Introduction
Prawn cocktail is a classic dish that brings a taste of elegance to any occasion. This seafood appetizer is simple to prepare yet offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh prawns, crunchy lettuce, and a tangy cocktail sauce makes it a favorite for gatherings and celebrations. Whether served at a fancy dinner party or as a casual treat, this prawn cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 kg medium fresh cooked or raw prawns with shell and heads on (yields approximately 600 g peeled)
600 g fresh cooked prawns, already peeled
3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
2/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably good quality whole egg mayonnaise)
1 tablespoon ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon freshly grated horseradish (or substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons jarred horseradish or 3/4 teaspoon wasabi)
Dash of Tabasco sauce (to taste)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste and for a hint of color)
Lemon wedges
Finely chopped parsley (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
3-5 minutes (if using raw prawns)
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Directions
1. Prepare the Prawns: If using raw prawns, cook them in boiling water until they turn pink and are cooked through. Drain and let them cool. Peel the prawns, leaving the tails intact for presentation if desired.
2. Make the Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, a dash of Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and has a uniform color. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more Tabasco or cayenne pepper if a spicier flavor is preferred.
3. Assemble the Prawn Cocktail: In a large bowl, gently toss the peeled prawns with the prepared cocktail sauce until they are well coated. Arrange the finely sliced iceberg lettuce in serving glasses or bowls to create a bed for the prawns. Spoon the prawn mixture over the lettuce. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, if using.
4. Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer. Optionally, chill the assembled prawn cocktails in the refrigerator for a short time before serving to enhance the flavors.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Prawns
– If using raw prawns, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the prawns and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
– Once cooked, drain the prawns and let them cool on a plate.
– After they have cooled, peel the prawns, making sure to leave the tails intact for a more appealing presentation.
Make the Cocktail Sauce
– In a mixing bowl, combine 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish, a dash of Tabasco sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– Use a whisk or a fork to mix all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and evenly colored.
– Taste the cocktail sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more Tabasco or cayenne pepper for increased spiciness if desired.
Assemble the Prawn Cocktail
– In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the peeled prawns with the prepared cocktail sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
– Take serving glasses or bowls and arrange a bed of finely sliced iceberg lettuce at the bottom of each.
– Spoon the prawn mixture on top of the lettuce, making sure to distribute evenly among the servings.
– Garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and, if desired, a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for added freshness.
Serve
– Serve the prawn cocktails immediately as a refreshing appetizer.
– Alternatively, for enhanced flavors, you may chill the assembled prawn cocktails in the refrigerator for a short period before serving.
Notes
– Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor in the cocktail sauce.
– Adjust the spiciness of the sauce according to your taste preferences by modifying the amount of Tabasco or cayenne pepper.
– Keeping the tails on the prawns can enhance visual appeal when serving.
– If horseradish is unavailable, wasabi can be an effective substitute in the cocktail sauce.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Prawns
Using boiling water to cook raw prawns ensures they become tender and fully cooked. The result is a vibrant pink color indicating readiness. When cooling, allow them to sit briefly in cold water or drain and let cool naturally.
Making the Cocktail Sauce
Combine mayonnaise and ketchup as a base for the sauce, then enhance it with Worcestershire sauce, grated horseradish, and a dash of Tabasco. Mixing these ingredients together until smooth creates a flavorful dressing that complements the prawns.
Assembling the Prawn Cocktail
Layering iceberg lettuce at the bottom of serving glasses or bowls provides a fresh base for the prawns. Carefully toss the prawns with the cocktail sauce before placing them on top of the lettuce for a visually appealing presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Chilling the assembled prawn cocktails before serving can enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing touch. Presentation matters, so garnishing with lemon wedges and parsley adds both visual appeal and a hint of freshness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen prawns can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and cooked before preparing the dish.
What type of mayonnaise should I use?
For the best flavor, use a high-quality whole egg mayonnaise. It adds richness to the sauce.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the cocktail sauce?
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the prawns in advance. Combine elements shortly before serving for optimal flavor.
What can I substitute for horseradish?
If you don’t have horseradish, you can use jarred horseradish or wasabi as a substitute for a similar flavor profile.
Conclusion
Prawn cocktails are a classic and refreshing appetizer that can be made easily with fresh ingredients. The combination of succulent prawns, crisp lettuce, and a flavorful cocktail sauce creates a delightful dish that is perfect for parties or casual gatherings. This dish not only showcases the sweetness of the prawns but also offers versatility in flavor adjustments to suit individual preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Prawn Salad
Combine prawns with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.
Prawn Tacos
Use the prawn cocktail mixture as a filling for soft tacos topped with crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime.
Prawn Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with prawns, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of white wine for a quick and delicious seafood pasta dish.
Spicy Prawn Skewers
Marinate prawns in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and chili flakes, then grill for a smoky, spicy treat.
Creamy Prawn Dip
Blend the cocktail sauce with cream cheese and serve with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a tasty dip.
Prawn Fried Rice
Stir-fry prawns with cooked rice, vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Stuffed Avocado
Fill halved avocados with the prawn cocktail mixture for an elegant and healthy appetizer.
