Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with our Acapulco Style Shrimp Cocktail! This refreshing dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in zesty lime juice, paired with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber—it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion! With just a quick 20 minutes of prep and cook time, you can impress your guests with a dish that transports them straight to the sunny shores of Acapulco. Ready to make waves at your next gathering? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt to taste
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so carefully, ensuring all shells and veins are removed. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pot and immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato juice, diced cucumber, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and the juice of 2 limes. Stir gently to mix the ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Add the cooled shrimp to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture until they are well-coated with the tomato juice and other ingredients.
- Season the shrimp cocktail with salt to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add hot sauce according to your preference, mixing well to incorporate it into the salad.
- Let the shrimp cocktail chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for a more flavorful dish.
- Once chilled, serve the Acapulco Style Shrimp Cocktail in individual bowls or glasses. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your refreshing and zesty shrimp cocktail!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: To ensure your shrimp are tender and juicy, watch them closely while cooking. They should turn pink and opaque in about 2-3 minutes—overcooking can make them rubbery!
- Ice Bath Magic: After cooking, immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them perfectly tender.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe avocados and firm cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. Fresh lime juice is also key to enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your palate. Start with a little, and add more if you like it spicy!
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the shrimp cocktail chill for at least 10 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: Serve in clear glasses or bowls and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 197kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 220mg
