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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Seafood

    The Ultimate Prawn Cocktail

    Published: Sep 17, 2021 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    94 shares
    • 82
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free
    The ultimate prawn cocktail with a text title overlay.

    Prawn cocktail is a timeless classic starter option, but we have totally transformed it to make it the ULTIMATE Prawn Cocktail. An 80s classic that is a must at any dinner party, we have given it a little modern makeover, with still the same flavour you know and love.

    Two glasses containing prawn cocktails surrounded by lemons and chives.

    This really is the ultimate prawn cocktail! We have a bottom layer of crispy lettuce, topped with chunks of cucumber, and creamy avocado which gives it a real luxury feel. It is then loaded with king prawns which are slathered in our easy homemade Marie Rose sauce then finished with fresh chives.

    If you are looking for other starter recipes, why not try our Spanish Meatballs, Paneer Tikka, Paprika Chicken Skewers, Chorizo in Red Wine or Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients needed
    • Step by step
    • Health benefits of prawns
    • Variations
    • Marie Rose Sauce
    • What to serve with prawn cocktails
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More prawn recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Prawn cocktail with a difference - I bet that most of us have had a prawn cocktail or two in our life time, but we have give it a modern twist with the avocado and we think it just makes it a bit more special, and impressive to your diner guests.
    • Quick and easy - This is so quick and easy to make and looks far more posh than it actually it. Just layer it all up in a fancy glass and you are done.
    • Adaptable - You can use this as a base recipe and then adapt it to suit your own tastes. We have given a few options below.
    • Can be made in advance - If we are making these for a dinner party, or for Christmas Day, we always make them in the morning and then keep them in the fridge until we are ready to serve. Don't put the lemon juice on the prawns until just before serving though.

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Prawns - You want to use the biggest king prawns you can find, as there is nothing worse than being served a prawn cocktail with a few tiny prawns that you have to sieve through the sauce to find. We use peeled prawns, but you could leave them whole and serve them on top of the sauce if you prefer, but nobody likes having the peel prawns themselves.
    • Marie Rose sauce - This is really where all the flavour comes from. We made our own sauce as it is so easy to make and it really makes a difference to the finished dish. However, you could use a store bought one, just use the best quality you can.
    • Lettuce - This adds a nice solid base to the prawn cocktail. We used little gem, as we like the crunch, but romaine and iceberg will add the same crunch too. You could even use rocket lettuce, which would add a more vibrant green colour and also a lovely peppery flavour.
    • Avocado - This is what gives a more luxurious feel to the prawn cocktail. You can use dice it and add with the cucumber or thinly slice it and serve it as a fan on the side.
    • Lemon - Instead of a dressing for the lettuce leaves, which just added a squeeze of lemon juice which really lightens the whole thing up and goes so well with the prawns.
    • Cucumber - This adds a bit of chunky texture and also bulks it out which helps to fill the glass up so it doesn't look empty.
    • Chives - Fresh herbs add some extra freshness and we love chives with prawns. You could use dill or coriander though.
    • Paprika - A pinch of paprika just finishes off the whole dish and adds a lovely smoky flavour.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    Step by step

    One: Put the chopped lettuce and cucumber in the bottom of serving glasses.

    Two shot collage of serving glasses with chopped lettuce in them then chopped cucumber added.

    Two: Mix the prawns into the Marie Rose sauce so that all the prawns are coated.

    Three shot collage of prawns in a bowl, then with Marie Rose sauce, then all mixed together.

    Three: Add the prawns on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika.

    Two shot collage of the prawns added to the glass then sprinkled with paprika.

    Four: Add slices of avocado and lemon wedges. Sprinkle chopped chives on top.

    prawn cocktails in glasses topped wiht lemon wedges, avocado slices and chopped chives.

    Health benefits of prawns

    Prawns are a low-in-fat protein source and they are so versatile. You can use them in pasta, salads, sandwiches and so much more. They are a good source of selenium, which is one of the most effective antioxidants at maintaining healthy cells. They also contain high levels of zinc, which is important to develop a healthy immune system.

    We use avocado in this prawn sandwich too and they are also abundant in vitamins K, C, B5, B6, E, folate and potassium. They are full of fibre and can also help to reduce cholesterol and help with eye health. Pretty much the ideal superfood!

    Variations

    We think this prawn cocktail is pretty epic as it is, however there are a few other ingredients that would go well in this. Why not try adding:

    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Roasted red peppers
    • Artichokes
    • Chopped gherkins
    • Diced mango
    Two prawn cocktails viewed from above next to a checked towel.

    Marie Rose Sauce

    What makes this prawn cocktail really special is the homemade Marie Rose sauce. Of course it takes a bit more time than opening up a jar of sauce, but it really is so easy to make and it's worth the little effort.

    Marie Rose is simply a mixture of mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce and then a splash of Tabasco if you want to give it an extra kick. It makes a great dip and it also goes well on our Prawn Sandwich recipe too.

    What to serve with prawn cocktails

    These make a delicious starter, or mini versions are great for party food. If you want something carby to serve these with, then why not try our Easy Cheese Straws or Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia.

    If you are looking for some main meals that would follow on well from this starter, why not try one of these:

    • Mushroom Carbonara
    • Chorizo Mac and Cheese
    • Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
    • Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
    • Cheesy Vegetable Pie
    • Pesto Salmon
    A glass of prawn cocktail topped with chopped chives.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where was the prawn cocktail invented?

    Although the prawn cocktail gained popularity in the 70s and 80s in the UK, it is thought to have actually originated in the 19th century in California. It is said that a local miner was bored with plain oysters and he started ordering them with ketchup and horseradish, which became and oyster cocktail and then other seafood cocktails started popping up on menus all over California. The name either comes from the fact that it's usually served in a cocktail glass, or it's a cocktail mix of ingredients.

    How to serve prawn cocktail.

    Traditionally a prawn cocktail would be served in a cocktail or wine glass. We used little tumblers, but any glass would work. You could also skip the lettuce in this recipe and serve everything in a giant lettuce leaf.

    Do you use cooked prawns?

    Yes, we have used a packet of cooked prawns in this recipe. If you are using raw prawns, you will need to cook them and then allow them to cool first before using in this recipe.

    Can I use frozen prawns?

    Yes, you can use frozen prawns in this recipe, just don't forget to defrost them first! Don't worry if you forget to defrost them in time though. Empty the frozen prawns in to a large bowl and cover with cold water and drain. Repeat this step a couple of times, then cover with cold water again and leave for 15 minutes until defrosted.

    How to store a prawn cocktail.

    This should always be made fresh and will only keep in the fridge for up to 12 hours.

    Can I make a prawn cocktail in advance?

    Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and chop the lettuce up and then mix everything together just before serving.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • If you are going to use store bought Marie Rose sauce, then use the best quality one you can, as you really will taste the difference. Make sure you add the lemon, as it will freshen the sauce up a little.
    • Add some extra light flavour to this prawn cocktail by adding some diced mango - it will go really well with the prawns and avocado.
    • Fresh chives can be swapped for dill.
    • You don't have to serve this in glasses, you can serve it in a giant lettuce leaf if you prefer.

    More prawn recipes

    • The Best Prawn Sandwich
    • Garlic Prawn Spaghetti
    • Prawn Laksa
    • Prawn and Chorizo Pasta

    If you’ve tried this ultimate prawn cocktail recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    The ultimate prawn cocktail in a serving glass.

    The Ultimate Prawn Cocktail

    Prawn cocktail is a timeless classic starter option, but we have totally transformed it to make it the ULTIMATE Prawn Cocktail.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    5 from 19 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Appetizer, Breakfast
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of a shrimp.
    Shellfish
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 292kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 150 g King prawns
    • 100 ml Marie Rose sauce
    • 1 Little gem lettuce - chopped
    • 0.25 Cucumber - diced
    • 0.5 Avocado - sliced
    • 0.5 Lemon - cut into wedges
    • 1 pinch paprika - (optional)
    • Chives - (to serve)

    Instructions

    • Put the chopped lettuce and cucumber in the bottom of serving glasses.
      1 Little gem lettuce, 0.25 Cucumber
    • Mix the prawns into the Marie Rose sauce so that all the prawns are coated.
      150 g King prawns, 100 ml Marie Rose sauce
    • Add the prawns on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika.
      1 pinch paprika
    • Add slices of avocado and lemon wedges. Sprinkle chopped chives on top.
      0.5 Avocado, 0.5 Lemon, Chives

    Notes

    • If you are going to use store bought Marie Rose sauce, then use the best quality one you can, as you really will taste the difference. Make sure you add the lemon, as it will freshen the sauce up a little.
    • Add some extra light flavour to this prawn cocktail by adding some diced mango - it will go really well with the prawns and avocado.
    • Fresh chives can be swapped for dill.
    • You don't have to serve this in glasses, you can serve it in a giant lettuce leaf if you prefer.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 974mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      September 23, 2021 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      Love all the ingrea dients, can’t wait to try this! It looks so delicious and easy!

      Reply
    2. Toni

      September 23, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      It is so good! My husband loved it!

      Reply
    3. Beth

      September 23, 2021 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      I served this for a cocktail party I had last week. Everyone ranted and raved. Thanks for the outstanding recipe.

      Reply
    4. Jennifer

      September 23, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      I impressed everyone with this easy prawn cocktail! It was the hit of the dinner!

      Reply
    5. Gina

      September 23, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      Loving that creamy sauce and how light and refreshing this appetizer is!

      Reply
    6. Kechi

      September 21, 2021 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      OMG, this has to be the best appetizer!! Am saving this recipe to try next weekend! YUM

      Reply
    7. Danielle Wolter

      September 21, 2021 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      Awesome recipe! We like to make it for parties and it's always a hit. Love this recipe!

      Reply
    8. Natalie

      September 21, 2021 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      Oh, I love this. Looks refreshing and so healthy. I never tried prawn cocktails with avocado. Can't wait to give this recipe a try. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Louise Cayzer

      September 21, 2021 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      Such a classic recipe, my husband LOVED the sauce!

      Reply
    10. Maria

      September 21, 2021 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      Yummy! I'll have this for our family gathering after trying by myself! Good recipe!

      Reply
    11. Andrea

      September 18, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      This is fabulous! I've never tried a Marie Rose sauce before but I am definitely changing that.

      Reply
    12. Angela

      September 18, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, this was a great starter to our taco party. I made my own sauce since I don't like mayo and made it with greek yogurt/sour cream combo instead and it was delish.

      Reply
    13. Tavog

      September 18, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      It looks like the perfect brunch recipe! I'll make this tomorrow for our family's special Sunday brunch.

      Reply
    14. Eden

      September 18, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing! The flavors are so on point and this dish was incredibly easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    15. Jenn

      September 18, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      The sauce in this recipe really is the perfect choice for the plump and juicy prawns. So delish!

      Reply

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    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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