INTRODUCTION
Shrimp Cocktail is a bright, fresh dish that works as a starter, snack, or light meal. It is a healthy version of a classic seafood appetizer. Shrimp are low calorie and high protein, so this recipe can be a lighter option that fits many diets. The mix of tomato-based Clamato, lime juice, and fresh vegetables gives you flavor with low sugar and low carb benefits. If you want a warm drink after your meal, try the cozy cinnamon spice latte recipe for a sweet finish: cozy cinnamon spice latte recipe.
This shrimp cocktail is quick to make and great for meal prep. It is also naturally gluten free and diabetic-friendly when you watch portion sizes. You can make a large batch and chill it for a few days, which makes it a practical choice for busy weeks.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Shrimp Cocktail because it gives fresh flavor with few calories. Shrimp provide lean protein, so this is a high protein meal that helps keep you full. The vegetables add fiber and nutrients without adding many calories. This recipe is a lighter option for parties and a good fit for weight loss plans or anyone needing a diabetic-friendly snack. It is fast to prepare and a great meal prep pick for busy days.
HOW TO MAKE Shrimp Cocktail
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium pot
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl with ice and water for cooling shrimp
- Serving bowls, tostadas, or chips
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 pound raw medium or large shrimp (about 30 large shrimps, with shells), 4 cups water, 1 quarter large white or yellow onion, 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced in half (lengthwise), 1 large fresh garlic clove, sliced half way to release flavor, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, A bowl with ice and water to cool the shrimps, 8 oz Clamato juice, 1 quarter cup ketchup, 1 third cup lime juice (about 3 or 4 juicy limes), freshly squeezed, 1 teaspoon Maggi seasoning, 2 Tablespoons hot sauce (your favorite, such as huichol, cholula, valentina, etc.), 2 cups reserved shrimp broth, 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeds removed and finely chopped, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped, 2 large jalapeños or 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped, 1 half cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (to taste), black pepper (to taste), 1 large avocado or 2 medium ones (or more according to taste), Fresh limes, tostadas, tortilla chips or saltine crackers (for serving)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Peel and devein the shrimp, reserving the shells.
- Make the broth: In a medium pot, combine water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a soft boil with shrimp shells and cook for about 20 minutes. Remove and discard shells.
- Add shrimp to the hot broth and cook until just pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a bowl with ice water to cool. Let the broth cool and reserve.
- In a medium bowl, mix Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, Maggi seasoning, hot sauce, and shrimp broth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, cucumber, onion, tomato, jalapeño or serrano, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add the broth mixture and gently mix in chopped avocado.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Serve in bowls with tostadas, saltines, or tortilla chips, and lime slices on the side.
HOW TO SERVE Shrimp Cocktail
Serve this Shrimp Cocktail cold in bowls or on tostadas. For a lighter option, use tostada shells or baked tortilla chips and watch your portion size. A typical serving of 4 to 6 ounces of shrimp provides a high protein meal portion while staying low in calories. Add fresh lime wedges on the side for extra vitamin C without added sugar.
Healthy serving ideas:
- Scoop the shrimp salad onto a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb, high-protein salad.
- Use half an avocado with a scoop of shrimp mix for a filling, heart-healthy plate.
- Serve small portions with whole-grain crackers for added fiber.
Control portions by measuring 4 ounces of shrimp per person for a light starter or 6 ounces for a main course. Shrimp are naturally low carb and gluten free, making this dish suitable for many diets.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Shrimp Cocktail
Store the shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will release water over time, so the texture is best within 24 hours. Do not freeze a prepared shrimp cocktail with avocado; avocado will turn brown and get mushy after freezing. You can freeze the cooked shrimp separately for up to 3 months. Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator and then mix with fresh vegetables and dressing when ready.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This recipe pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heart-healthy side, try lightly dressed mixed greens or a quinoa salad that adds fiber. If you want a warm drink after your shrimp cocktail, enjoy it with a seasonal coffee like the Christmas fireside coffee for a cozy touch: Christmas fireside coffee.
Healthy side options:
- Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette (low calorie, adds fiber)
- Steamed asparagus or green beans (low carb, high fiber)
- Small serving of brown rice or quinoa (for added fiber and energy)
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Use reduced-sodium Clamato or low-sodium broth and skip the ketchup to lower added sugars and sodium. Add extra cucumber and tomato to increase fiber and volume without many calories. This makes a lighter option that is still full of flavor.
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High-protein or low-carb version: Serve the shrimp on a bed of leafy greens and skip the chips. Increase shrimp to 6–8 ounces per serving for a protein boost. This keeps it low carb and makes a filling, high protein meal suitable for weight loss plans.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: If you want a warm twist, toss peeled shrimp with a small amount of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Air fry at 400°F for 4–6 minutes or bake at 425°F for 6–8 minutes until just pink. Let cool, then mix with the cocktail sauce and veggies. This version gives a roasted flavor and works as a satisfying variation. It can be a great option when you want a firmer shrimp texture.
FAQs
Q: Is Shrimp Cocktail healthy?
A: Yes. Shrimp are low calorie and high protein. This recipe uses fresh vegetables and lime juice, which keep sugar low. Use the healthier version tips to reduce sodium and added sugar for a more heart-healthy plate.
Q: Is Shrimp Cocktail good for weight loss?
A: It can be. Shrimp are lean and filling, and the vegetables add fiber. Keep portions moderate and avoid heavy chips or extra sauces. This recipe is a good choice for weight loss when eaten as a controlled portion high protein meal.
Q: How long can I store shrimp cocktail in the fridge?
A: Store the prepared dish in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, eat within 24 hours. Freeze cooked shrimp separately for up to 3 months and add fresh vegetables when ready to serve.
Q: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes, this is a diabetic-friendly option when you watch portions and avoid high-sugar sides. It is low in added sugar if you limit ketchup and choose low-sodium Clamato. Pair it with fiber-rich sides to help manage blood sugar.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw the shrimp fully in the refrigerator before peeling and cooking. Reserve shells and follow the broth steps for best flavor.
Q: Can I make this low carb or gluten free?
A: The recipe is naturally gluten free. To make it low carb, skip chips and serve over greens or with cucumber slices.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Shrimp Cocktail
- Cook the shrimp and make the broth up to 2 days ahead. Cool the shrimp in ice water and store in an airtight container.
- Chop vegetables and store them separately in sealed containers to keep them crisp.
- Mix the dressing (Clamato, lime, Maggi, hot sauce, and reserved broth) and store it in the fridge. Combine dressing, shrimp, and vegetables just before serving. This makes the recipe great for meal prep and saves time on busy days.
- If you want a quick after-dinner coffee, you can also brew a delightful espresso at home with an easy guide like this brew a delicious Nescafe Gold espresso recipe for a fast pick-me-up: brew a delicious Nescafe Gold espresso recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and devein the shrimp, reserving the shells.
- In a medium pot, combine water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a soft boil with shrimp shells and cook for about 20 minutes. Remove and discard shells.
- Add shrimp to the hot broth and cook until just pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a bowl with ice water to cool. Let the broth cool and reserve.
- In a medium bowl, mix Clamato juice, ketchup, lime juice, Maggi seasoning, hot sauce, and shrimp broth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, cucumber, onion, tomato, jalapeño or serrano, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add the broth mixture and gently mix in chopped avocado.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Serve in bowls with tostadas, saltines, or tortilla chips, and lime slices on the side.