Coctel de Mariscos is a popular Mexican seafood dish known for its refreshing flavors and variety of textures.
Texture-wise, Coctel de Mariscos typically includes a mix of seafood such as shrimp, octopus, squid, scallops, and sometimes crab or fish, all of which are cooked and served cold. These seafood ingredients offer a combination of textures—shrimp tend to be tender, octopus slightly chewy, squid with a firm yet tender bite, and scallops with a delicate texture.
The seafood is typically marinated in a flavorful mixture of tomato-based sauce or cocktail sauce with lime juice, cilantro, onions, and sometimes diced tomatoes or avocado. This sauce contributes to the dish’s overall texture, providing a tangy and slightly spicy element that complements the seafood.
Coctel de Mariscos is often served in a large glass or bowl, allowing the seafood and the sauce to be visually appealing. It’s garnished with slices of avocado, lime wedges, and sometimes crackers or tortilla chips on the side.
This dish is cherished for its freshness and combination of flavors and textures, offering a zesty, tangy, and briny taste from the seafood combined with the refreshing citrusy notes of lime and the creamy texture of avocado. Coctel de Mariscos is commonly enjoyed as a light and appetizing appetizer or a refreshing main course, especially during warm weather.
Key Takeaways
- Who this meal appeals to: Seafood lovers, those seeking a light and refreshing dining experience, anyone craving the vibrant flavors of coastal Mexico.
- Estimated duration: A quick and delightful creation ready in approximately 20 minutes, showcasing the bounty of the sea.
- Nutrition facts: A protein-packed dish with a burst of citrusy and tangy notes.
About this Recipe
Coctel de Mariscos is a beloved dish that brings together the ocean’s treasures in a tantalizing cocktail. The combination of shrimp, octopus, and other seafood, along with a flavorful cocktail sauce, makes this dish a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer
- Serving glasses or bowls
Ingredients
Seafood Mix:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked octopus, diced
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1/2 cup fresh scallops, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh clams or mussels, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Cocktail Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shrimp, diced octopus, crab meat, diced scallops, chopped clams or mussels, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Mix the cocktail sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato juice, ketchup, fresh lime juice, orange juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- Combine and chill: Pour the cocktail sauce over the seafood mix and gently toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spoon the Coctel de Mariscos into individual serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Side Dishes
- Avocado slices or chunks
- Tostadas or saltine crackers
- Sliced radishes for added crunch
Storage Options
Coctel de Mariscos is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. However, note that the texture of the seafood may change upon storage.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Seafood: Customize the mix based on your preferences, adding other seafood like lobster or calamari.
- Cocktail sauce: Experiment with different hot sauces or add a touch of horseradish for extra kick.
Alternatives to this Meal
Transform your Coctel de Mariscos into a seafood salad by serving it over a bed of mixed greens or enjoy it as a filling for tacos or tostadas.
Conclusion
Coctel de Mariscos brings the vibrant flavors of the sea to your table, offering a refreshing and delightful seafood cocktail. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed as a solo treat, this recipe promises a fiesta of flavors and a celebration of coastal Mexican cuisine. ¡Buen provecho!
