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This spicy shrimp mix from Mexico wakes up your taste buds with tangy, fresh, and lively flavors. Crunchy veggies and tender shrimp swim in a lively tomato and lime broth that’s light but filling, making it great for starting a meal or a quick healthy bite.
The shrimp add a nice protein punch without feeling heavy You get a perfect balance of spicy jalapeño heat with creamy avocado coolness It’s fresh and quick to toss together for any event I’ve made this during summer parties and folks couldn’t get enough of its fresh zing and colorful vibe.
Needed Ingredients
- Shrimp large: peeled and cleaned to get juicy seafood flavor, fresh or well-thawed frozen works fine
- Salt and water: for gently cooking the shrimp so they stay tender and tasty
- Tomato juice or Clamato: gives that classic savory base, low sodium is better if you want control over salt
- Ketchup: adds a touch of sweetness and depth, natural or organic brands make it better
- Fresh lime juice: brightens everything up, squeeze fresh for best flavor
- Red onion diced: gives a sharp crunch with mild bite, pick firm ones without soft parts
- Cilantro chopped: adds fresh herbiness that’s key in Mexican food, use lively green leaves
- Jalapeño: optional if you like some heat, grab one that’s firm and without spots
- Cucumber peeled and seeded diced: cool and crisp, choose firm, wrinkle-free ones
- Tomatoes ripe: juicy and acidic, vine-ripened if you can find them
- Avocado ripe: cut up just before serving to keep creamy and fresh
- Salt, pepper and hot sauce: to tweak flavors to your liking
- Tortilla chips for serving: crunchy and great for scooping up the shrimp mix
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Broth:
- Heat salted water until boiling, it’s the perfect bath to cook shrimp with good seasoning.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Drop shrimp in the boiling water and let them cook 2 to 3 minutes until they’re pink and firm, not rubbery. Then dunk them in ice water right away to stop cooking and keep texture. Chop into small pieces once cooled.
- Mix Cocktail Base:
- In a big bowl, stir together tomato juice, ketchup, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth and tasty.
- Add Veggies:
- Fold in the chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if you’re using it, cucumber, and tomatoes for fresh crunch and flavor.
- Combine Shrimp:
- Gently mix in the shrimp, cover the bowl, and chill for half an hour or more so the flavors blend nicely.
- Add Avocado Last:
- Right before you serve, fold in the diced avocado so it keeps creamy texture and fresh flavor. Serve cold with crunchy tortilla chips.
You can control how spicy it gets by adding more or less jalapeño and hot sauce One ingredient I love here is fresh lime juice since it brings balance and brightness to every bite Making this for a casual taco night turned into a fave dish I keep going back to when I want something fresh and hearty.
How to Store
Keep this shrimp mix chilled in a tight container in the fridge for up to two days. Add avocado last or right before eating so it doesn’t turn brown. Keep tortilla chips separate so they stay crisp.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want chunkier texture, use fresh crushed tomatoes instead of juice. Try mango or jicama instead of cucumber if you want more sweetness or crunch. You can swap shrimp with cooked crab or lobster for a fancy twist.
Best Things to Pair
This Mexican shrimp dish is fresh and bright, great for parties or a simple healthy meal. It’s easy to make and tastes so good you’ll want to serve it again and again.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What’s the best way to cook shrimp so they stay tender?
Boil shrimp just for 2 or 3 minutes in salted water until pink, then dunk them in ice water right away. This stops cooking and keeps them soft.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix everything except avocado and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Add the avocado at the last minute so it stays fresh and bright.
- → What can I swap in if I don’t have tomato juice or Clamato?
Try fresh tomato puree or a blended veggie juice with some seasoning to keep that bright, tangy flavor going.
- → How hot is the dish with jalapeño?
The jalapeño gives it a mild to medium kick. You can easily lower the heat by taking out the seeds or leaving it out if you want something less spicy.
- → What’s a good way to serve this?
Chill it in little bowls or glasses and serve with crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a nice, light snack that’s easy to eat and full of flavor.