Campechana Extra (Mexican Seafood Cocktail)

Ingredients for Campechana Extra (Mexican Seafood Cocktail)

• 2 medium New Mexico (also called Anaheim), poblano, or Hatch chillies (about 170g )

• 230g medium prawns (preferably wild), peeled, deveined, tails removed

• Kosher salt

• 1 small tomato, seeded, finely chopped (about 110g )

• 1–2 jalapeños, stems, ribs, and seeds removed, finely chopped

• 120ml tomato–clam cocktail, such as Clamato juice

• 60ml plus 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 3 tablespoons chopped pitted green olives

• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion

• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped oregano

• 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

• 45ml fresh lime juice

• 45ml olive oil

• 230g crabmeat (preferably jumbo lump), picked over

• 1 avocado, pitted, cubed

• 1 fresh bay leaf (optional)

• Tortilla crisps (for serving)

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat or preheat grill. If grilling, place chillies on a rimmed baking sheet. Grill, grill, or roast chillies 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.

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

Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook prawns 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.

Mix chillies, tomato, jalapeños, Clamato juice, ketchup, olives, coriander, onion, oregano, garlic, lime juice, oil, and 1/4 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Carefully fold in prawns, crab, and avocado.

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

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

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.