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Classic Shrimp Cocktail and Authentic Mexican Cóctel de Camarones

Close-up of a vibrant shrimp cocktail in a glass, featuring cooked shrimp, avocado chunks, and tomato sauce.
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Learn to make two essential shrimp cocktail recipes: the classic American chilled appetizer with zesty homemade cocktail sauce, and the refreshing, spicy Mexican shrimp cocktail served in a tomato broth.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Mexican Style: 1 (17-ounce) can tomato juice
  • For Mexican Style: 1 cup clamato juice
  • For Mexican Style: 1/2 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • For Mexican Style: 1/4 cup ketchup
  • For Mexican Style: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • For Mexican Style: 1/2 cup chopped tomato
  • For Mexican Style: 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • For Mexican Style: 1/4 cup chopped avocado
  • For Mexican Style: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • For Mexican Style: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and chill thoroughly.
  2. Prepare the Classic Cocktail Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Base: In a separate large bowl or pitcher, combine the tomato juice, clamato juice, lime juice, ketchup, and hot sauce. Stir well.
  4. Assemble the Mexican Style: Stir the chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro into the tomato juice mixture. Chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve the Classic Shrimp Cocktail: Arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a glass or serve them individually with the zesty homemade cocktail sauce on the side for dipping.
  6. Serve the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: Place chilled shrimp into individual serving glasses or bowls. Spoon the chilled tomato mixture over the shrimp. Top each serving with diced avocado just before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, do not overcook the shrimp; they should remain tender.
  • You can prepare both sauces up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator.
  • Serve the Mexican style in tall glasses for an authentic presentation.
  • Use high-quality, large shrimp for an elegant appetizer presentation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/easy-shrimp-cocktail-recipe-classic-mexican/