Colombian Style Shrimp Ceviche Cocktail Recipe – Easy Homemade Coctel de Camarones

Dive into the flavors of Cartagena with this mouthwatering Coctel de Camarones, a Colombian-style shrimp ceviche cocktail that brings the beach to your table. This delightful dish combines tender, perfectly cooked shrimp with a zesty, creamy sauce that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean coast.

Coctel de Camarones may seem simple at first glance, but don’t be fooled – it’s a culinary masterpiece that proves sometimes the best things in life come in small packages (or on top of Saltine crackers). This recipe isn’t just about tossing together some shrimp and sauce; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’ll make your palate sing.

Let’s embark on a journey to create this Colombian coastal delicacy, where each bite is a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory notes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion – from casual gatherings to fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled small shrimp (see note)
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons juice from about 4 limes
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (see note)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco) to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Saltine crackers for serving

Directions

1. Start by giving your shrimp a spa treatment. In a medium bowl, toss them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the baking soda. This little trick will ensure your shrimp stay plump and juicy. Pop them in the fridge for a 15-minute beauty rest.
2. While the shrimp are chilling, let’s whip up our flavor-packed sauce. In another bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of lime juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, ketchup, and onion until they’re as harmonious as a salsa band. Add hot sauce to your heart’s content (or your tongue’s tolerance). Sprinkle in the parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right.
3. Time to cook those shrimp to perfection. Fill a medium pot with 3 cups of cold water, add the remaining tablespoon of salt and lime juice. Gently heat it until it’s just barely steaming and hits 170°F (77°C) on your trusty thermometer. Keep it at this temperature – we’re not boiling; we’re spa-treating! Let the shrimp bathe for about 7 minutes until they turn pink and firm up.
4. Drain your shrimp and give them a quick cold shower under the tap. Spin them dry in your salad spinner if you have one (or pat them dry if you don’t). Now, introduce your shrimp to the sauce and toss them together like they’re dancing the salsa.
5. Serve your Coctel de Camarones immediately with a side of crackers and some extra lime wedges. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with each bite!

Notes

For the best Coctel de Camarones experience, opt for small, raw, shell-on shrimp and embrace the therapeutic process of peeling them yourself. Pre-shelled shrimp often look like they’ve been through a tough breakup – a bit mangled. And please, steer clear of par-cooked shrimp; they’re like stubborn teenagers who refuse to absorb any new flavors.

While the traditional Colombian version sticks to mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce, we’re adding a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for that extra oomph of flavor. It’s like adding a surprise guest star to an already stellar cast – it just works!

The Art of Shrimp Selection

Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for this dish. Fresh is best, but if you can’t get your hands on live shrimp, don’t fret! Frozen, shell-on shrimp are your next best bet. Remember, those “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter are often just thawed frozen shrimp, so you might as well buy them frozen and thaw them yourself.

A Balancing Act of Flavors

The beauty of Coctel de Camarones lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The tanginess of lime, the creaminess of mayo, the sweetness of ketchup, and the kick of hot sauce all come together in a harmonious blend. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios to suit your taste – some like it tangier, others prefer it creamier. Make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

While Saltine crackers are the traditional vehicle for this delightful shrimp mixture, feel free to get creative. Try it with tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist, or serve it in martini glasses for a fancy appetizer. You can even use it as a topping for a crisp salad or as a filling for lettuce wraps for a lighter option.