Mexican Shrimp Appetizer(Aperitivo De Camaron Ala Mexicana)
A vibrant Mexican shrimp appetizer featuring marinated cooked shrimp, fresh tomatoes, olives, and creamy avocado, perfect for parties or light gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. fresh cooked large shrimp ⓘ
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- Juice of 2 lemons ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) jar stuffed green olives, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. crushed oregano ⓘ
- 1 large avocado, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the cooked shrimp for 2 hours in olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and minced onion.
- Add chopped tomatoes, sliced green olives, minced parsley, salt, and crushed oregano to the shrimp mixture.
- Gently stir and marinate for an additional 2 to 3 hours, stirring 3 or 4 times during the process.
- When ready to serve, fold in cubed avocado.
- Serve the mixture in a lettuce-lined glass bowl, or in individual servings using icers, large sea shells, or ramekins.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro and basil along with parsley. If you can't find large shrimp, medium shrimp can work too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice to give a different twist. To enhance the dish, try adding diced jalapeños for a touch of heat, reminiscent of other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp appetizer is perfect for entertaining and pairs beautifully with a refreshing Aztec Salad or some crispy tortilla chips. You can also serve it alongside a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with Picante Shrimp 'N Peppers Pasta, which complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious. Avoid freezing the dish, as the avocado will brown and lose its texture. When ready to enjoy, simply serve cold or at room temperature, as this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Shrimp Appetizer(Aperitivo De Camaron Ala Mexicana) contains roughly 286 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them in the refrigerator overnight. The flavor and texture will be best if you use shrimp that are as fresh as possible.
How do I make it spicier?
To add some heat to this dish, you can include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during the marinating process. Adjust according to your heat preference. Another option is to sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper over the finished dish just before serving to give it a spicy kick.
What can I serve with this shrimp appetizer?
This shrimp appetizer pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, like an Aztec Salad, or alongside some crispy tortilla chips for dipping. For a more filling meal, you might also serve it with rice or a light pasta dish, such as Picante Shrimp 'N Peppers Pasta, to complement the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).