While I agree that shrimp cocktail is a popular dish, I also believe that most of the time it is not very tasty. On the other hand, Mexican shrimp cocktail is jam packed with flavor! It’s cold, crisp and damn delicious!.
This is a wonderful seafood dish to serve in the summer, when everyone loves something cold and good for them. The tomato sauce is tangy, the cucumbers are crisp and crunchy and the shrimp are briny and meaty. It may just be the perfect combination of flavors and textures of any dish. Every bite is unique and equally as delicious.
For starters, I like to offer this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with fresh guacamole and a pitcher of cold margaritas. Seriously, who wouldn’t love to kick off an afternoon BBQ with that?!.
Most of the excellent shrimp that is easy to find comes from farms in Asia or Latin America. If you want to know what chemicals are used to keep frozen shrimp fresh, read the back of most of the bags they come in. Personally, I cannot pronounce most of them. In addition to being raised in overcrowded pens, the shrimp are fed poor quality feed and antibiotics. All of which end up in our food supply.
When you go to a fish shop or grocery store, these farmed shrimp are what they usually sell behind the counter. They are also what restaurants serve most of the time. The source of shrimp are rarely advertised to the buyer or diner. Be sure to ask if the shrimp are farmed or wild. Additionally, don’t let the phrase “sustainably sourced” fool you; it doesn’t mean anything good for the consumer. I recommend doing some independent research and trying to source quality, wild shrimp whenever possible.
Mexican shrimp cocktail, with its burst of spicy, tangy flavors, is a fantastic appetizer or light meal. But what should you serve alongside this zesty seafood dish to make it a complete plate? I did some digging and found 15 sensational sides that perfectly complement the flavors of classic Mexican shrimp cocktail.
As a food blogger and home cook, I love exploring tasty recipe combinations. My goal with this article is to provide you with a variety of delicious ideas for sides that will take your Mexican shrimp cocktail experience to the next level. Whether you want something cool and creamy, warm and filling, or fresh and crunchy, there’s an option here for you.
Let’s dive in! Here are my top 15 recommendations for what to serve with Mexican shrimp cocktail:
1. Guacamole
Creamy, rich guacamole is hands-down one of the best companions for Mexican shrimp cocktail. The smooth avocado base provides a nice contrast to the spicy shrimp, while the lime, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño give it that classic Mexican flavor. Make it fresh or use a store-bought tub—either way, it’s sure to be a hit.
2. Chips and Salsa
For a more traditional pairing, chips and salsa are always a crowd-pleaser. The crunch of the chips paired with the acidity from the salsa cuts through the richness of the shrimp cocktail perfectly. You could even make your own pico de gallo or tomatillo salsa to serve alongside store-bought tortilla chips.
3. Elote
Elote, or Mexican street corn, adds a wonderfully charred, smoky flavor to balance out the shrimp. Slather grilled corn on the cob with a spicy mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, and finish it off with a squeeze of lime. The sweet corn combined with the tangy mayo and salty cheese takes this classic street food to the next level.
4. Quesadillas
Warm, cheesy quesadillas are an easy yet tasty pairing for shrimp cocktail. Grill or pan-fry flour or corn tortillas filled with melted cheese like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or cheddar. The gooey cheese and lightly charred tortilla provide an irresistible contrast of textures. For extra flavor, add sautéed peppers and onions.
5. Refried Beans
Creamy, smooth refried beans make a hearty and comforting side. Cook dried pinto beans until very soft, then mash them with onions, garlic, epazote, and lard or oil. The earthy, savory beans balance the brighter flavors of the shrimp cocktail perfectly. Add some shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
6. Mexican Rice
For a simple rice pairing, try making Mexican rice, often called arroz rojo. Cook white rice with tomato paste or sauce, garlic, onion, and spices like cumin. The bright tomato flavor pairs nicely with the flavors in the shrimp cocktail. Add some chopped cilantro on top for a pop of freshness.
7. Ceviche
Ceviche makes a fantastic light counterpart to the shrimp cocktail. The lime-marinated seafood and vegetables offer tons of bright, tangy flavors Make it with shrimp, fish, scallops, or octopus, chopped into bite-size pieces and soaked in a mixture of citrus juice, chili peppers, cilantro, and onion
8. Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad adds a nice crunchy, hydrating element. Simply toss sliced cucumbers with lime juice, salt, chili powder, and chopped onion and cilantro. The light salad balances the richer shrimp perfectly. For extra flavor, add diced avocado or mango.
9. Tostones
Crispy smashed fried plantains called tostones make an irresistible pairing. Slice green plantains fry them, then smash them flat before frying them again until golden brown. Their sweetness and crunch contrasts divinely with the saucy shrimp. Serve them plain or seasoned with garlic powder or salt.
10. Mango Salsa
Bring a fresh, fruity element to your meal with mango salsa. Dice ripe mango and combine it with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers for a sweet yet spicy topping. The juicy mango matches seamlessly with the shrimp cocktail sauce.
11. Avocado Salad
An avocado salad is a nutritious accompaniment, with healthy fats to balance the protein from the shrimp. Make it by simply tossing chunks of avocado with lime juice, chopped onion, cilantro, and your choice of dressing. The cool, creamy avocado perfectly offsets the spicy shrimp.
12. Pico de Gallo
For a classic fresh salsa, pico de gallo is my top pick. This uncooked Mexican salsa features diced tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. It packs a punch of vibrant flavors and crunch to liven up the shrimp cocktail. Just be sure not to over-dice the ingredients so you get nice big bites.
13. Grilled Pineapple
Add a touch of sweetness by grilling pineapple wedges lightly dressed with a spicy-sweet marinade. The caramelized, charred pineapple offers a tasty contrast to the savory shrimp. Try making your marinade with pineapple juice, chili powder, cayenne, brown sugar, and lime.
14. Tortilla Chips
You can never go wrong with a bowl of freshly fried or baked tortilla chips. Their satisfying crunch and mild corn flavor lets the amazing flavors of the shrimp cocktail shine. Fry your own or use store-bought chips. Either way, they make the perfect vehicle for scooping up the shrimp and sauce.
15. Chiles Rellenos
For a heartier option, try stuffing mild green Anaheim chiles with cheese, then battering and frying them. The combination of the fried exterior with the melted, gooey cheese filling pairs fantastically with the shrimp cocktail. The creamy pepper cuts the acidity of the sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
You can put this dish in a big bowl and let everyone help themselves, or you can serve it in small bowls. (I love anything that can be served individually. When we have a Mexican-themed night, I make this shrimp appetizer, which is great for getting together with a lot of people. I like to serve Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Guacamole, and other foods in small portions. All of which can be pre-made so you can enjoy the company and the food.
The avocado is an optional ingredient in this dish. I encourage it, but Avocados can be tricky to buy. They are pricey and when you slice into an under or over ripe one, its so frustrating! Here is a helpful article on how to select the perfect Avocado.