Zesty Lime Shrimp Cocktail Cups

Zesty Lime Shrimp Cocktail Cups

Julia

These Zesty Lime Shrimp Cocktail Cups bring the classic elegance of shrimp cocktail into a modern, portable format perfect for busy lifestyles. Inspired by coastal Mexican ceviches and traditional American shrimp cocktails, this refreshing dish combines plump, perfectly cooked shrimp with a vibrant lime-based sauce that's both tangy and slightly sweet. Each individual serving cup is a complete snack that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without any gluten-containing ingredients.

What sets this recipe apart is its brilliant balance of convenience and sophistication. The shrimp are quickly poached to tender perfection, then chilled and tossed in a zesty sauce made with fresh lime juice, tomato, cilantro, and a hint of heat from jalapeño. The individual cup presentation makes these ideal for meal prep, picnics, or enjoying on the go—no utensils required if you prefer to simply sip the flavorful cocktail sauce after enjoying the shrimp.

Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, these cocktail cups are as nutritious as they are delicious. The bright citrus notes awaken your palate while the natural sweetness of quality shrimp satisfies your hunger. Whether you're packing them for a beach day, storing them in your work fridge for a protein-rich afternoon snack, or serving them at a gathering, these cups deliver coastal refreshment in every bite. They're naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and can be prepared in advance, making them a smart choice for anyone seeking healthy, flavorful grab-and-go options.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
185 calories
Fat 7.00g
Carbs 10.00g
Protein 22.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbslarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cupswater
1 tbspsalt, for boiling water
1/2 cupfresh lime juice, from about 4-5 limes
1 cuptomato, finely diced
1/4 cupred onion, finely diced
1/4 cupfresh cilantro, chopped
1 wholejalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 clovesgarlic, minced
2 tbsptomato paste
2 tbspolive oil
1 tsphoney
1/2 tspground cumin
1/2 tspsalt, for sauce
1/4 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 wholeavocado, diced (optional)
6 wholelime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Large pot
Slotted spoon
Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
large mixing bowl
chef's knife
citrus juicer
plastic wrap
6 small serving cups or glasses (8-10 oz each)

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with Clean Eating principles, this recipe uses only whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh shrimp, vegetables, and olive oil, avoiding refined sugars, artificial additives, and processed components.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe uses only whole food ingredients like shrimp, vegetables, and olive oil without any gluten-containing grains or processed additives, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option with only 4-5g net carbs per serving, featuring protein-rich shrimp, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil, while completely avoiding high-carb ingredients like grains and sugars.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Mediterranean Diet principles, featuring seafood as the primary protein, olive oil as a healthy fat, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cilantro, and using herbs and citrus for flavor without excessive salt.

Paleo Diet

Fully Paleo-compliant, this recipe uses wild-caught shrimp, fresh vegetables, and healthy olive oil while avoiding grains, legumes, dairy, and processed ingredients. The dish emphasizes whole, unprocessed ingredients that would be available to hunter-gatherers.

Instructions

1
8 min

Fill a large pot with 6 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

2

While the water heats, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water. Set aside.

1 min
3
3 min

Once the water is boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.

4

Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 3-4 minutes.

4 min
5

While the shrimp chill, dice the tomato into small pieces, about 1/4-inch cubes, and place in a large mixing bowl.

2 min
6

Finely dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, seed and mince the jalapeño pepper, and mince the garlic cloves.

4 min
7

Add the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, and minced garlic to the bowl with the tomatoes.

8

Squeeze the limes to get 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice and add it to the bowl along with the tomato paste, olive oil, honey, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.

2 min
9

Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until well combined and the tomato paste is fully incorporated.

1 min
10

Drain the chilled shrimp from the ice bath and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut each shrimp in half lengthwise if desired for easier eating from cups.

2 min
11

Add the shrimp to the bowl with the lime sauce and toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly.

1 min
12

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

30 min
13

When ready to serve, divide the shrimp cocktail mixture evenly among 6 small serving cups or glasses, including plenty of the flavorful sauce in each cup.

2 min
14

If using, top each cup with diced avocado and garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of each cup. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions