Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Extravaganza
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Extravaganza. Perfect for gatherings or large parties, this refreshing dish combines succulent shrimp with an abundance of fresh vegetables, zesty lime juice, and a mix of tangy juices. Each bite delivers a burst of savory and spicy goodness, making it an unforgettable appetizer that pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or served alone in chilled glass bowls. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family for a taste of the coastal culinary tradition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
large shrimp
2 lbs (cooked, peeled, and tails removed)
V-8 spicy vegetable juice
46 ounces (1 bottle)
Clamato juice
16 ounces
key limes
20 (juiced)
orange soda
12 ounces
large tomatoes
4 (diced)
large onion
1 (chopped)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
celery
1 stalk (chopped)
cucumber
1 (peeled, de-seeded, and diced)
radishes
6 (chopped)
fresh serrano chilies or jalapenos
4 (diced)
fresh cilantro
2 bunches (leaves only)
oregano
1 tablespoon
olive oil
2 tablespoons
sugar
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons
minced garlic
2 teaspoons
pepper
1 tablespoon
Old Bay Seasoning or celery salt
1 tablespoon
avocados
3 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing pot, combine the cooked shrimp, V-8 spicy vegetable juice, Clamato juice, fresh lime juice from the key limes, and orange soda. Stir thoroughly to combine.
2
Add the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, green onion, celery, cucumber, chopped radishes, and diced chilies to the mixture. Toss gently until the vegetables are well-coated in the juices.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cilantro leaves, oregano, olive oil, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, prepared horseradish, minced garlic, pepper, and your choice of Old Bay seasoning or celery salt.
4
Pour the seasoning mixture over the shrimp and vegetable blend, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
5
Cover the pot and refrigerate the cocktail for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shrimp to marinate.
6
When ready to serve, spoon the cocktail into chilled glass bowls and garnish with diced avocado. Enjoy with tortilla chips or on its own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Extravaganza?
It is a refreshing and vibrant seafood appetizer that combines cooked shrimp with fresh vegetables, lime juice, and a tangy juice blend, perfect for large gatherings.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of large shrimp, which should be cooked, peeled, and have the tails removed.
What makes the base of the cocktail sauce?
The base is made from a combination of spicy V-8 vegetable juice, Clamato juice, fresh key lime juice, and orange soda.
Why is orange soda used in the recipe?
Orange soda adds a unique sweetness and a hint of citrus flavor that balances the spicy and savory components of the cocktail.
How many key limes are needed?
The recipe calls for 20 key limes, which should be juiced.
Can I substitute regular limes for key limes?
Yes, if key limes are unavailable, you can use regular limes, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.
Which vegetables are included in the shrimp cocktail?
The recipe includes tomatoes, large onion, green onion, celery, cucumber, radishes, and fresh serrano or jalapeno chilies.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be peeled, de-seeded, and then diced.
What fresh herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh cilantro leaves and oregano are used to provide an aromatic and herbal profile.
How do I add spice to the dish?
Spiciness comes from the spicy V-8 juice, four diced serrano or jalapeno chilies, and prepared horseradish.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in the seasoning?
The olive oil helps to emulsify the seasoning mixture and provides a smooth mouthfeel to the marinade.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to the seasoning mixture to balance the acidity of the lime and tomato juices.
What can I use if I don't have Old Bay Seasoning?
The recipe suggests celery salt as a suitable substitute for Old Bay Seasoning.
How long should the cocktail marinate before serving?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shrimp to marinate.
How should the shrimp cocktail be served?
It is best served spooned into chilled glass bowls to maintain its refreshing temperature.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Diced avocados are used as a garnish to add a creamy texture to the finished dish.
What should I serve alongside the shrimp cocktail?
It pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips or can be enjoyed on its own.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for gatherings, parties, and large groups.
Can I use raw shrimp if I cook them first?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of cooked shrimp; you can cook raw shrimp yourself, just ensure they are peeled and tails are removed before mixing.
How many different ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 22 ingredients in total, including the shrimp, juices, vegetables, and various seasonings.
What type of chilies are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends fresh serrano chilies or jalapenos depending on your heat preference.
Do I need to include the radish?
Yes, the 6 chopped radishes provide a nice crunch and a slightly peppery flavor to the mix.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires at least 2-3 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent make-ahead appetizer.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe uses a combination of one large chopped onion and a bunch of chopped green onions.
Is this dish considered healthy?
With its focus on lean protein (shrimp) and a wide variety of fresh vegetables, it is tagged as a healthy option.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce?
It adds a savory, umami depth to the liquid base of the cocktail.
Do I mix the seasonings directly into the shrimp?
The instructions recommend whisking the seasonings in a separate bowl first before pouring them over the shrimp and vegetable blend.
How many avocados are needed for garnish?
You will need 3 avocados to adequately garnish the servings.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a seafood appetizer, specifically a Mexican-style shrimp cocktail.