This Creamy Cóctel de Camarones Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing Mexican-inspired seafood appetizer featuring tender poached shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy tomato sauce with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and onions. Served over crisp lettuce with crackers, this easy shrimp cocktail recipe is perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or a light appetizer.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Olive oil, for garnish
- Crisp lettuce leaves, for serving
- Crackers, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
Place the cleaned shrimp in a large bowl and pour in 1/3 cup of the fresh lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor. Drain well and discard the used lemon juice.
2. Poach the Shrimp
Bring a saucepan of salted water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, remove the pan from the heat, and let them poach in the hot water for 3–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Drain immediately.
3. Chill the Shrimp
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean bowl and refrigerate until completely chilled. Cold shrimp gives this cocktail its signature fresh and refreshing texture.
4. Prepare the Creamy Cocktail Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, chopped onion, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, hot sauce (if using), and chopped parsley until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble and Serve
Fold the chilled shrimp into the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Arrange crisp lettuce in serving glasses or bowls, spoon the shrimp cocktail over the lettuce, and garnish with a light drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 430 kcal
- Protein: 35g
