Deliciously fresh prawn cocktail served in a glass with cocktail sauce

Prawn Cocktail Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Prawn Cocktail is a classic dish that is loved by many for its fresh flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for parties, special occasions, or a simple family dinner. The combination of juicy prawns, crunchy lettuce, and a delicious sauce makes it a refreshing and appealing choice. Plus, you can customize it to your taste with different sauces and garnishes.

How to Make Prawn Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 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
  • About 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
  • Lemon wedges
  • Finely chopped parsley (optional)
  • 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 with 1 1/2 tsp jarred or 3/4 tsp wasabi)
  • Dash of Tabasco sauce (to taste)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste + tiny bit of color)

Directions

  1. If you are using whole prawns, remove the heads and peel them. Leave a few whole for decoration if you wish. If you are using medium-sized already cooked prawns, deveining is often not necessary since it’s hard to do and usually not noticeable.

  2. In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, a dash of Tabasco, and cayenne pepper.

  3. Toss the prawns with the sauce until they are well-coated.

  4. Place a bit of finely sliced lettuce in serving dishes. Martini glasses work great, but you can use any small vessel or even small lettuce cups.

  5. Top the lettuce with the prawns. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if you are using it.

How to Serve Prawn Cocktail

Serve your Prawn Cocktail chilled, as a starter or light meal. It pairs well with crisp bread or crackers. You can also add extra garnishes like extra lemon wedges or a sprig of parsley to make it look even more appealing.

How to Store Prawn Cocktail

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat it within a day or two for the freshest taste. If you need to store the sauce, keep it in a separate container and combine it with the prawns just before serving.

Tips to Make Prawn Cocktail

  • Use the freshest prawns you can find for the best flavor.
  • If you love spice, add more Tabasco or cayenne pepper to your sauce.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in the sauce to suit your taste.
  • Make it ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a refreshing serve.

Variation

Try adding diced avocado or mango for an extra twist in flavors. You can also use different types of lettuce or add other seafood like crab or lobster for a seafood medley.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just ensure they are fully thawed and cooked before preparing the cocktail.

2. How spicy can I make the sauce?
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper to your taste.

3. Can I make Prawn Cocktail in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and prawns in advance, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to keep the lettuce crunchy.