Campechana Extra (Mexican Seafood Cocktail)

A refreshing Mexican seafood cocktail featuring a combination of shrimp and crab meat with roasted chiles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty tomato-clam juice base. This traditional appetizer is served chilled with tortilla chips for a perfect starter or light meal.

6 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • 2 medium New Mexico chiles
  • ½ pound medium shrimp
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 small tomato
  • whole jalapeños
  • ½ cup tomato-clam cocktail
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
  • teaspoons finely chopped oregano
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ pound crabmeat
  • 1 whole avocado
  • 1 whole fresh bay leaf
  • 1 package tortilla chips

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat or preheat broiler. If broiling, place chiles on a rimmed baking sheet. Grill, broil, or roast chiles directly over flame on stovetop, turning occasionally, until very tender and blackened all over, 10-12 minutes. Poblanos might take a little longer, so test doneness with a paring knife.

    12 min

  2. 2.

    Transfer chiles to a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let steam 15 minutes. Peel chiles. Halve lengthwise, discard seeds, and chop into 1/4" pieces.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook shrimp until just opaque and pink, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to an ice bath and let sit until cool, about 3 minutes. Drain and pat dry.

    6 min

  4. 4.

    Mix chiles, tomato, jalapeños, Clamato juice, ketchup, olives, cilantro, onion, oregano, garlic, lime juice, oil, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Carefully fold in shrimp, crab, and avocado.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Transfer to a serving bowl or tall sundae glass and top with bay leaf, if using. Serve with tortilla chips alongside.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Salsa base (without seafood and avocado) can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to a resealable container and chill.