Prawn cocktail is a classic British starter that has been popular for decades. It typically consists of cooked prawns (also known as shrimp in some countries) that are mixed with a tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and seasoning. The prawns are often served on a bed of lettuce and garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley.
The combination of sweet, succulent prawns and the zesty, slightly spicy sauce makes for a refreshing and tasty appetizer. Prawn cocktail is perfect for serving at parties or as a light meal on a hot summer day.
In recent years, chefs have started to put their own spin on the classic dish by adding different ingredients or changing up the sauce. For example, some variations include avocado, mango, or grapefruit to add a tropical twist, while others might use a spicy chipotle or sriracha sauce for a more intense flavor.
Overall, prawn cocktail is a versatile and delicious dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for many.
Prawn Cocktail
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling the prawns (if using raw prawns)
- Colander for draining the prawns
- Large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients for the sauce
- Whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce
- Cutting board and knife for chopping the herbs (if using)
- Serving dish or individual glasses for serving the prawn cocktail
- Small spoon for adding the sauce to the serving dish or glasses
- Lemon squeezer (optional) for squeezing lemon juice
- Kitchen towels for drying the prawns and wiping any spills or messes
Ingredients
- 500 gram cooked and peeled prawns if using raw prawns, use about 750g and adjust the cooking time accordingly
- 4-6 leaves lettuce or any salad greens of your choice
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- If using raw prawns, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the prawns and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Drain the prawns in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, place the prawns in the fridge to chill.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until well combined. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Take the chilled prawns out of the fridge and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Add the prawns to the bowl with the sauce and stir until the prawns are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Take your serving dish or individual glasses and add a bed of lettuce or salad greens to the bottom of each one. Spoon the prawn mixture on top of the lettuce, dividing it evenly among the servings.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley.
- Chill the prawn cocktail in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dish even more delicious.
- Serve the prawn cocktail chilled, either as a starter or a light meal on its own. Enjoy!
