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    Home » Recipes » Healthy

    Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) + VIDEO

    Published: Mar 18, 2021 · Updated: Jan 27, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    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
    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.

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

    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.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
      • 1.1 Ingredients
      • 1.2 Instructions
      • 1.3 Video
      • 1.4 Notes
      • 1.5 Nutrition

    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 70 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch or Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 377kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • ¼ 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 ½ 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!

    More Healthy Mexican Recipes

    • Baked salmon topped with avocado pico de gallo next to a green salad.
      Baked Salmon with Avocado Pico de Gallo
    • Licuado de Plátano (or Banana Smoothie) served in a glass cup next to banana slices.
      Licuado de Plátano (Banana Smoothie)
    • Champiñones a la Mexicana served on a large plate.
      Champiñones a la Mexicana
    • Pineapple Pico de Gallo served in a small clay bowl.
      Pineapple Pico de Gallo 🍍🌶️

    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

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Donna H

      August 20, 2023 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Always a hit. I have served in a margarita glass with jumbo shrimp around the edge as well in other glasses. So good.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        August 31, 2023 at 11:42 am

        Serving your Coctel de Camarones in margarita glasses with those jumbo shrimp circling like party decorations? Genius move!

        Reply
    2. JoeW

      June 28, 2023 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      Made this over the weekend, and it was great.

      I halved the recipe (roughly), using yellow onion, a couple of Persian (mini) cucumbers, Spicy V-8, 3/4 of a jalapeno. Nice, subtle heat.

      Will definitely make again.

      Thanks,
      Joe

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 29, 2023 at 7:52 am

        I’ll have to try this Coctel de Camaron recipe with mini cucumbers. Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    3. Susan Marie

      June 05, 2023 at 1:10 am

      5 stars
      Have had this before but never made it.
      This recipie is delicious & just like my Mexican friends at work make. Perfect for a warm spring or summer day

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        June 05, 2023 at 8:59 am

        That’s wonderful to hear! Hope you make this recipe again soon.

        Reply
    4. Andi

      May 05, 2023 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      This is just so good.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 08, 2023 at 9:07 am

        Thank you! Hope you enjoy this Coctel de Camarones recipe.

        Reply
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. Claire

      June 28, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Real good and easy to make

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 02, 2022 at 7:28 am

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

        Reply
    8. Kim Wasson

      November 03, 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 08, 2021 at 8:24 am

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

        Reply
    9. 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 02, 2021 at 9:43 am

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    10. 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 05, 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!

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