Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato juice or Clamato juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like TapatÃo or Valentina, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado, diced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Tortilla chips or saltine crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and immediately place the shrimp in an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once chilled, chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, toss the cooked shrimp with lime juice. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Combine: Add tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, cucumber, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the shrimp. Stir to combine.
- Mix cocktail sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato juice, and hot sauce. Pour over the shrimp mixture and gently mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp cocktail into cups or bowls. Top with diced avocado and serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.
🌟 Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a bit of horseradish to the cocktail sauce!
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or a fun twist on this classic!