - peeled pitted, and diced

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, mix the onion with the lime juice.
    • Let stand for 10 minutes.
    • In a separate and much larger bowl, add the shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Mix to combine and set aside.
    • You can add more jalapeños, if you like it spicier.
    • To the onions, add the tomato juice, ketchup, and hot pepper sauce.
    • With a fork, whisk to combine.
    • Then add the tomato-onion mixture to the shrimp bowl.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Add the cilantro and avocados.
    • Gently mix everything.
    • Note: You can also top off the serving with the avocado instead of adding it to the mixture.
    • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Find shrimp that are already cleaned and deveined. That’s is the easiest way to make this recipe. Or, you will need to remove the digestive tract before cooking.
    Optimal Shrimp Size: Medium to Jumbo shrimp. This all depends on how you are going to serve it and the size of your bowl or cup. The smaller the cup, the smaller size shrimp to use.
    Coctel de Camarones lasts 2-3 days in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1498mg | Potassium: 1166mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1248IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 209mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Healthy, Mexican, Recipes, Seafood, Summer, Trending

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tammy

      March 20, 2021 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      I love shrimp cocktail but have never tried it Mexican style. This is a must try for me.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 30, 2021 at 1:26 pm

        It’s delicious! Hope you try it

        Reply
      • Diane

        June 21, 2022 at 1:56 pm

        I haven’t tried this recipe yet because I’m always trying to duplicate the ones served in Puero Penasco, Sonora, Mexico (Rocky Point). They don’t use cucumber or avocado but it’s the sauce that I haven’t been able to duplicate! It’s not Clamato (I hate it), it’s not V-8, it’s not catsup so it has to be tomato juice with herbs and spices! I WILL try this recipe!

        Reply
        • Maggie Unzueta

          June 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm

          Coctel de Camaron varies from region to region. I’ve had it without Clamato and just ketchup with hot sauce. Also had it with just tomato juice and hot sauce. I had it once with mango and jicama. All delicious! I suggest you ask them next time you’re there. It’s the only way to know for sure.

      • Pat

        August 13, 2022 at 11:41 am

        I make this all the time best recipe!! I like to go lighter on the ketchup and only use a 1/2 cup. I use red onion, large shrimp, and firm Avacados. Thanks for sharing:)

        Reply
        • Maggie U

          August 15, 2022 at 12:12 pm

          Glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for your comment.

    2. Swathi

      March 20, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      Mexcian shrimp cocktail looks delicous I would love to try it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 30, 2021 at 1:26 pm

        Looks and tastes even better! Hope you try it!

        Reply
        • LeAnn

          June 7, 2022 at 6:48 pm

          5 stars
          This was my first time making Shrimp Cocktail and this recipe knocked my socks off, it was perfect!
          Thank you for sharing.

        • Maggie Unzueta

          June 8, 2022 at 9:10 am

          Yay! So glad you liked this recipe. It’s a favorite.

    3. Bethel

      March 20, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      5 stars
      Would love to try this!! Mexican cocktails are the best!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 30, 2021 at 1:26 pm

        Yes the are!

        Reply
    4. Kathy

      June 5, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      Love this!!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 20, 2021 at 8:38 am

        Yes! So so good.

        Reply
    5. Denise Browning

      July 6, 2021 at 10:30 am

      Thank for the recipe Maggie! I am making this one soon!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        Yay! You’re going to love this recipe.

        Reply
    6. Ken Brower

      September 12, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      I make this a few times a month. My family can’t get enough. Thank you

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 14, 2021 at 10:33 am

        That is so awesome to hear. I need to be adopted into your family! lol.

        Reply
      • Danniela

        February 5, 2023 at 6:07 pm

        5 stars
        By far the best shrimp cocktail ive tasted! My husband loved it too. Im not a shrimp cocktail fan but i was asked to make it for a church event and boy it was a hit. Ive also made the crock pot birria with the recipe from this website. Delicious! Jotted both recipes in my recipe book and will be returning to look for more ☺️

        Reply
        • Maggie Unzueta

          February 14, 2023 at 8:33 am

          That’s great to hear. This Coctel de Camaron recipe is so good. I’m glad you enjoy it!

    7. Anonymous

      October 28, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious. Everyone enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 2, 2021 at 9:43 am

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    8. Kim Wasson

      November 3, 2021 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite recipes! The only thing I changed was i didn’t use quite as much cilantro. I grow my own and it tasted stronger I think.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 8, 2021 at 8:24 am

        You grow your own cilantro?! Wow! That’s the best.

        Reply
    9. Claire

      June 28, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Real good and easy to make

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 2, 2022 at 7:28 am

        Yes. The best combo. Good and easy! Enjoy. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Sandee Stovern

      September 21, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      It turned out so good will make it a company appetizer!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 22, 2022 at 9:24 am

        Yay! Thank you.

        Reply
    11. Patty

      February 12, 2023 at 10:03 am

      I’ve made it a restaurant the opened in calif where I use to live and it was in the 80s and know living back in Kansas I make it once a month in the summer it’s a great idea to hydrate

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 28, 2023 at 11:38 am

        Beautiful food memories! This Coctel de camarones is so so good.

        Reply
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