Fresh fruits and vegetables in spring and summer are very satisfying. Today, we focus on vegetables. This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is made up of three main parts: tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a made-from-scratch tomato sauce. Seafood is another food we can’t get enough of during the warmer months! This dish is perfect for socializing on a hot day—or when hanging out with the family. If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic shrimp cocktail, this Mexican-inspired cocktail is for you. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and only takes about 30 minutes to make.
What is a Traditional Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
The traditional Mexican shrimp cocktail is known as shrimp cocktail, It means shrimp cocktail in Spanish. Authentic recipe calls for:
- shrimp
- spanish onion
- lime juice
- celery
- tomato
- cucumber
- chili
- Tomato Clam Juice
…and a few other ingredients! As you can see, we were totally inspired by this dish to create our own version.
What’s the Difference Between Mexican Shrimp Cocktail and Ceviche?
Mexican cocktail shrimp is sometimes confused with ceviche, another seafood-based cold dish. The difference is that a shrimp cocktail always starts with cooked seafood, while ceviche consists of raw seafood and an acid (such as lemon or lime juice)—an ingredient that’s lightly cooked before serving. Both are then served with fresh vegetables and usually some kind of sauce.
Can I use precooked shrimp?
If you’re pressed for time, you can definitely use precooked shrimp in this recipe! Now, if you do want to cook your own shrimp at home, don’t forget to check out our guide on the best ways to cook shrimp. We chose the boil method for this recipe, but you can also steam the shrimp if desired.
You can also use frozen shrimp, but just be sure to let them thaw overnight in the fridge before using them.
Tomato Options:
We use Roma tomatoes in this recipe because they are hearty, meaty, and perform best in this dish. That said, if you have other varieties in your home, feel free to use them.
Spice Level Variations:
Like most Mexican-inspired dishes, this recipe needs a little heat. If you like spicy food, go ahead and use whole jalapenos. You can also use only half, or omit it entirely if you don’t like spicy food.
The same goes for using horseradish. It’s often found in shrimp cocktail sauce and makes a great addition to this recipe. It’s a bit spicy though, so don’t eat it if you don’t like it.
Choice of dishes:
Sometimes we like to get a little fancy! Serving your creativity on a special Shrimp Cocktail Plate will make this dish stand out. Alternatively, you can serve them in a deep, wide cocktail glass for the same effect.