Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Prawn Cocktail)
Chilled prawns in a zesty tomato and orange sauce with pico de gallo, avocado and a splash of hot sauce. Nothing like the 1970s kind.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min plus chilling
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.16 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Pat the prawns dry with kitchen paper. If large, cut each in half.
- 2
In a large bowl, stir together the tomato juice, ketchup, orange juice, lime juice and hot sauce. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. It should taste bright, tangy and slightly sweet.
- 3
Add the prawns, your ready made pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and the cucumber. Mix gently. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
30 min - 4
Add the diced avocado just before serving and fold in gently.
- 5
Spoon into chilled glasses or small bowls. Serve with gluten free tortilla chips and extra hot sauce on the side.
Tips
- Chill the glasses and mix well in advance. This dish is best served properly cold.
- Add the avocado at the last minute so it stays green and holds its shape.
- Add more hot sauce or sliced jalapeños at the table so everyone can set their own heat.
Storing and freezing
Eat the same day. Keep covered in the fridge and eat within 24 hours at most. Prawns in an acidic sauce soften as they sit. Do not freeze.
Questions
Is this the same as British prawn cocktail?
No. The Mexican coctel de camarones is a chunky, tangy, spicy dish with tomato, orange, lime and fresh vegetables, served cold in a glass or bowl. It is closer to a prawn salad than to the creamy Marie Rose version.
Can I use raw prawns?
Yes, but cook them first. Simmer raw king prawns in salted water for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque, then cool quickly in iced water, drain and dry well before using.
What do I serve it with?
Mexican cooks usually serve it with saltine crackers or tostadas. Gluten free tortilla chips or tostadas work well for a gluten free version, and a squeeze of extra lime brightens everything.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Tacos de Camarón a la Plancha (Griddled Prawn Tacos)
GFDFEFTacos al Pastor con Piña (Pork and Pineapple Tacos)
GFDFEFTacos de Coliflor Rostizada con Pico de Gallo (Taco-Spiced Cauliflower Tacos)
GFDFEFChuletas de Cerdo Asadas al Achiote (Achiote Pork Chops)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.