Welcome to our classic prawn cocktail recipe! If you’re looking for an easy and delicious starter, you’ve come to the right place. This is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. With the perfect balance of juicy prawns and tangy sauce, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Our recipe includes atlantic shell-on prawns, Little Gem lettuces, mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcestershire sauce, creamed horseradish, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, paprika, and chives. These ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that is both refreshing and flavorful.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick and easy appetizer, this classic prawn cocktail is a fantastic choice. The combination of succulent prawns and zesty sauce is simply irresistible. So, why wait? Let’s get started with our best prawn cocktail recipe!
Ingredients and Preparation for Prawn Cocktail
To make this prawn cocktail, start by peeling all but four of the prawns and breaking the lettuces into individual leaves. Divide the lettuce leaves between small glass bowls and sprinkle the prawns over the lettuce. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the prawns and lettuce, dust with paprika, and sprinkle with chives. Top with the remaining prawns and serve immediately. It’s delicious served with brown bread.
Here’s a summary of the ingredients and steps:
| Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Cooked atlantic shell-on prawns | Peel all but four prawns |
| Little Gem lettuces | Break lettuces into leaves |
| Mayonnaise | Mix with other sauce ingredients |
| Tomato chutney | Spoon sauce over prawns and lettuce |
| Worcestershire sauce | Dust with paprika and sprinkle with chives |
| Creamed horseradish | Top with remaining prawns |
| Tabasco sauce | |
| Lemon juice | |
| Salt | |
| Pepper |
Tips for Making the Perfect Prawn Cocktail
When making a prawn cocktail, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Brown and pink shrimps are often available ready-prepared, while shell-on prawns provide the best flavor and texture. Preparing and cooking prawns involves butterflying them to shorten the cooking time and ensure a firm but not rubbery texture. Prawns should be defrosted in the fridge and never in water to maintain their flavor. Cold-water Atlantic prawns are a popular option, and warm water prawns, such as striped tiger prawns, offer a dense, meaty texture and subtle flavor.
Here are some key tips to consider for the perfect prawn cocktail:
- Use ready-prepared brown and pink shrimps or shell-on prawns for the best flavor and texture.
- Butterfly the prawns before cooking to ensure a firm texture.
- Defrost prawns in the fridge to maintain their flavor.
- Cold-water Atlantic prawns and warm water prawns, like striped tiger prawns, provide different textures and flavors.
By following these tips, you can create a prawn cocktail that is both delicious and visually appealing.
Expert Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the prawns in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before cooking.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use ready-prepared shrimp or shell-on prawns | Ready-prepared shrimp or shell-on prawns provide the best flavor and texture. |
| Butterfly the prawns | Butterflying the prawns ensures a firm texture. |
| Defrost prawns in the fridge | Defrosting prawns in the fridge maintains their flavor. |
| Try different varieties of prawns | Cold-water Atlantic prawns and warm water prawns offer different textures and flavors. |
Alternative Prawn Cocktail Recipe
If you’re looking for a modern twist on the classic prawn cocktail, consider trying a recipe by renowned chef Gordon Ramsay. His version includes mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco sauce, dry sherry, lemon juice, iceberg lettuce, chives, spring onions, sustainably sourced cooked king prawns, and paprika. The prawns are mixed with the sauce and served in wine glasses or champagne coupes with shredded lettuce, chives, a dusting of paprika, and a lemon wedge. It’s a zingy and refreshing take on the traditional prawn cocktail.
To give you a visual idea of how this alternative prawn cocktail looks, here is an image:
Table: Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay’s Alternative Prawn Cocktail Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Mayonnaise | 4 tbss |
| Tomato ketchup | 2 tbsp |
| Tabasco sauce | 1-2 tsp |
| Dry sherry | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | Juice of 1/2 lemon |
| Iceberg lettuce | 1/4 head, shredded |
| Chives | 2 tbsp, finely chopped |
| Spring onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Sustainably sourced cooked king prawns | 300g |
| Paprika | for dusting |
Prepare the prawn cocktail using the following steps:
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco sauce, dry sherry, and lemon juice.
- Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, chives, and spring onions to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Add the cooked king prawns to the sauce mixture and gently fold until the prawns are coated.
- Spoon the prawns and sauce into wine glasses or champagne coupes.
- Garnish with extra shredded lettuce, chopped chives, a dusting of paprika, and a lemon wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
This alternative prawn cocktail recipe by Gordon Ramsay offers a refreshing and tangy flavor profile, perfect for those who want to add a modern twist to the classic dish. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that elevate the prawn cocktail to new heights. Give it a try and impress your guests with this contemporary take on a beloved favorite.
Perfect Prawn Cocktail Recipe from Sainsbury’s Magazine
For those looking for the ultimate prawn cocktail recipe, Sainsbury’s Magazine has got you covered. This recipe serves six as a starter and combines a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Taste the Difference raw jumbo king prawns
- Mayonnaise
- Tomato ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Lemon juice
- Paprika
- Ripe avocado
- Little Gem lettuces
- Cayenne
To prepare the prawn cocktail:
- Cook the jumbo king prawns and mix them with the sauce
- Layer avocado slices and shredded lettuce in cocktail glasses
- Sprinkle a touch of cayenne over the dish
And voila, your perfect prawn cocktail is ready to be enjoyed!
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Taste the Difference raw jumbo king prawns | 1 pack |
| Mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons |
| Tomato ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ripe avocado | 1 |
| Little Gem lettuces | 2 |
| Cayenne | A pinch |
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this prawn cocktail will surely impress. The combination of succulent prawns, creamy sauce, and fresh avocado creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Give it a try and enjoy this classic dish with a twist!
Conclusion
The prawn cocktail is a classic British dish that has stood the test of time. With its delectable combination of succulent prawns and flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect starter for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual gathering, a prawn cocktail will always impress your guests.
Whether you choose to stick to the traditional recipe with creamy mayo and tangy tomato chutney or explore a modern twist with zesty flavors, the prawn cocktail offers versatility to suit every taste bud. It’s a seafood appetizer that never fails to satisfy.
So, the next time you’re planning a menu, don’t forget to include this timeless prawn starter. Serve it with confidence and watch your guests indulge in the delightful combination of flavors. From classic elegance to contemporary creativity, the prawn cocktail is a surefire hit that will leave your guests craving for more.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make a classic prawn cocktail?
To make a classic prawn cocktail, you will need cooked atlantic shell-on prawns, Little Gem lettuces, mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcestershire sauce, creamed horseradish, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, paprika, and chives.
How do I make a prawn cocktail?
To make a prawn cocktail, start by peeling all but four of the prawns and breaking the lettuces into individual leaves. Divide the lettuce leaves between small glass bowls and sprinkle the prawns over the lettuce. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, tomato chutney, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the prawns and lettuce, dust with paprika, and sprinkle with chives. Top with the remaining prawns and serve immediately.
What are some tips for making the perfect prawn cocktail?
When making a prawn cocktail, it’s best to use shell-on prawns for the best flavor and texture. Preparing and cooking the prawns involves butterflying them to ensure a firm but not rubbery texture. Prawns should be defrosted in the fridge to maintain their flavor. Cold-water Atlantic prawns and warm-water prawns, like striped tiger prawns, are popular options for prawn cocktails.
Can you recommend an alternative prawn cocktail recipe?
If you’re looking for a modern twist on the classic prawn cocktail, consider trying a recipe by renowned chef Gordon Ramsay. His version includes mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Tabasco sauce, dry sherry, lemon juice, iceberg lettuce, chives, spring onions, sustainably sourced cooked king prawns, and paprika. The prawns are mixed with the sauce and served in wine glasses or champagne coupes with shredded lettuce, chives, a dusting of paprika, and a lemon wedge.
Are there any low-calorie prawn cocktail sauce recipes?
Sainsbury’s Magazine offers an ultimate prawn cocktail recipe that serves six as a starter. The recipe includes Taste the Difference raw jumbo king prawns, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, ripe avocado, Little Gem lettuces, and cayenne. The prawns are cooked and mixed with the sauce before being layered with avocado slices and shredded lettuce in cocktail glasses. A sprinkle of cayenne adds a touch of heat to the dish.
Why is the prawn cocktail a classic British dish?
The prawn cocktail is a classic British dish that has stood the test of time. It is a popular starter for various occasions, whether formal dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of juicy prawns and tangy sauce has become a beloved favorite among seafood lovers.
