The classic Prawn Cocktail recipe is a timeless starter that never fails to impress. Tender king prawns get tossed in a zippy, creamy sauce and are nestled atop crisp lettuce and creamy avocado slices. Served in individual glasses, they’re as elegant as they are easy—and perfect for kicking off any dinner or party.
Tools You’ll Need
Small Mixing Bowl — This one is perfect for whipping up the cocktail sauce quickly.
Whisk or Fork — This whisk makes mixing sauces smooth and easy.
Glass Serving Dishes — These ones add a classic touch to prawn cocktails.
Classic Prawn Cocktail
Ingredients
- 550 g raw jumbo king prawns
- 200 g mayonnaise
- 50 g tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice plus lemon wedges, to serve
- large pinch of paprika
- 1 avocado cut into squares
- 2 little gem lettuces shredded
- a large pinch of cayenne to finish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the prawns and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and spread them out on a plate to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and paprika. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.I like using small mixing bowls like this to whisk the cocktail sauce quickly and easily.
- Place a few avocado chunks inside six cocktail glasses. Divide the shredded lettuce evenly between them.
- Once the prawns have cooled, toss them with the cocktail sauce. Spoon the dressed prawns into the prepared glasses. Finish with a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper and a lemon wedge on the rim if you like. Serve right away while everything’s fresh and tasty!Traditional prawn cocktails are often served in elegant glass dishes — these ones are perfect if you want that classic retro look.
Missing Ingredients for this Prawn Cocktail Recipe?
No problem…you can swap in cooked shrimp or crab for the prawns, use Greek yogurt or a yogurt-mayo blend instead of all mayo, and reach for cocktail sauce, chili sauce, or a dash of hot sauce plus a pinch of sugar in place of ketchup. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy or fish sauce works, and feel free to trade the Little Gem lettuce for iceberg, romaine, or even shredded cabbage. No avocado? Thin cucumber ribbons make will work just as well. Mix and match what you’ve got, you’ll still end up with a show-stopping prawn cocktail!