Cocktel de Camarones

Cocktel de Camarones Recipe from England with Chicken Broth and Shrimp

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cocktel de Camarones, also known as Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. This dish is a popular appetizer in Mexican cuisine, featuring shrimp cooked in a savory broth and mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs.

History

The origins of Cocktel de Camarones can be traced back to Mexico, where it is commonly served as a popular street food snack or appetizer. The dish is believed to have been influenced by traditional Mexican seafood dishes, such as ceviche, and has evolved over time to include a unique combination of flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
5 tbsp fresh lime juice, divided
1 sprig fresh oregano
1.5 lb (680 g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp
1 cup ice
1 cup tomato juice
2 tsp Mexican-style hot sauce
1 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped seeded tomato
1 cup chopped peeled english cucumber
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.25 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
0.75 cup diced peeled avocado
6 lime wedges

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine the broth, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and oregano. Bring it to a simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Discard the oregano.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 3 minutes or until done.
Transfer the shrimp mixture to a large bowl.
Stir in ice, tomato juice, and hot sauce.
Let it stand for 1 minute or until the ice melts.
Stir in the remaining 0.25 cup of lime juice, onion, tomato, cucumber, pepper, and salt.
Allow it to cool.
Cover and chill.
Stir in cilantro.
Divide the shrimp mixture evenly among 6 bowls and top with avocado.
Garnish with lime wedges.

Wine note

This bold shrimp cocktail has a lot of flavors to match, including lime, tomato, hot sauce, shrimp, and avocado. Each of these elements impacts wine differently. To complement all the flavors, serve a simple, dry, refreshing white wine that is flexible with seafood. One of the best options is the Nora Albariño 2005 from Rias Baixas, Spain ($15). It is a snappy and stylish white wine that pairs well with seafood. - Karen MacNeil.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Substitute cooked crab or lobster for the shrimp for a luxurious variation.
Mix in diced jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- Chilling the shrimp mixture before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cocktel de Camarones as an appetizer or light meal, accompanied by tortilla chips or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Cocktel de Camarones include simmering the shrimp in broth, chilling the mixture, and combining it with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Replace the shrimp with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

Cocktel de Camarones can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cocktel de Camarones in chilled glass bowls or martini glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cocktel de Camarones with a crisp white wine, such as Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cocktel de Camarones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cocktel de Camarones contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cocktel de Camarones contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cocktel de Camarones contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cocktel de Camarones contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cocktel de Camarones is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and avocado, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cocktel de Camarones is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins, while being relatively low in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Cocktel de Camarones is a delicious and nutritious seafood dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the coastal town of Veracruz, Mexico. My abuelita, my grandmother, was a wonderful cook and she knew all the best recipes for traditional Mexican dishes. One day, she invited me into the kitchen to teach me how to make one of her favorite recipes – Cocktel de Camarones.

Abuelita had learned this recipe from a dear friend of hers who lived in a small fishing village just outside of Veracruz. The dish was a popular one in the region, made with fresh shrimp, ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy cocktail sauce. I remember the way the kitchen smelled as we prepared the ingredients – the sharp scent of cilantro, the sweet aroma of ripe tomatoes, and the briny tang of fresh shrimp.

As we worked together, abuelita shared stories of her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her own mother and grandmother. She told me about the importance of fresh, local ingredients and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I listened intently, hanging on her every word as she guided me through the steps of preparing the Cocktel de Camarones.

First, we cooked the shrimp in a pot of boiling water until they turned pink and curled into tight little spirals. Then, we mixed together a spicy cocktail sauce made with ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Abuelita showed me how to carefully peel and dice the avocados, tomatoes, and onions, adding them to the sauce along with the cooked shrimp.

The final touch was a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a garnish of lime wedges, which added a burst of fresh flavor to the dish. Abuelita placed a generous portion of the Cocktel de Camarones in a chilled glass and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and vibrant colors.

From that moment on, Cocktel de Camarones became a staple in our household. Abuelita would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a treat for me and my siblings. Each time we sat down to enjoy a bowl of the delicious shrimp cocktail, I would think back to that day in the kitchen with abuelita, learning the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in our family.

Over the years, I have made the Cocktel de Camarones countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add extra hot sauce for a fiery kick, other times I experiment with different types of seafood or vegetables. But no matter how I choose to make it, the dish always brings back memories of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Cocktel de Camarones today, I can't help but feel grateful for the bond that abuelita and I shared in the kitchen all those years ago. The recipe may have been passed down through generations, but the memories of learning to make it with my grandmother will always hold a special place in my heart.