Are you ready to dive into a zingy, zesty dish that’s both satisfying and scrumptious? Introducing the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, a tantalizing twist on a classic favorite! Packed full of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a delightful tomato-lime sauce, this recipe brings together vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or that craving for something fresh and fabulous—this is a dish you’ll want to whip up again and again!
Prepare yourself for endless customization! Whether you’re looking to add a splash of spice with jalapeños or go for creamy avocado goodness, the options are just as plentiful as the flavor! It’s the perfect go-to meal that keeps both you and your family satisfied without splurging on delivery fees.
What is the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
A delightful combination of juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce, the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is the ultimate one-pan dish that showcases the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Featuring high-heat cooking for perfectly cooked shrimp and crisp veggies, this meal can be served alongside and on tortilla chips or crackers, creating a vibrant and crowd-pleasing entrée or appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
If you’re on the hunt for a fast and fabulous dish that’s as versatile as it is flavorful, look no further! Here’s why you’ll adore this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:

Quick & Effortless: In just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a colorful main dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The zing from the fresh lime juice and kick from the hot sauce elevate the flavors beautifully, much like how the [Tropical Mango Salsa Recipe] enhances tacos.
Minimal Cleanup: One pan does it all! Prep, cook, and serve in a single dish—less fuss, more fun!
Versatile for Any Night: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the heat level with more or fewer jalapeños. This dish effortlessly adapts to whatever you have on hand, just like my [Crispy Fish
Recipe].Ideal for Weeknight Wins: Quick enough for a busy Tuesday and delicious enough for a special occasion! Impress your family without breaking a sweat.
A Family Favorite Showstopper: Kids and adults alike love this tangy treat! It’s a great way to introduce shrimp to your little ones in a fun way.
This dish showcases the beauty of speed, savor, and simplicity! Get ready to dive into a refreshing bowl of goodness
Meta Info:
Fast, colorful Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with a zesty tomato-lime sauce—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or an impromptu get-together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- (Ingredients format: clean bulleted checklist, grouped sections, toggle measurements, bold quantities).
- Cook Mode: Prevent your screen from going dark.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create the best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail ever!
Juicy Shrimp Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Veggies Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for kick)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
Ready to get started? It’s time to whip up your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail in just a few simple steps!
Prep the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the veggies.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, and cilantro. Stir until well mixed.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked shrimp, cucumber, tomato, onion, avocado, and jalapeño (if using) to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious Mexican Shrimp Cocktail on its own, or serve it up with tortilla chips or crackers for the perfect crunch!
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see your delicious shrimp cocktails!
How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
Prep & Heat: Start by marinating the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper while your skillet heats up.
Cook Shrimp: Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
Combine & Serve: Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl, fold in the cooled shrimp and veggies, and serve up with your favorite crunchy companions!
How Long Will Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Last?
Let’s talk about storage to keep your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail fresh and fabulous.
How Long… in the Fridge?
- You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure it cools down quickly and reheat in a pan for that fresh-hot taste you love.
Can You Freeze…?
- Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Remember to transfer it to an airtight container, similar to how you would store seafood in the [Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe].
Signs… Gone Bad:
- Slimy texture
- Unpleasant smell
- Discoloration
- Mold presence
Which Shrimp is Best for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail?
Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for a delicious outcome! Here’s what you should consider:
Best Type of Shrimp:
- Large, fresh shrimp: Preferred for their meaty texture and ability to soak in the flavors.
- Avoid: Tiny or frozen shrimp, as they might not have the same juiciness.
How to Prep Shrimp:
- Peel and devein before cooking.
- Coat lightly with oil and seasoning.
Stabilizing Flavor:
- Marinate shrimp in zesty lime juice before cooking for added flavor, similar to my [Tangy Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe].
Other Shrimp Options:
- Peeled shrimp: Convenient and ready to cook.
- Plant-based options: For a shrimp alternative, try marinated tofu.
Final Thoughts:
Elevate your meals with this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail; it’s a perfect, win-win choice for any occasion!
For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest and Facebook!
Conclusion
There you have it—your soon-to-be favorite Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! A flavorful, no-fuss dish that brings the cheerful spirit of Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table. Try it out, share it with loved ones, and revel in the compliments that follow!
PrintMexican Shrimp Cocktail
A refreshing and tangy shrimp cocktail packed full of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a delightful tomato-lime sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Seafood
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, and cilantro. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the cooked shrimp, cucumber, tomato, onion, avocado, and jalapeño (if using) to the sauce. Toss gently until well coated.
- Serve on its own, or with tortilla chips or crackers for the perfect crunch!
Notes
Can be served chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
