Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy shrimp, tangy tomato juice, and fresh cilantro creates a delicious and zesty flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

The origins of shrimp cocktail can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it was first served as a popular appetizer in seafood restaurants. Over the years, different variations of the dish have emerged, with each region adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe. This particular recipe adds a spicy kick with the addition of jalapeño chiles and Worcestershire sauce, giving it a modern and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

2 cups tomato juice
1 cup bottled clam juice
0.5 cup sherry wine vinegar
20 large cilantro sprigs
2 serrano chiles or jalapeño chiles, cut in half
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
2 lb (907 g) uncooked large shrimp, peeled, de-veined
1 large tomato, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp sugar
lime wedges and/or avocado

How to prepare

Combine tomato juice, clam juice, vinegar, cilantro sprigs, chilies, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan.
Boil until the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced to 1.67 cups, about 30 minutes.
Strain the mixture into a medium bowl.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and sauté until they are just cooked through, about 4 minutes.
Allow the shrimp to cool.
Add the shrimp, tomato, green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and sugar to the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
Chill the mixture until it is cold, at least 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.)
Garnish with lime wedges and/or avocado.

Variations

For a milder version, omit the jalapeño chiles and reduce the amount of Worcestershire sauce.
Add diced cucumber or mango for a refreshing twist.
Substitute the shrimp with cooked crab meat or lobster for a luxurious variation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- For a spicier cocktail, leave the seeds in the jalapeño chiles. For a milder version, remove the seeds before adding them to the sauce.

- To save time, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time and assemble the cocktail just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro as an appetizer or light meal. It pairs well with a side of avocado slices or tortilla chips for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the sauce until it is slightly thickened to enhance the flavors.

- Sauté the shrimp just until they are cooked through to prevent them from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the clam juice with fish stock or vegetable broth.

- Use parsley or basil in place of cilantro if desired.

- Replace the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time and assemble the cocktail just before serving. The cocktail can be made up to a day in advance and chilled until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro in individual cocktail glasses or small bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish with lime wedges and avocado slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium, thanks to the fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and shrimp.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro is a nutritious and protein-packed dish that is low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Summary

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With its zesty flavors and protein-packed shrimp, this cocktail is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro. It was back in the summer of 1965, when I was just a young girl living in a small coastal town in Mexico. My abuela, Maria, was known throughout the town for her incredible culinary skills, and she was always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors in the kitchen.

One day, as I was helping my abuela prepare for a family gathering, she pulled out a faded, stained recipe card from her recipe box. The card was written in her delicate handwriting, and it detailed how to make a spicy shrimp cocktail with tomato and cilantro. I had never seen anything like it before, and I was instantly intrigued.

Abuela explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to the United States and brought back some new cooking techniques. The combination of spicy shrimp, tangy tomato, and fresh cilantro sounded so exotic and delicious to me. I couldn't wait to try it.

As we began to prepare the dish, I watched in awe as my abuela expertly peeled and deveined the shrimp, chopped the tomatoes, and minced the cilantro. She added a touch of hot sauce and a squeeze of lime juice to the mix, creating a vibrant and zesty sauce that would perfectly complement the tender shrimp.

Once the shrimp had cooked to perfection, we assembled the cocktail in small glass cups, garnishing each one with a sprig of fresh cilantro. The bright colors and bold flavors of the dish made it look like a work of art, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

When I took my first bite of the spicy shrimp cocktail, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The spicy shrimp paired perfectly with the cool, tangy tomato and the bright, herbaceous cilantro. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this spicy shrimp cocktail countless times, sharing it with friends and family at gatherings and celebrations. Each time I prepare it, I think back to that summer day in 1965 when my abuela first introduced me to the recipe. I am grateful for her guidance and inspiration in the kitchen, and I am proud to carry on her tradition of cooking delicious and memorable dishes for those I love.

As I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The aroma of the shrimp cooking, the vibrant colors of the dish, the laughter and conversation shared around the table - all of these moments are woven into the fabric of this recipe, making it so much more than just a dish to me.

I hope that you will enjoy making this spicy shrimp cocktail as much as I have over the years. May it bring you joy, comfort, and connection with those you share it with. And may it remind you, as it does for me, of the love and tradition that is passed down from generation to generation through the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal together. Bon appétit!