The tangy, spicy burst of this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail will transport you to a sunny beachside patio in Baja. Infused with Clamato juice, lime, and chili sauce, and brimming with fresh veggies and plump shrimp, it’s the perfect light starter for any gathering.
Serve it in cucumber cups for a refreshing bite, or spoon it generously over crunchy tostadas. This dish is ultra-adaptable, stunning on appetizer tables, and a fantastic gluten-free option. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or just craving something light and bold, Coctel de Camarones is your go-to.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup tomato, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust to spice level)
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¼ cup cucumber, finely chopped
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¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
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½ lime, juiced
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⅓ cup Heinz chili sauce
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1 cup Clamato juice (or tomato juice with seasoning)
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½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
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1 cup cooked, peeled shrimp (preferably small pink shrimp)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Hot sauce (Valentina, Cholula, or Tabasco), to taste
Directions:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine red onion, green onion, tomato, jalapeño, cucumber, and lime juice. Gently stir to blend.
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Add chili sauce and Clamato juice, mixing until fully combined.
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Stir in the cooked shrimp and chopped cilantro.
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Season to taste with hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
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Serve cold in small bowls, mini cucumber cups, or over tostadas. Enjoy with tortilla chips or saltine crackers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 106 kcal per 125 ml serving
Servings: 3.5 cups (approx. 6–8 servings)
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic: The Story Behind Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of coastal flavors and cultural traditions. This vibrant appetizer is a staple in many Mexican households and seafood restaurants, especially along the West Coast of Mexico. From Baja California to Veracruz, it’s enjoyed with cold drinks, sunny weather, and good company.
Unlike the American version of shrimp cocktail—typically served cold with a thick ketchup and horseradish sauce—this Mexican version is a chilled, savory seafood soup-like appetizer filled with diced vegetables, citrus juice, and bold spices. It’s often served in parfait glasses or bowls with saltine crackers, tostadas, or tortilla chips, creating a casual yet festive eating experience. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The version we’re sharing today is inspired by British Columbia’s West Coast shrimp harvests, which bring a sustainable and ocean-fresh ingredient to the forefront. With a tomato base, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of heat from jalapeños and hot sauce, it’s the ultimate party dish that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
This particular Coctel de Camarones recipe stands out because of its balance of bright flavors and clean ingredients, plus it skips the common use of ketchup. Many shrimp cocktail recipes use ketchup as a shortcut, but that can make the dish overly sweet and cloying. This version swaps it for Heinz chili sauce, which is richer and more complex. When combined with Clamato juice, which adds depth thanks to its clam broth infusion, the base of this cocktail becomes something truly savory and crave-worthy.
Also, using fresh lime juice instead of pre-bottled citrus keeps the flavor bright, zesty, and refreshing. Freshly chopped cucumber, red onion, tomato, and jalapeño add crunch and freshness to every bite. The dish finishes with a pop of fresh cilantro, which ties all the flavors together into a beautifully harmonized, slightly spicy, and herbaceous blend.
Benefits of Coctel de Camarones
1. Nutritious and Low-Calorie
This shrimp cocktail is loaded with vegetables and lean protein, yet remains low in calories—only around 106 kcal per serving. It’s a fantastic option for those watching their calorie intake while still wanting to indulge in something full of flavor. With the inclusion of tomatoes, cucumber, and onions, it also delivers a dose of fiber and vitamins.
2. Naturally Gluten-Free
No flour, no fillers—just clean, whole ingredients. For those following a gluten-free diet, this dish is a safe, satisfying choice. Serve it with gluten-free chips, or cucumber cups for a low-carb version.
3. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This recipe takes just 15 minutes to make, with the option to prepare it a few hours ahead. It’s ideal for last-minute guests, weeknight meals, or party prep. All it requires is a bit of chopping, mixing, and chilling.
4. Perfect for Entertaining
Because it’s served cold and looks beautiful in glasses, small bowls, or cucumber cups, Coctel de Camarones is a show-stopping starter. It’s also scalable—just double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
5. Customizable Heat Level
Whether you love fiery spice or prefer mild flavors, this dish is completely adjustable. The jalapeño and hot sauce can be reduced or increased to suit any palate, making it family- and kid-friendly if needed.
Ocean-Wise Shrimp and Sustainability
A major highlight of this recipe is the use of West Coast shrimp, which are Ocean Wise certified—meaning they’re sustainably sourced. Choosing these shrimp supports ethical fishing practices and helps protect marine ecosystems. These small, sweet pink shrimp are typically peeled and cooked before sale, saving you prep time in the kitchen.
If you’re located outside of British Columbia, don’t worry. Gulf shrimp, bay shrimp, or any other small cooked shrimp will work just as well. Just make sure they’re peeled and ideally chilled before mixing.
How to Serve Coctel de Camarones
Coctel de Camarones is extremely versatile in presentation:
- In parfait or cocktail glasses for a formal appetizer
- Over crunchy tostadas for a hand-held snack
- In cucumber cups or endive leaves for low-carb party bites
- With tortilla chips or saltines for a casual, scoopable snack
Because the dish includes a generous amount of flavorful broth, it’s best enjoyed with a spoon unless served on something firm like a tostada. If you’d like a drier version, simply spoon out the solid components and drain off some of the liquid.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Cocktail
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the mixture to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and enhances the tangy freshness of the lime and hot sauce.
- Don’t Overdo the Hot Sauce: Add it slowly, tasting as you go. The flavors should balance—not overpower.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled juice doesn’t offer the same brightness or acidity as freshly squeezed limes.
- Serve Cold: This is not a dish to be served warm. The chilling process is part of the experience—it’s what makes this so refreshing and suitable for warm weather.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this shrimp cocktail with a crisp Mexican beer, a spicy Margarita, or a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. The acidity and herbal notes in the drink will complement the lime and cilantro in the dish perfectly.
For sides, consider serving it alongside:
- Guacamole and chips
- Mexican Tuna Ceviche
- Elote (grilled Mexican street corn)
- Mango and jicama salad
- Mini tostadas with beans and cheese
Cultural Significance and Popularity
Coctel de Camarones is deeply rooted in Mexican coastal cuisine, particularly in beach towns where fresh seafood is abundant. It’s often enjoyed on family trips, during beach picnics, and at festive gatherings like birthdays and national holidays.
Its popularity has spread across North America thanks to the rise of authentic Mexican restaurants and food blogs. Its photogenic nature and incredible flavor profile have made it a social media favorite too—especially when served in layered glass cups with fresh garnishes.
Conclusion
With its quick prep, bold flavor, and customizable nature, this shrimp cocktail is a repeat-worthy recipe. It’s light enough for summer but flavorful enough to satisfy year-round. And once your guests try it, they’ll be asking for the recipe—every time.
Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, enjoying a sunny weekend with friends, or simply craving a tangy seafood appetizer, this West Coast-inspired Coctel de Camarones is guaranteed to impress.