Benefits and Advantages of Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican shrimp cocktail is a delicious and nutritious dish that offers numerous benefits and advantages. One of its main strengths lies in how simple it is to prepare. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can quickly put together this vibrant shrimp cocktail that impresses with its fresh and bold flavors.
This dish provides an excellent source of lean protein through shrimp, which is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to cardiovascular health, immune support, and overall wellbeing, making it a smart choice for health-conscious individuals. Additionally, the cocktail integrates fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and onions that add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish.
The flavorful tomato-based sauce is tangy, slightly spicy, and refreshing, creating a perfect balance that awakens the palate. The combination of citrusy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty sauce makes it a satisfying appetizer or light meal, especially during warm weather or at social gatherings.
“The Mexican shrimp cocktail stands out for its refreshing blend of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors, offering a wholesome option that’s both easy to make and full of nutrition.”
Moreover, this dish is highly versatile and can be adapted to various dietary needs. It fits well into gluten-free and low-calorie diets, and can be scaled for larger groups or served family-style. The use of avocado adds healthy fats and creamy texture, enhancing the overall eating experience. Served with crunchy tortilla chips and zesty lime wedges, it provides a fun and interactive way to enjoy seafood.
This classic Mexican shrimp cocktail is not only a tasty appetizer but also a nutritious and satisfying choice that brings vibrant flavors and health benefits to your table, perfect for those seeking convenience without compromising quality.
For more refreshing recipes and to complement this dish, check out our Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes for another wholesome meal idea.
Discover detailed techniques and tips on preparing this dish by visiting this comprehensive guide on how to make Mexican shrimp cocktail.
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Essential Ingredients for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Achieving the authentic and refreshing flavor of a Mexican shrimp cocktail depends on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a structured list of all the essentials to create a vibrant and tangy seafood treat:
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) medium shrimp, preferably shell on (36/40 or 41/50 count per pound)
- 2 quarts (approximately 1.9 liters) water
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (half for poaching, half for juice)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus extra for poaching
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves (reserve stems for poaching)
- 2 medium Roma or plum tomatoes, cored and diced
- 1 small English cucumber, peeled and diced (can be left unpeeled if preferred)
- 1/2 small red onion or shallots, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable juice (such as a tomato-vegetable blend)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup (about 80 ml) ketchup without high fructose corn syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 small ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and diced (added just before serving)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
This combination balances tangy, spicy, fresh, and savory notes, producing the classic taste expected from Mexican shrimp cocktail. For dietary accommodations, you can use low-sodium vegetable juice for better control over salt intake, and substitute ingredients like avocado quantity to suit caloric preferences.
To maintain the freshest flavor and texture, use wild-caught shrimp when possible and fresh vibrant cilantro leaves. For vegetable juice selection, choose brands free of preservatives or MSG to keep the dish as natural as possible.
For more about the health benefits of shrimp, visit this detailed article, and for step-by-step guidance on making this refreshing dish, check out how to make Mexican shrimp cocktail.
Pair your cocktail with crunchy tortilla chips or homemade gluten-free options like those featured in our Gluten-Free Tortillas recipe for a complete, satisfying appetizer.
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Classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe for a Fresh and Tangy Seafood Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
🍤 This Classic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail offers a fresh and tangy seafood treat packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients.
🍅 Combining poached shrimp with crisp vegetables and a zesty tomato-based sauce makes it a light yet satisfying appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound medium shrimp with shells on (36/40 or 41/50 count per pound)
2 quarts water
1 lemon, cut into wedges (half for poaching, half for juice)
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus extra for poaching
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves (reserve stems for poaching)
2 medium Roma or plum tomatoes, cored and diced
1 small English cucumber, peeled and diced
½ small red onion or shallots, finely chopped
1 cup vegetable juice (such as a tomato-vegetable blend)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup ketchup without high fructose corn syrup
1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
¼ cup water
2 to 2½ teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 small ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and diced (added just before serving)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along the back of the shrimp shells to expose and remove the veins.
2. Prepare an ice bath large enough to hold all shrimp.
3. In a medium pot, bring 2 quarts water, lemon wedges (juice squeezed in and wedges added), black peppercorns, kosher salt, and reserved cilantro stems to a rolling boil.
4. Add shrimp to the boiling water, cover, and remove the pot from heat. Let shrimp poach gently for 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Immediately transfer shrimp to the ice bath and chill for 3 minutes to stop cooking. Peel shrimp, including tails, if preferred.
6. In a medium bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, lime juice, water, and hot sauce. Add peeled shrimp and stir gently to combine.
7. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
8. Before serving, remove from refrigerator and let stand 10 minutes at room temperature. Stir in diced avocado and chopped cilantro leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
9. Serve chilled in cocktail glasses or bowls with tortilla chips and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
🦐 Select fresh, medium-sized shrimp with shells on for the best flavor and texture.
🌿 Use fresh cilantro leaves for vibrant flavor, reserving stems for poaching.
🥑 Add diced avocado and fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Poaching and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 2256 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 183 mg
Keywords: Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Tangy Seafood, Shrimp Appetizer, Fresh Shrimp Recipe