There’s something magical about the vibrant flavors of an authentic Mexican shrimp cocktail. It captures the essence of coastal living with every bite.
This recipe brings together fresh shrimp, zesty lime, and bold seasonings to create a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it on a warm afternoon, this shrimp cocktail will transport you straight to the sandy beaches of Mexico.
Get ready to savor the taste of tradition with each spoonful.
Steps
- Prepare the Cocktail Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place the sauce in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve.
- Prepare the Ice Bath and Cook Shrimp: Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside near the sink. In an 8-quart pot, combine water with Old Bay seasoning, halved lemon, garlic powder, minced garlic, chili powder, and salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp to the pot, and allow the water to return to a boil. The shrimp will be done when they turn bright pink.
- Drain, Cool, and Serve the Shrimp: Quickly drain the cooked shrimp and immerse them in the prepared ice bath for about 2 minutes to cool. Peel the shrimp, keeping the tails intact for presentation. Serve the shrimp alongside the chilled cocktail sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Heinz Chili Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 24 extra-large raw shrimp with tails on (or more, if using smaller shrimp)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 540 | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 5796mg | Carbohydrates: 128g | Dietary Fiber: 20g | Sugars: 68g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 312mg | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1904mg
FAQ
- How can I enhance the flavor of shrimp for a shrimp cocktail?
- Boiling shrimp with seasoning and aromatics adds depth to the flavor. Using a large pot and ample water helps the shrimp cook evenly. Incorporate spices like Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, and lemon to elevate the taste.
- What is a good substitute if I don’t have Old Bay Seasoning?
- You can create a blend with 1 tablespoon of celery salt, 2 teaspoons each of ground bay leaves and smoked paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, and a pinch each of allspice, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- How should I store leftover shrimp cocktail sauce?
- Store any remaining shrimp cocktail sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh for one to two weeks.
- What is the best method to defrost frozen shrimp?
- The safest way to defrost frozen shrimp is by placing them in a bowl of ice water in the refrigerator. This gentle method helps maintain the shrimp’s texture and flavor.
- Can I prepare the shrimp with the shells on, and how do I devein them?
- Yes, you can boil the shrimp with the shells on to enhance the shrimp flavor. To devein, simply cut along the back of the shell with kitchen shears or use a toothpick to lift out the vein without removing the shell.
Tips
- Enhance Flavor with Seasoning: When boiling shrimp, use a mix of spices and aromatics instead of plain water to infuse the shrimp with a richer taste. This technique adds depth to the dish, making each bite flavorful even before dipping it in the cocktail sauce.
- Defrosting Tip for Frozen Shrimp: For the best texture, thaw frozen shrimp in a bowl of ice water in the refrigerator. This method is safer and helps maintain the shrimp’s firm texture, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Customize Your Cocktail Sauce: Start with Heinz chili sauce for a mild sweetness, and adjust the spiciness by adding small amounts of your preferred hot sauce. Taste as you go to reach your desired level of heat.
- Quick Cooling for Perfect Texture: After boiling, immediately transfer shrimp to an ice bath for two minutes. This quick cooling stops the cooking process and helps maintain the shrimp’s firm, juicy texture.
Equipment
- 8-quart pot
- Kitchen shears
- Large bowl for ice bath
