Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Cilantro and Lime Juice

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 4 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. This dish features succulent shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce, making it a refreshing and flavorful starter.

History

Shrimp cocktail has been a popular dish since the early 20th century, with its origins traced back to the United States. It gained popularity in the 1950s and has since become a staple on menus at restaurants and gatherings.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) peeled shrimp
0.25 tsp salt, or to taste
0.13 tsp freshly ground pepper, or to taste
0.13 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup prepared cocktail sauce
0.5 tbsp cilantro
1 tsp lime juice
0.5 jalapeno, seeded and minced

How to prepare

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and cumin.
Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side, or until cooked.
Chill the shrimp for 20 minutes.
While the shrimp are cooling, combine the cocktail sauce, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno in a small serving bowl.
Arrange the shrimp around the cocktail sauce and serve.

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango to the cocktail sauce for a tropical twist.
Use different seasonings such as Old Bay seasoning or paprika for a different flavor profile.
Serve the shrimp cocktail in individual shot glasses for a fun and elegant presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and cumin for maximum flavor.

- Sauté the shrimp just until they are cooked through to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.

- Chill the shrimp before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.

- The cocktail sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less jalapeno for spice.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp cocktail can be served as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch option. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the shrimp is the preferred cooking technique for shrimp cocktail, as it allows the shrimp to cook quickly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp if you prefer.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

- Use parsley or basil in place of cilantro if you are not a fan of the herb.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cocktail sauce and season the shrimp ahead of time, then simply sauté the shrimp and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shrimp neatly around the cocktail sauce in a serving dish for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Shrimp cocktail pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. It also goes well with a citrusy cocktail like a margarita or mojito.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a sauté pan over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of shrimp cocktail typically contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Shrimp cocktail is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to watch their carb intake.

Fats

Shrimp cocktail is relatively low in fat, especially when prepared with minimal oil.

Proteins

Shrimp cocktail is a good source of protein, with shrimp being a lean protein option.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp cocktail is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the cocktail sauce and cilantro.

Alergens

Shrimp cocktail contains shellfish, making it unsuitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Shrimp cocktail is a nutritious and flavorful appetizer that is low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a delicious seafood dish.

Summary

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a tangy cocktail sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Shrimp Cocktail. It was a warm summer day many years ago when I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy beachfront cottage. Mrs. Jenkins was renowned for her delicious seafood dishes, and I always looked forward to trying her latest creations.

On that particular day, Mrs. Jenkins invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare a special appetizer for a dinner party she was hosting later that evening. As she deftly peeled and deveined the plump, juicy shrimp, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her skillful hands and the mouthwatering aroma that filled the room.

"Would you like to learn how to make Shrimp Cocktail, my dear?" Mrs. Jenkins asked, a twinkle in her eye.

I eagerly nodded, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge she had to offer. Mrs. Jenkins began to explain the recipe to me, sharing the secrets and techniques she had learned over the years. She emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality shrimp and preparing them just right to ensure they were tender and flavorful.

As she mixed together the tangy cocktail sauce with just the right amount of horseradish and lemon juice, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of how she had first discovered this recipe during a trip to New Orleans many years ago. She had been entranced by the vibrant flavors and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in the sauce, and she had made it her mission to recreate the dish at home.

I watched intently as Mrs. Jenkins arranged the chilled shrimp on a bed of crisp lettuce in individual cocktail glasses, drizzling the zesty sauce over the top and garnishing each one with a sprig of fresh parsley. The finished dish looked like a work of art, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to enjoy the Shrimp Cocktail together, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with tales of her culinary adventures and the many recipes she had collected over the years. She had learned to make dishes from all corners of the globe, from authentic Italian pasta to spicy Indian curries.

But it was the Shrimp Cocktail that had always held a special place in her heart. It reminded her of lazy summer days spent by the sea, savoring the fresh flavors of the ocean and the company of good friends.

After that day, I made it a point to learn the recipe for Shrimp Cocktail by heart. Whenever I made it for family and friends, they raved about its delicious taste and elegant presentation. I felt a sense of pride in carrying on Mrs. Jenkins' culinary legacy and sharing her love for good food with those around me.

Over the years, I have continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of the sea's bounty, a tribute to the joys of good food and good company.

As I sit here now, looking out at the ocean from my own beachfront cottage, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made in the kitchen. And every time I make Shrimp Cocktail, I am reminded of Mrs. Jenkins and the magic of that warm summer day so long ago.

For me, this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of sharing a delicious meal with those you love. And I hope that whoever tastes my Shrimp Cocktail will feel the same sense of warmth and happiness that I do when I make it.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of the sea, just whip up a batch of Shrimp Cocktail and let its flavors transport you to a place of sun, sand, and sea breeze. And remember – good food, like good friends, is meant to be shared and savored.