Prawn Cocktail: A Classic British Appetizer Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious starter to impress your guests at Christmas or any other festive occasion, prawn cocktail is a classic dish that never disappoints. This retro recipe has been a favourite for decades and is still a popular choice today.

Preparing prawn cocktail is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. The dish typically consists of cooked prawns, lettuce, and a tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add a touch of spice with cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce.

Overall, prawn cocktail is a tasty and versatile dish that can be served as a starter or a light meal. With its refreshing flavours and simple preparation, it's no wonder why it's still a beloved classic today.

Preparation and Ingredients

Classic Prawn Cocktail Recipe

To prepare a classic prawn cocktail, you will need peeled prawns, lettuce, lemon wedges, and a Marie Rose sauce. For the sauce, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar.

To assemble the cocktail, place a few lettuce leaves in the bottom of a martini or cocktail glass. Add the prawns and top with the Marie Rose sauce. Garnish with chives and a lemon wedge.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding diced avocado or mango to the cocktail. You can also use gem lettuce instead of the traditional little gem lettuce.

To make the ultimate prawn cocktail, use king prawns and serve in a large cocktail glass with a side of crusty bread. This makes for a perfect Christmas starter.

When serving, make sure to keep the cocktail chilled until ready to serve. You can also serve the cocktail with a slice of lemon or a wedge of lime on the rim of the glass for added flavour.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a healthy and tasty appetizer, prawn cocktail might just be the perfect choice for you. Here's what you need to know about the nutritional information of prawn cocktail.

Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations

Prawn cocktail is a seafood salad that usually consists of prawns, lettuce, and a sauce made from a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise, and other ingredients. It is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate dish that is rich in protein and other essential nutrients.

One serving of prawn cocktail (20g) contains only 25 calories, 0.2g of total fat, 4.3g of total carbohydrates, and 1.3g of protein. It also contains 11mg of cholesterol, 195mg of sodium, and 0.3g of dietary fibre.

Prawn cocktail is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. It is also low in fat, making it a good option for those who are watching their fat intake. The dish is also low in carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.

However, prawn cocktail does contain some sugars, which can be a concern for those who are watching their sugar intake. The dish also contains some sodium, which can be a concern for those who are trying to reduce their sodium intake. If you are watching your sugar or sodium intake, it's important to be mindful of your portion sizes and to choose other low-sugar and low-sodium foods to balance out your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you whip up a classic prawn cocktail sauce?

Making a classic prawn cocktail sauce is easy. All you need is some good quality mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Mix all the ingredients together, and that's it! You have a delicious and classic prawn cocktail sauce.

What's the secret to a Michelin star-worthy prawn cocktail?

The secret to a Michelin star-worthy prawn cocktail is in the quality of the ingredients. Use the freshest prawns you can find, and make sure they are cooked to perfection. The sauce should be made from scratch, using the finest ingredients, and seasoned to perfection. Presentation is also key, so take the time to arrange the prawns and sauce beautifully on the plate.

Could you suggest the best accompaniments to serve with a prawn cocktail?

Prawn cocktail is a classic dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular options include crusty bread, buttered toast, or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, you could serve the prawn cocktail as a starter before a main course.

What are some modern twists to add to a traditional prawn cocktail recipe?

If you want to add a modern twist to a traditional prawn cocktail recipe, there are many options. You could add some avocado or mango to the sauce, or serve the prawns on a bed of lettuce instead of in a glass. Another option is to use different types of seafood, such as crab or lobster, instead of prawns.

Why do they often serve prawn cocktail in a glass?

Serving prawn cocktail in a glass is a classic presentation that adds an element of elegance to the dish. It also allows the layers of prawns and sauce to be seen, which adds to the visual appeal of the dish. Additionally, serving the prawn cocktail in a glass makes it easy to eat with a fork or spoon.

What ingredients go into making a Marie Rose sauce?

Marie Rose sauce is a classic sauce that is often used in prawn cocktail. It is made from a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce. Some recipes also call for a dash of brandy or sherry to add extra depth of flavour.