“My father and hubby are always requesting these, but they usually only get them on holidays. Last night I caved and halved the recipe just for our dinner. It may have been a mistake because now they’re going to want them all the time haha!”
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp and Vegetables:
- 2 lbs (900g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped 🌶️
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped 🥒
- 2 avocados, chopped 🥑
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- For the Sauce:
- Juice and zest of 2 limes 🍋
- Juice and zest of 1 orange 🍊
- 11.5 oz (340ml) tomato juice 🥤
- ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce 🍅
- 2 garlic cloves, grated 🧄
- Hot sauce, to taste 🌶️
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they curl into a loose “C” shape and turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the shrimp and immediately cool them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prep the Shrimp and Veggies:
Once cooled, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the celery, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, and onion.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice and zest, orange juice and zest, tomato juice, tomato sauce, grated garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve:
Serve the cocktail cold, garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Pair with crispy tortilla chips or saltine crackers for a perfect finish.
Tips & Variations
- Add Heat: For extra spice, keep the jalapeño seeds or add diced serrano peppers.
- Seafood Variety: Mix in cooked crabmeat or scallops for a seafood medley.
- Make Ahead: This dish tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance.
Enjoy this refreshing and zesty dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home! 🌟🍤