Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with avocado, cucumber, lime, cilantro and red chile

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail combines cooked shrimp, avocado, cucumber, lime, cilantro and red onion in a savory tomato-based sauce. Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix supplies the tomato, horseradish, garlic and spice flavors, while New Mexico red chile hot sauce adds warmth.

Serve the shrimp cocktail immediately while lukewarm, as directed in the original recipe, or refrigerate it briefly for a chilled appetizer.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Details

Preparation time: Approximately 20 minutes
Optional chilling time: 30 minutes
Estimated yield: Approximately 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Preparation method: Mixing
Cooking required: None when starting with fully cooked shrimp

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the broth reserved

  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 cup Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix

  • 1/2 cup reserved shrimp broth

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Hot Sauce

  • Salt, to taste

  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped

  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped

  • 1 celery stalk or fresh cilantro sprig, optional garnish

How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

  1. Place the cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl.

  2. Add the crushed garlic, finely chopped red onion and chopped cilantro.

  3. Stir in the Bloody Mary Mix and reserved shrimp broth.

  4. Add the ketchup, fresh lime juice and Red Chile Hot Sauce.

  5. Mix until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated.

  6. Season with salt to taste.

  7. Gently fold in the chopped avocado and cucumber. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can break apart the avocado.

  8. Serve immediately while lukewarm in one large bowl or divide the mixture among individual serving bowls.

  9. If a chilled shrimp cocktail is preferred, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for approximately 30 minutes before serving.

  10. Garnish with a celery stalk or fresh cilantro sprig.

Tips for Preparing the Shrimp

Begin with fully cooked shrimp that have been properly refrigerated. If cooking raw shrimp specifically for this recipe, cook them completely before mixing them with the remaining ingredients.

Keep the cooked shrimp, reserved broth and finished cocktail refrigerated when they are not being prepared or served. Federal food-safety guidance recommends keeping cold food at 40°F or below and not leaving perishable food unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

Use freshly squeezed lime juice and add the avocado near the end so it holds its shape.

Serving the Shrimp Cocktail Warm or Chilled

The original recipe directs the shrimp cocktail to be served lukewarm. This works best when the shrimp have just been cooked and the cocktail is served promptly.

For a colder appetizer, prepare the recipe as directed, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Add the avocado immediately before serving if you want it to retain its freshest color and texture.

How to Store Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Transfer leftovers to a covered, airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. For the best avocado and cucumber texture, use the shrimp cocktail within one to two days.

Federal storage guidance allows cooked seafood to remain refrigerated for approximately three to four days, but the fresh produce in this recipe will begin losing quality sooner. Do not leave the shrimp cocktail at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Add New Mexico Chile Flavor

The savory base comes from Santa Fe Mixes Bloody Mary Mix, which contains tomato juice, horseradish, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and Hatch red chile.

One teaspoon of Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Hot Sauce adds additional New Mexico chile flavor to the shrimp, avocado and lime.

What to Serve With Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Serve the shrimp cocktail as a cool appetizer before Yucatan Pork Tacos.

For a complementary drink, prepare the Michelada Mexican Beer Cocktail. You can also explore the complete collection of New Mexico salsas.

Browse all Taste New Mexico recipes for more chile-inspired appetizers, drinks and main dishes.

Shop – Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Sauce MEDIUM
Shop – Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Sauce HOT

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