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If you’re craving a classic appetizer that brings a delightful freshness, a touch of tang, and a splash of nostalgic charm, this Prawn Cocktail Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully simple—and fabulously flavorful—dish that combines tender, juicy prawns with a creamy, zesty sauce, making every bite a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or a special occasion, this recipe has that magical way of impressing without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Prawn Cocktail Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce to the creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together. You don’t need a long list—just quality components that come together effortlessly to create something truly satisfying.
- Medium fresh cooked or raw prawns with shell and heads on: About 1 kg, which yields around 600g peeled—use raw or cooked depending on your preference and timing.
- Fresh cooked peeled prawns: 600g if you prefer to skip peeling yourself, perfect for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Iceberg lettuce: Approximately 3 cups, finely sliced to add a refreshing crunch and delicate color contrast.
- Lemon wedges: Essential for that bright citrus kick when serving.
- Finely chopped parsley (optional): Adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herby note.
- Mayonnaise: 2/3 cup of good quality whole egg mayonnaise, the creamy base of the sauce that brings richness.
- Ketchup or tomato sauce: 1 tablespoon to add sweetness and depth to the cocktail sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon to contribute a savory, umami complexity.
- Freshly grated horseradish: 1 teaspoon, or substitutes like jarred horseradish or wasabi, to give the sauce a lively kick.
- Tabasco sauce: Just a dash, tailored to your heat preference for that perfect hint of spice.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch for both subtle warmth and a touch of inviting color.
How to Make Prawn Cocktail Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
If you’re working with whole prawns, start by removing their heads and peeling the shells off carefully. You might want to save a few whole prawns for decoration—it makes the final presentation extra special. If you’re using medium size cooked prawns, there’s no need to devein; it’s often tricky and doesn’t impact the taste much with the sauce’s bold flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, a dash of Tabasco, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir everything until smooth and well-blended. This sauce is the heart of the Prawn Cocktail Recipe, delivering that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 3: Toss Prawns with Sauce
Gently toss your prepared prawns with the luscious cocktail sauce, making sure each piece is nicely coated but not drowning in dressing. This step guarantees every bite bursts with flavor, turning simple prawns into an irresistible treat.
Step 4: Assemble with Lettuce
Line small serving dishes or glasses, like classic Martini glasses, with a bed of finely shredded iceberg lettuce. The crisp lettuce adds a refreshing base and contrast to the creamy prawns—both in texture and color.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Top the lettuce with the sauced prawns, then accent with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley if you like. These finishing touches brighten the plate visually and enhance the tasting experience.
How to Serve Prawn Cocktail Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon wedges are the perfect finishing touch for your Prawn Cocktail Recipe, providing a zesty burst that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a subtle herbal lift, turning each serving into something that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Prawn cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like crusty bread or buttery crackers that soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad or a chilled cucumber salad works well too, balancing richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, serve your Prawn Cocktail Recipe in elegant Martini glasses or stylish mini bowls to elevate the presentation. If you want a casual vibe, try serving it in small lettuce cups for a handheld delight that’s as easy to eat as it is pleasing to the eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover prawn cocktail can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the sauce-dressed prawns chilled and make sure to consume them promptly to enjoy their fresh flavor and texture at their best.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze the prepared cocktail due to the mayonnaise-based sauce, which doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing. However, you can freeze raw or cooked prawns separately if you’d like to prepare the dish later with fresh ingredients.
Reheating
This dish is traditionally served cold and is not intended to be reheated. Simply stir before serving if the sauce separates slightly, and enjoy chilled for that classic cool, creamy taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for the Prawn Cocktail Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before peeling or tossing in the sauce. Freshness always shines best, but good quality frozen prawns are a convenient and tasty option.
What if I don’t have horseradish?
No worries—jarred horseradish or even a mild wasabi paste works as an excellent substitute to give your sauce that characteristic zing.
Is it necessary to peel the prawns?
For the best eating experience, peeling prawns is recommended unless you want to serve some whole for decoration. It makes the cocktail easier to eat and enjoy fully.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cocktail sauce a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use for maximum freshness.
How spicy is this Prawn Cocktail Recipe?
The spice level is mild and can be adjusted to your taste by varying the amount of Tabasco and cayenne pepper. It should offer a gentle warmth without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Prawn Cocktail Recipe is such a timeless pleasure that’s easy to love and even easier to make. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy something truly delicious without any complicated steps. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this classic appetizer can bring sparkle to your next meal or party!
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Prawn Cocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Description
A classic and refreshing Prawn Cocktail recipe featuring plump prawns tossed in a tangy, creamy sauce and served on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce. Perfect as a light appetizer or starter, this dish combines simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish to create a deliciously flavorful seafood treat.
Ingredients
Prawns
- 1 kg / 2 lb medium fresh cooked or raw prawns with shell and heads on (yields ~600g once peeled); OR
- 600 g / 1.2 lb fresh cooked prawns already peeled
Salad Base
- About 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Finely chopped parsley (optional)
Sauce
- 2/3 cup / 165 ml mayonnaise, preferably good quality whole egg mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp freshly grated horseradish (or substitute 1 1/2 tsp jarred horseradish OR 3/4 tsp wasabi)
- Dash of Tabasco sauce (to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste and for a tiny bit of color)
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: If using whole prawns, remove the heads and peel them, leaving a few whole for decoration if you wish. Deveining is usually unnecessary for medium cooked prawns due to their small size.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, Tabasco sauce, and cayenne pepper to create the cocktail sauce.
- Toss Prawns in Sauce: Add the peeled prawns to the sauce and gently toss until all the prawns are evenly coated with the cocktail sauce.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Place a bed of finely sliced iceberg lettuce into serving dishes. Martini glasses work well, but any small serving vessel or lettuce cups can be used.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the sauced prawns on top of the lettuce, garnish with lemon wedges and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- The recipe works well with either raw or pre-cooked prawns. If using raw, ensure they are cooked before making the cocktail.
- Using good quality whole egg mayonnaise greatly enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Horseradish can be adjusted or substituted with wasabi for a different kick.
- Tabasco and cayenne pepper levels can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance.
- Serve chilled for optimal taste and freshness.
