Colombian Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for any occasion. Tender shrimp are paired with a tangy, creamy sauce made from a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a touch of hot sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Cocktail
What is Traditional Colombian Shrimp Cocktail?
Colombian shrimp cocktail is a delightful fusion of fresh shrimp tossed in a zesty tomato-based sauce, often enriched with mayonnaise, ketchup, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and a touch of hot sauce. This dish is a must-have at coastal Colombian celebrations and pairs beautifully with crispy crackers or fried plantains.
Unlike its Mexican cousin, Colombian shrimp cocktail has a creamier texture and a mild sweetness, thanks to the use of ketchup and mayonnaise.
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp elevates the dish. If unavailable, high-quality frozen shrimp works well—just defrost and pat them dry before using.
Chill the Mixture: For the best flavor, allow the shrimp cocktail to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Adjust the Creaminess: Prefer a lighter cocktail? Use less mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Customize the Heat: Colombian shrimp cocktail is typically mild. If you love heat, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Serve Fresh: Prepare this dish close to serving time to ensure the shrimp stay tender and juicy.
Storing Your Shrimp Cocktail
Variations to Try
Avocado Shrimp Cocktail: Add diced avocado for a creamy and buttery texture that complements the tangy sauce.
Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, fruity dimension.
Seafood Medley: Mix in squid, mussels, or crab for a luxurious seafood cocktail.
Ceviche-Style: Skip the mayonnaise and ketchup, and instead marinate the shrimp in lime juice with finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and jalapeños.
How to Serve Colombian Shrimp Cocktail
This dish shines as an appetizer or light meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions:
In Martini Glasses: For an elegant presentation at parties.
With Plantain Chips: The crunchiness of fried plantains pairs beautifully with the creamy cocktail.
On Crackers or Tostadas: Perfect for a casual snack.
In a Hollowed-Out Coconut: A tropical flair for special occasions.
Pair it with a refreshing Colombian lemonade or a cold Club Colombia beer for an authentic experience.
If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, that’s rare!), follow these storage tips:
Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer the shrimp cocktail to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Avoid Freezing: The mayonnaise-based sauce doesn’t freeze well, as it can separate when thawed.
Stir Before Serving: If stored, give the cocktail a good mix before serving to recombine the ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp is a time-saver. Just ensure they’re deveined and peeled, and give them a quick rinse.
Is this dish spicy?
Traditional Colombian shrimp cocktail is mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or diced chilies.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and add the cilantro right before serving for maximum freshness.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier twist.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the shrimp cocktail itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or plantain chips.
Yield: 3
Colombian Shrimp Cocktail
Colombian Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for any occasion. Tender shrimp are paired with a tangy, creamy sauce made from a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a touch of hot sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp
1 lb medium shrimp (40-50, peeled and deveined)
Water, salt to taste
Sauce (per serving):
1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
½ lime, juiced (or a whole lime for a zestier taste)
1 tbsp garlic water (see notes below)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mayonnaise
To Serve
Saltine crackers (optional)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the shrimp and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the water returns to a boil, about 3 minutes.
Drain and immediately transfer shrimp to a bowl of iced water to stop cooking. Drain again and chill in the fridge.
Fill an 8 oz. glass or cup with chilled shrimp.
Top with 1 tbsp red onion, juice from ½ lime, 1 tbsp garlic water, 2 tbsp ketchup, and 1 tbsp mayonnaise.
Stir well to combine.
Pair with saltine crackers for an authentic touch.
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
The Traditional Colombian Shrimp Cocktailis a dish that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Colombian cuisine. Its creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy profile makes it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed dinner party or craving a refreshing appetizer, this dish is sure to impress.
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