Name: Prawn Cocktail!!! Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: International / Classic
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, for garnish; Finely chopped parsley (optional), for garnish; 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 a tiny bit for color)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 22 reviews

Prawn Cocktail!!! is a timeless classic that brings together juicy, tender prawns and a tangy, creamy sauce for a dish that’s as delightful to the taste buds as it is nostalgic to the heart. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just longing for a quick, elegant starter, this prawn cocktail recipe combines fresh ingredients with a vibrant sauce that bursts with flavor and a mild kick. It’s a celebration of textures and colors, making Prawn Cocktail!!! an irresistible treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Prawn Cocktail!!! starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the crunch of iceberg lettuce to the rich creaminess of the sauce, every item makes this dish sing.

1 kg / 2 lb medium fresh cooked or raw prawns with shell and heads on: These provide freshness and maximum flavor, with peeling revealing the tender meat inside.
600 g / 1.2 lb fresh cooked prawns already peeled: A convenient alternative that saves time while still delivering that delightful prawn bite.
About 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and bright green color to balance the richness.
Lemon wedges: For a zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the sauce and prawns.
Finely chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herbaceous note that brightens the presentation and adds a subtle earthiness.
2/3 cup / 165 ml mayonnaise: Use a good quality whole egg mayonnaise for that perfect creamy base of the sauce.
1 tbsp ketchup or Australian/UK tomato sauce: Brings sweetness and a slight tang that balances the mayonnaise beautifully.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a complex, savory depth to the sauce.
1 tsp freshly grated horseradish (or substitute): Adds a punchy heat that livens up the dish; wasabi or jarred horseradish work well too.
Dash of Tabasco sauce (to taste): Gives a subtle fiery kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste): Adds just the right touch of warmth and a hint of color.

How to Make Prawn Cocktail!!!

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

If you’re working with whole prawns, start by carefully removing the heads and peeling off the shells. You can keep a few whole for that classic retro look, which makes the presentation extra special. Medium-sized cooked prawns often don’t need deveining because their size and the sauce help mask any imperfection. This step is all about making the prawns easier to enjoy while keeping everything fresh and appealing.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is perfectly blended into a vibrant, creamy sauce with a little spicy zing. This sauce is the heart of the Prawn Cocktail!!! and what makes it uniquely irresistible.

Step 3: Toss Prawns in the Sauce

Gently fold your prepared prawns into the sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated but not drowning. It’s this careful balance that lets the natural sweetness of the prawns shine through while being complemented by the flavorsome dressing.

Step 4: Assemble the Cocktail

Place a bed of finely sliced iceberg lettuce into your serving dishes. Martini glasses are a classic choice and add a splash of elegance, but feel free to use any small bowl or even lettuce cups for a casual vibe. Top with the sauced prawns and get ready for the final touches.

How to Serve Prawn Cocktail!!!

Garnishes

Garnish your Prawn Cocktail!!! with fresh lemon wedges that invite diners to add a squeeze of citrus, enhancing the flavors with bright acidity. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a fresh and colorful finishing touch, making the dish look as beautiful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Prawn Cocktail!!! pairs wonderfully with fresh crusty bread or light, buttery toast soldiers. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or a glass of chilled white wine to complement the seafood and creamy sauce. These sides help round out the meal without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the cocktail.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy something different? Try layering your Prawn Cocktail!!! in clear glasses or jars for a playful, layered effect that reveals every colorful ingredient. You can even serve it on endive leaves for bite-sized finger food at parties. The contrast of the creamy sauce, juicy prawns, and crunchy lettuce makes each bite exciting and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store your Prawn Cocktail!!! in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within one day for the best texture and freshness, as the prawns and lettuce can soften over time if left longer.

Freezing

Freezing Prawn Cocktail!!! is not recommended because the lettuce will become soggy and lose its crunch, and the mayonnaise-based sauce might separate. For best results, prepare fresh and keep leftovers refrigerated instead.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dish, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve it chilled to enjoy the crisp textures and the refreshing zing of the sauce. If your prawns are slightly cold from the fridge, letting the dish sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for Prawn Cocktail!!!?

Yes! Frozen prawns work well as long as you thaw them properly and drain any excess moisture. Make sure they are cooked before tossing with the sauce to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.

Is horseradish essential in the sauce?

Horseradish adds a distinct spicy kick that defines the sauce’s character, but if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount or substitute with wasabi or omit it entirely. Just know the sauce might lose some of its zesty charm without it.

Can I make Prawn Cocktail!!! vegan or vegetarian?

While the classic Prawn Cocktail!!! relies on seafood and mayonnaise, you can create a vegan-friendly version using plant-based mayonnaise and substitute prawns with marinated hearts of palm or artichoke hearts for a similar texture and taste experience.

What’s the best way to peel prawns quickly?

To peel whole prawns efficiently, start by twisting off the head, then peel away the shell starting from the legs. A small pair of kitchen scissors can make deveining easier if needed, but with medium prawns, this step is often optional.

Can Prawn Cocktail!!! be made ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and peel the prawns a few hours in advance, but toss and assemble the cocktail just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the prawns fresh, ensuring your Prawn Cocktail!!! is as delightful as possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing Prawn Cocktail!!!. It’s a dish that combines freshness, flavor, and a dash of nostalgia into every bite. So why not gather your ingredients, whip up this classic, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a timeless seafood delight that will undoubtedly become a favorite at your table!