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Home » Recipes » Seafood » Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Last Updated May 14, 2020. Originally Posted February 16, 2018 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 recipe that is low in calories and incredibly YUMMY! It’s seafood heaven in every bite.
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Coctel de Camaron, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Pink shrimp and avocado slices in a tomato sauce.

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 fish market in Ensenada.

My favorite thing to get whenever I go is a big bowl of this DELICIOUSNESS. Refreshing, spicy, and SO YUMMY.

More Authentic Mexican Seafood Recipes:
Camarones a la Diabla
Ceviche de Camaron
Tortitas de Papa con Atun

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.

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 in minutes.

A hand holding a raw jumbo shrimp with the shell still on.

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.

How to thaw shrimp:

  • Place shrimp in a large container of water. Let sit for 20 minutes, or until completely thawed.
  • Or, leave in the fridge overnight. Use the next day.

More Mexican Seafood Recipes:
Shrimp Chile Rellenos
Shrimp Pozole
Ceviche de Pescado
Camarones Rancheros

Cooked shrimp in a white bowl.

  • Boil the shrimp in water.
  • Once the shrimp turn pink, discard the water.
  • Let them cool completely.

To stop the cooking process, place them immediately in water. This will also prevent them from becoming tough.

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.

Blender with tomato sauce inside.

  • Mix the tomato sauce, ketchup, and hot sauce.
  • Pour this mixture over the shrimp, jalapeno, and cucumbers.

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

A glass cup with coctel de camarones and topped with green avocado.

The avocado goes last. Place it right on top when serving.

Or, you can also fold it in gently… Be gentle with the avocado, or it will fall apart on you.

How Long Does it Last?


Coctel de Camarones lasts 3-4 days in the fridge before it goes bad. Freezing is not recommended.

Coctel de Camaron, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. Pink shrimp and avocado slices in a glass container

What to Serve with It?

To Make It a Meal: Serve with Refried Beans, Arroz Blanco, Ensalada de Nopales , and/ or a green salad.

To Make It an Appetizer: Serve with hot sauce, saltine crackers, tostadas.

Such a TASTY and FLAVORFUL recipe that’s so incredibly easy! Hope you enjoy.

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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 recipe that is low in calories and incredibly YUMMY! It’s seafood heaven in every bite.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
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!

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 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: Seafood

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.

Comments

  1. Jere Cassidy says

    February 16, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Oh yes, I love all the ingredients in this shrimp cocktail.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Thank you! This Coctel de Camarones (or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) is the best. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dana says

    February 16, 2018 at 11:58 am

    This sounds so so refreshing! I love dishes like this, and you can’t go wrong with juicy shrimp.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:06 pm

      I could eat this Coctel de Camarones (or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) every day, all day. Thank you for your comment!

      Reply
  3. Joyce says

    February 16, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    Omg I miss this version of shrimp cocktail so much! It’s so loaded with flavours, so excited I can make this at home now! 🙂

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:05 pm

      That’s awesome! Hope you enjoy your Coctel de Camarones (or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail). 🙂

      Reply
  4. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

    February 16, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    I am the worst on haggling price! Lol- love your comment that they’re disappointed if you don’t. I will keep that in mind and go for it next time I am in Mexico.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:04 pm

      My Mexican mom is impressive to watch. Her haggling skills are the best. I could tell you stories… Ha! Unfortunately, I did not inherit those skills. lol.

      Reply
  5. Mary says

    February 16, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    I’m jealous of your trip! But this recipe seems like a good way to capture the flavors of your south-of-the-border adventure! Yum!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta says

      February 19, 2018 at 1:03 pm

      Thank you. Living so close to the border has its advantages. I could eat this Coctel de Camarones (or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) everyday!

      Reply
  6. Joel says

    July 7, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    5 stars
    Made this on a hot summer evening. My wife thanked me three times while she was eating it. Absolutely delicious. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Maggie U says

      July 8, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      So glad you and your wife enjoyed it! This recipe is really yummy.

      Reply
  7. Anne says

    September 30, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    5 stars
    Best recipe for shrimp cocktail!!!

    Reply
    • Maggie U says

      October 1, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed this.

      Reply

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