Present two impressive seafood appetizers: the elegant Classic Shrimp Cocktail with homemade zesty sauce and the refreshing, vibrant Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones). Both are quick to prepare and perfect for parties.
Author:izzyrossi
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:6 appetizer servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Chilling/No-Cook
Cuisine:American/Mexican Fusion
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs large shrimp, cooked and peeled
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1 cucumber, seeded and diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup clamato juice or tomato juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional)
Avocado slices, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
For the Classic Cocktail Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors combine.
For the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones): In a separate large bowl, gently combine the diced tomato, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
In a measuring cup, whisk together the clamato juice, lime juice, and minced jalapeño (if using). Pour this mixture over the vegetables.
Add the cooked shrimp to the vegetable and juice mixture. Stir gently to coat. Taste and add salt if needed.
Chill the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
To Serve: For the Classic version, arrange the chilled shrimp around the rim of a martini glass or platter, placing a small bowl of the homemade cocktail sauce in the center. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
For the Mexican version, spoon the shrimp and liquid mixture into individual glasses or bowls. Garnish the top with avocado slices. Serve cold.
Notes
You can prepare both cocktail sauces and chop all vegetables up to one day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator.
For an elegant presentation, serve the classic shrimp cocktail on a large platter arranged in a wreath shape with the sauce in the center.
Use high-quality, large shrimp for the best visual appeal in both recipes.