Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe (Coctel de Camarones)

This recipe for Mexican shrimp cocktail shooters is a guaranteed runaway hit of an appetizer.

Perfect for entertaining or as a no-cook lunch, snack, or dinner - especially when it's too hot to cook in the summer heat.

Perfectly cooked sous vide shrimp married with crisp cucumber, juicy mango, bright cilantro, tangy fresh lime juice, sweet corn and the convenience of store-bought cocktail sauce. This will be among the most flavorful classic Mexican recipes you'll try.

If this appetizer recipe gets you hooked on sous vide recipes you will also want to make oreo cheesecake in a mini mason jar, sous vide lemon curd, or even sous vide cold-brewed coffee.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Ingredients:

Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe with shredded shrimp, cucumbers, and cilantro in a bowl.

Recipe Card?

To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.

Garnishes, Optional

Mexican shrimp cocktail served with a wooden spoon.

Hot Sauce
Jalapeno, finely diced
Tomato, finely diced

Is it okay to cook shrimp ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to cook the shrimp ahead of time because it allows for better preparation and ensures they're ready when assembling the cocktail.

How to make Mexican Coctel de Camarones

Add all the fresh ingredients to a large bowl, with the exception of the avocado, and stir to gently to combine.
Taste for seasoning and add what you think it needs. It may need more lime juice, hot sauce, more diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, and more chopped cilantro, and don't forget that if the mixture tastes flat, it probably will need more salt.
Add the avocado, and gently stir.
Cover and refrigerate it for an hour before serving.

Making Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

mexican shrimp cockatil shooters with shrimp garnish

Finely dice a cucumber

I leave the seeds in and the skin on. I like the deep green color of the skin but if you don't, go ahead and remove the skin and/or the seeds.

Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe with chopped onions on a cutting board.

Finely dice a cucumber

Finely, I mean, FINELY dice ¼ Cup red onion. You don't want to chomp down on big pieces of onion. I used a red onion but if you just have a white or yellow onion, that will work too.

Chopped parsley on a cutting board next to a knife, perfect for a Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe.

Chop Cilantro

If you love cilantro, add the whole bunch. If you are not a fan, just do a ¼ of a bunch of cilantro. Please don't leave it out completely. This Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe NEEDS cilantro.

A slice of mango on a cutting board, perfect for a Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe

Dice a Mango

Finely dice a medium-sized ripe mango.

A Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe is being enhanced as a knife slices a lime on a cutting board.

Zest and juice two limes

Use a Microplane zester.

Add the corn

I use frozen corn kernels and I do not cook them.

A person holding a half avocado while preparing a Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe on a cutting board.

Dice Avocado

add 1 large avocado or 2 small avocados, diced.

Chop Shrimp

Remove the shells of the shrimp and dice the succulent shrimp into bite-sized pieces.

Combine

Combine all the ingredients with the cocktail sauce.

Season

Season with a pinch of salt.

Add the hot sauce and/or the jalapeno pepper.

Mexican shrimp cocktail in shot glasses on a white plate.

Chill

Refrigerate for an hour so the flavors can develop and marry together. Serve in individual glasses.

Seasonal Favorite

This is my award-winning Crisco pie crust recipe; flaky, tender, and made with simple ingredients you already have.

Crisco Pie Crust

FAQ's and Tips

How long does this Mexican shrimp appetizer last in the fridge?

I find that Mexican shrimp cocktail is best when it has been marinated in the refrigerator for an hour. I find that a Mexican shrimp cocktail is best if it is served within 24 hours of being in the fridge. Any longer than that the flavors are still good but I find that the shrimp have started to get tough.

How do you serve this great shrimp recipe?

I am a fan of serving Mexican shrimp cocktail in small shot glasses. But serving it in a serving bowl with tortilla chips on the side is another delicious idea.

What's the difference between ceviche and shrimp cocktail?

Ceviche is a dish originating from Latin America that typically involves raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice, such as lime or lemon. The acid in the juice "cooks" the seafood, denaturing the proteins and giving it a firm texture. Ceviche is often mixed with various ingredients like onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers to add flavor.

Shrimp cocktail usually consists of cooked shrimp that is chilled and served with a tangy tomato-based sauce. The sauce used in the shrimp cocktail is typically made with ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon or lime juice, and other seasonings. It's commonly served as an appetizer or starter.

How can I make my own cocktail sauce?

Simply combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce, adjusting the quantities to suit your taste preferences, then refrigerate until ready to serve. It's an easy condiment for dipping plump shrimp or other seafood.

published Jan 11, 2019

I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

Get to know me