Prawn cocktail brings seaside nostalgia to your table, with tender pink prawns folded into a creamy, tangy sauce brightened with lemon juice and a hint of smoky paprika. Sweet prawns mingle with mayo, tomato puree, a touch of mustard, and a pinch of celery salt for that classic, craveable flavor. Served chilled over crisp lettuce ribbons and finished with fresh chives, each bite feels light, festive, and refreshingly elegant. Easy to assemble yet full of charm, prawn cocktail is a timeless starter that makes any gathering feel special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Prawn cocktail
- It’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the prawns.
- Light and refreshing, ideal for any season.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and garnishes.
Prawn cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy cocktail sauce.
- Step 2: Take the prawns and toss them in half of the prepared sauce. Make sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Line your serving glasses or bowls with a generous amount of shredded lettuce. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color!
- Step 4: Divide the dressed prawns evenly among the prepared glasses. Make sure each glass gets a good portion!
- Step 5: Spoon the remaining cocktail sauce over the prawns in each glass. This will enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Step 6: Garnish each glass with a lemon wedge for a zesty touch. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Prawn Cocktail!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 6g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delightful Prawn Cocktail!
- 200g cooked peeled prawns – fresh or frozen, defrosted
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise – for creaminess
- 2 tbsp ketchup – adds sweetness
- 1 tsp lemon juice – for a zesty kick
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – enhances flavor
- dash of Tabasco – for a hint of heat
- salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning
- lettuce leaves – to serve as a bed
How to Make Prawn Cocktail
This delightful Prawn Cocktail is a classic starter that’s quick and easy to prepare. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and no cooking time required, you can whip this up in no time. Chill it for about 30 minutes for the best flavor!
Step 1: Make the Cocktail Sauce
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy cocktail sauce.
Step 2: Toss the Prawns
Take the prawns and toss them in half of the prepared sauce. Make sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Serving Glasses
Line your serving glasses or bowls with a generous amount of shredded lettuce. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color!
Step 4: Add the Dressed Prawns
Divide the dressed prawns evenly among the prepared glasses. Make sure each glass gets a good portion!
Step 5: Spoon Over the Remaining Sauce
Spoon the remaining cocktail sauce over the prawns in each glass. This will enhance the flavor and presentation.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each glass with a lemon wedge for a zesty touch. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Prawn Cocktail!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | Seafood |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (Chill time) |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Seafood |
| Serves | 2 |
| Best Served | Chilled and garnished with lemon |
Pro Tips for Making Prawn cocktail
- Choose fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.
- Mix your sauce in advance for deeper flavor.
- Serve in chilled glasses for a refreshing touch.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Experiment with herbs like dill for a unique twist.
How to Serve this Prawn cocktail
- Serve in elegant cocktail glasses for a classic touch.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Pair with crispy lettuce leaves for added crunch.
- Enjoy with homemade garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
- Complement with a zesty non-alcoholic mocktail, like a sparkling lemonade.
- For a twist, add diced avocado or mango for a tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your prawn cocktail for later enjoyment:
Storing Prawn cocktail Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing Prawn cocktail
- Freezing is not recommended for prawn cocktail due to texture changes.
- If necessary, freeze the prawn mixture separately from the sauce.
- Use freezer-safe containers and label with date.
Reheating Prawn cocktail
- Reheat gently in the microwave on low power.
- Avoid boiling to maintain texture.
- Serve immediately after reheating for best taste.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What goes in a prawn cocktail?
A classic prawn cocktail typically includes cooked prawns, a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup and mayonnaise, and a bed of crisp lettuce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color.
2. What do Americans call prawn cocktails?
In the United States, prawn cocktails are often referred to as shrimp cocktails. The dish remains quite popular, especially as a starter at seafood restaurants and during festive occasions, featuring similar ingredients and presentation.
3. How do you make 80s prawn cocktail?
To make an 80s-style prawn cocktail, combine cooked prawns with a classic cocktail sauce made from equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Serve it in a fancy glass with shredded lettuce and a lemon wedge on the side for that retro touch.
4. Why is it called prawn cocktail?
The name ‘prawn cocktail’ comes from the dish’s main ingredient, prawns, and its presentation style. The term ‘cocktail’ refers to the way the dish is served, often in a glass, resembling a cocktail drink, making it a stylish starter for many occasions.
Now that you have this quick and easy prawn cocktail recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy! This creamy classic is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings back memories of special occasions. So, whip it up, savor every bite, and relish the joy of sharing this timeless starter!