Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty (Printer-Friendly Version)

Chilled shrimp, crunchy veggies, and zesty tomato-lime sauce with creamy avocado for a bright, refreshing dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Sauce

02 - 2 cups tomato juice
03 - 1/3 cup ketchup
04 - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 2 to 3 teaspoons Mexican hot sauce, or to taste
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

09 - 1 cup diced ripe Roma tomatoes, seeds removed
10 - 1 cup peeled and diced cucumber
11 - 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
12 - 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
13 - 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1 ripe avocado, diced

→ Serving Accompaniments

15 - Tortilla chips or saltine crackers, for serving
16 - Lime wedges, for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - If using uncooked shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add shrimp and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and rinse under cold water, then peel and devein. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
03 - Gently fold in diced tomatoes, cucumber, chopped onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 - Add cooked, chilled shrimp to the vegetable and sauce mixture. Mix carefully to evenly coat shrimp, taking care not to break them apart.
05 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop and salad to chill thoroughly.
06 - Right before serving, gently stir in diced avocado. Spoon cocktail into chilled glasses or bowls, ensuring shrimp and vegetables are distributed evenly.
07 - Garnish each serving with fresh lime wedges. Serve immediately with sturdy tortilla chips or saltine crackers alongside for dipping.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For the brightest flavor, use only freshly squeezed lime juice and add avocado just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and creamy texture.
02 - Allowing the cocktail to chill for at least 30 minutes ensures the shrimp and vegetables become crisp and fully absorb the tangy sauce.
03 - This dish is naturally gluten free when paired with corn tortilla chips.

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