Hey food lovers! It’s your friend from scooks.com, and today, I am SO excited to share a recipe that instantly transports me to a happy place. Forget everything you think you know about shrimp cocktail. We’re not talking about a few lonely shrimp hanging off a glass filled with horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce. Oh no. We’re diving into something truly special. This is the authentic Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail Recipe—a vibrant, zesty, and unbelievably creamy appetizer that tastes like a vacation in a glass.
I first had this on a trip to Colombia, bought from a street vendor with a huge smile, and I was absolutely blown away. It’s a creamy, citrus-packed celebration of flavor straight from the sunny, colorful streets of Cartagena. It’s bright, it’s refreshing, and it’s about to become your new favorite way to eat shrimp. Ready to escape the ordinary?
Why You’ll Love This Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is a total game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Here are just a few reasons why this amazing Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail Recipe will win you over:
- Incredibly Fresh & Flavorful: We’re talking about a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that is just heavenly. It perfectly complements the tender, juicy shrimp without overpowering them. It’s a flavor combination that just pops!
- Ready in 20 Minutes: Seriously! This stunningly simple recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or an impressive last-minute appetizer when guests drop by. You’ll look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It’s so easy to make a big batch of this for a party. You can prep most of it ahead of time, and trust me, it’s always a massive crowd-pleaser. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe.
- Uniquely Delicious: Ever wondered what makes it so special? The creamy mayonnaise and the surprising hint of orange soda are the secret ingredients that set this recipe apart from all others. It sounds different, but the combination is pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get our ingredients lined up! The magic of this dish is in its simplicity and the freshness of the components.
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp: You’ll need 1 lb of medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. I like to leave the tails on for presentation if I’m serving it in a glass, but tail-off is totally fine, too.
- My Time-Saving Note: You can absolutely use pre-cooked shrimp to save time! If you do, just skip the poaching step below. Easy peasy.
- Water & Salt: For creating a simple, flavorful poaching liquid.
- Bay Leaf (optional): I love adding one to the water. It adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the poaching liquid that really elevates the shrimp.
For the Zesty Colombian Sauce
- Ketchup: This forms the savory, familiar tomato base of our sauce.
- Mayonnaise: This is the secret! It’s what makes this a true Cartagena-style cocktail. Use a good-quality, full-fat mayo for the best, creamiest results.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Absolutely essential for that bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness. Please, please, please don’t use the bottled stuff. Fresh is best!
- Orange Soda: Colombiana soda is the traditional choice, but don’t sweat it if you can’t find it. Orange Fanta or even just a splash of fresh orange juice works perfectly to add that hint of sweetness and fizz.
- Hot Sauce: Use your favorite brand (I’m a big fan of Tabasco or Cholula here) and add it to your personal taste. Start with a little; you can always add more!
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash adds a wonderful touch of umami depth.
For Assembly & Garnish
- Red Onion: Finely diced. See my pro tip below for mellowing out its sharp flavor!
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped. There’s no substitute for the fresh, bright flavor it brings.
- Avocado: Diced, for topping. The creamy, cool avocado is the perfect finishing touch.
- Saltine Crackers or Plantain Chips: For serving! You need something crunchy for scooping up all that deliciousness.
How to Make Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s put it all together. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.
Step 1: Poach the Shrimp
- First things first, bring a medium pot of salted water (and the bay leaf, if you’re using it) to a rolling boil.
- Gently add the shrimp and cook for just 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely! You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque. Don’t walk away!
- As soon as they’re done, use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath (a big bowl of ice and water). This stops the cooking process right in its tracks and keeps the shrimp tender. Let them cool completely, then drain well and pat them dry.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- While the shrimp are chilling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the ketchup, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, orange soda, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly smooth and combined. Now’s the time to give it a taste. Does it need more lime for tang? More hot sauce for a kick? A tiny pinch of salt? Adjust it until you love it.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
- Add your chilled, cooked shrimp and the finely diced red onion to the bowl with that glorious sauce.
- Stir it all gently, making sure to coat every single piece of shrimp.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little rest is crucial—it allows all those incredible flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Right before you’re ready to serve, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Spoon your beautiful shrimp cocktail into chilled serving glasses (like a martini or margarita glass!) or small bowls.
- Top it generously with a spoonful of fresh diced avocado.
- Serve it immediately with a side of saltine crackers or crispy plantain chips for scooping. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Want to make sure your shrimp cocktail is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my go-to tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is my number one rule! Shrimp go from tender to rubbery in a heartbeat. The ice bath is your best friend here—it’s a non-negotiable step for that perfect, snappy texture.
- The Onion Trick: Is red onion sometimes a little too sharp for you? Here’s a great trick: soak the diced pieces in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes before you use them. Drain them really well, and you’ll be left with all the flavor and none of the harsh bite.
- Chill Everything: This dish is meant to be incredibly refreshing. For the best experience, use chilled shrimp, a chilled sauce, and serve it all up in chilled glasses. It makes a world of difference on a warm day.
- Make it Ahead: You can totally get a head start! Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and poach the shrimp. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine them with the onion and cilantro right before you plan to serve.
Storage Instructions
- To Store: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture is definitely at its best when enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made.
- To Freeze: I really don’t recommend freezing this shrimp cocktail. The creamy, mayo-based sauce will separate when it thaws, and the texture of the shrimp just won’t be the same. This is one recipe that’s best enjoyed fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between this Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail Recipe and a Mexican one?
- Great question! The biggest difference is in the sauce. The Cartagena-style (or Colombian) shrimp cocktail is defined by its creamy and rich sauce, thanks to the addition of mayonnaise. Mexican-style shrimp cocktail is typically much brothier, often using Clamato or tomato juice as a base, and it usually includes more chopped vegetables like cucumber and jalapeño.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp is super convenient. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before you start the poaching process. If you’re using frozen pre-cooked shrimp, it’s even easier—just thaw and add them directly to the sauce.
I don’t have orange soda. What can I use instead?
- No worries! A splash of fresh orange juice is a fantastic substitute and will give you a similar sweet, citrusy note. In a pinch, you could even use a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up for a slightly different but still delicious citrus twist.
A Delicious Trip to the Coast!
I really hope you love this vibrant and refreshing taste of the Colombian Caribbean as much as I do. It’s such a simple recipe that delivers a huge, unforgettable punch of flavor and is sure to become a new favorite appetizer in your home. This Cartagena Shrimp Cocktail Recipe is more than just food; it’s a mini-vacation in a bowl!
If you make it, I’d be thrilled if you would please leave a rating and a comment below to let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
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I am a passionate recipe developer and food enthusiast specializing in heart-warming traditional dishes and simple, everyday meals. My goal is to inspire you to find joy and confidence in the kitchen through my easy-to-follow recipes.