Zesty Classic Prawn Cocktail Recipe: A Refreshing Party Starter

Seafood enthusiasts adore this classic prawn cocktail for its elegant simplicity and timeless charm.

Marie rose sauce creates the perfect creamy backdrop for succulent shrimp.

Cold appetizers rarely look this stunning on a dinner table.

Small prawns nestled against crisp lettuce leaves make an instant visual impact.

Tangy flavors dance between zesty mayonnaise and sweet shellfish.

Fresh ingredients elevate this retro dish from mundane to magnificent.

Chill everything thoroughly before assembling to guarantee maximum deliciousness.

You cannot resist trying this incredibly simple yet impressive starter.

Why Classic Prawn Cocktail Is Always in Style

• Savor Quick Gourmet Delights: This classic prawn cocktail transforms simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that looks and tastes sophisticated without requiring complex cooking skills.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust the Marie Rose sauce's heat and tanginess by playing with hot sauce and lemon juice quantities, making it perfect for personal taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a restaurant-quality starter in mere minutes that looks stunning on any dinner table, guaranteeing wow-factor with minimal preparation effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Ideal for dinner parties, summer gatherings, and special occasions where you want a light, refreshing dish that appeals to seafood lovers and guests seeking something memorable.

What You Need for Classic Prawn Cocktail

• Prawns: Large, succulent shellfish that form the star protein of this classic appetizer.

• Mayonnaise, Tomato Ketchup: Creamy and tangy base components that create the signature Marie Rose sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce: Provide depth and subtle heat to enhance the sauce's flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich sauce.

• Lettuce: Crisp green base that provides a fresh foundation for the prawns.
• Lemon Wedge: Offers a zesty garnish and optional extra citrus kick.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to adjust and perfect the sauce's taste.

How to Make a Show-Stopping Prawn Cocktail

Step 1: Create Zesty Marie Rose Sauce

Whip up a tangy sauce by combining mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a mixing bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper until the flavor hits just right.

The sauce should have a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Crisp Lettuce Base

Grab some fresh, crisp lettuce and shred it into delicate ribbons.

Spread the shredded lettuce evenly across your serving glasses or bowls, creating a fresh green foundation for your prawn cocktail.

Step 3: Arrange Succulent Prawns

Carefully place plump, juicy prawns on top of the lettuce bed.

Arrange them with care, ensuring each prawn looks inviting and appetizing.

Step 4: Drench with Signature Sauce

Generously spoon the zesty Marie Rose sauce over the prawns, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating of the creamy, tangy goodness.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Add a final touch by garnishing with a bright lemon wedge. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle an extra dash of pepper or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Serve immediately while the prawns are cool and the sauce is fresh.

Tips for a Refreshing, Zesty Prawn Cocktail

• Opt for fresh, high-quality prawns to elevate the flavor and texture of your cocktail.
• Create a balanced Marie Rose sauce by tasting and adjusting seasonings gradually for the perfect tangy-sweet combination.
• Chill prawns and glasses beforehand to keep the dish refreshingly cool and enhance its presentation.
• Experiment with different lettuce varieties like butter lettuce or gem lettuce for varied crunch and visual appeal.
• For a lighter version, substitute low-fat mayonnaise and use less ketchup to reduce calories without compromising taste.

Creative Spins on the Prawn Cocktail Classic

• Citrus Zinger: Swap standard lemon juice with lime and add orange zest to the Marie Rose sauce for a brighter, tangier flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern: Mix in chopped jalapeños and a dash of chipotle powder to create a Mexican-inspired heat level in the sauce.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace standard prawns with grilled jumbo shrimp and add chopped fresh herbs like dill and parsley for a Mediterranean touch.
• Avocado Creaminess: Blend ripe avocado into the Marie Rose sauce for extra creaminess and a rich, smooth texture that complements the seafood.

What to Sip or Serve with Classic Prawn Cocktail

• Elevate Seafood Cocktail Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, refreshing the palate with its zesty acidity and light citrus notes.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve toasted sourdough or baguette slices to provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the delicious Marie Rose sauce.
• Chilled Champagne Indulgence: Sparkling wine adds elegant bubbles that beautifully enhance the prawns' delicate flavor and complement the tangy sauce's richness.
• Crisp Green Salad Accent: Fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the prawn cocktail, adding a clean, vibrant element to the dish.

Chilling and Storing Prawn Cocktail Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Store leftover prawn cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days, keeping the sauce and prawns separate to maintain freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.
• Separate Storage: Keep prawns, lettuce, and Marie Rose sauce in individual sealed containers to preserve texture and prevent ingredient breakdown.
• Quick Reheat: Gently warm prawns at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, avoiding microwave to prevent rubbery texture.
• Freshness Check: Discard if prawns smell off or sauce appears separated, as seafood spoils quickly and can cause foodborne illness.

Quick Answers for Classic Prawn Cocktail Curious Minds

• What is Marie Rose sauce made of?

Marie Rose sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce, seasoned with salt and pepper to create a tangy, creamy condiment perfect for seafood.

• Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Thaw them completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they are at room temperature before arranging in the cocktail to prevent excess water.

• How do I know if the prawns are cooked properly?

Fresh or pre-cooked prawns should be pink, firm, and have a slight curl. If cooking raw prawns, they turn opaque and pink when fully cooked, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Classic Prawn Cocktail Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal charm meets retro elegance in this classic prawn cocktail, blending succulent prawns with zesty marie rose sauce. Crisp lettuce and plump shrimp create a delightful appetizer that transports diners to seaside bistros with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 small gem lettuces, shredded
• 1 lemon

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Seasoning:

• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Taste the sauce and fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
3. Create a crisp bed of shredded lettuce at the bottom of chilled serving glasses or plates.
4. Carefully layer fresh, chilled prawns atop the lettuce, arranging them neatly and evenly.
5. Generously drizzle the prepared Marie Rose sauce over the prawns, covering them completely.
6. Enhance the presentation by adding a vibrant lemon wedge on the side of each serving.
7. Optional: Sprinkle additional cracked black pepper or dash of hot sauce for extra zest and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while prawns are cold and sauce is fresh, maintaining optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture in your cocktail.
• Chill the prawns before serving to enhance their sweetness and provide a refreshing sensation.
• Adjust the Marie Rose sauce by adding more hot sauce for extra kick or reducing it for a milder taste.
• Consider using gluten-free ketchup and mayonnaise to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 150mg