🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Food
Classic Prawn Cocktail
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
A beloved retro starter, the Prawn Cocktail is an elegant and refreshing dish featuring succulent cooked prawns nestled on a bed of crisp shredded lettuce, all generously coated in a tangy Marie Rose sauce. It's a taste of British culinary history, often served with a wedge of lemon and buttered brown bread.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
For the Marie Rose sauce, combine 150ml of good quality mayonnaise in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick).
- 2
Stir all the sauce ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a touch more lemon or a hint of salt.
- 3
Wash and finely shred 1 small iceberg lettuce. Distribute the shredded lettuce evenly among 4 individual cocktail glasses or small serving bowls, forming a neat bed.
- 4
Drain 400g of cooked, peeled prawns thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this ensures your sauce adheres nicely.
- 5
Gently fold three-quarters of the prawns into the prepared Marie Rose sauce until they are fully coated. Reserve the remaining prawns for garnish.
- 6
Spoon the sauced prawns over the shredded lettuce in each glass, mounding them slightly for an attractive presentation.
- 7
Arrange the reserved prawns artfully on top of each cocktail for an appealing finish. Add a small wedge of lemon to the rim of each glass.
- 8
Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving. A classic accompaniment is a slice of buttered brown bread, or even thin toast points, on the side.
- 9
For an extra touch, dust lightly with a tiny pinch of paprika just before serving to enhance the colour. Enjoy this timeless starter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of prawns are best for a classic prawn cocktail, and should they be cooked?+
For convenience and best results, use pre-cooked, peeled king or tiger prawns, fresh or thoroughly defrosted. If using raw prawns, poach them quickly until pink and opaque, then chill them completely before assembling the cocktail.
Which type of lettuce provides the best texture for this dish?+
Crisp varieties like Iceberg or Romaine lettuce are ideal for their refreshing crunch and structural integrity, preventing the lettuce from wilting too quickly. Always ensure it's finely shredded and very cold.
How can I achieve the perfect consistency for the prawn cocktail sauce?+
The perfect consistency is achieved by carefully balancing the mayonnaise-to-ketchup ratio and adding lemon juice gradually. If it's too thick, thin it with a touch more lemon juice; if too runny, stir in a little more mayonnaise.
What is the best way to serve Classic Prawn Cocktail, and what bread should accompany it?+
Serve immediately in individual glasses or bowls, garnished with a lemon wedge and a dash of paprika. Traditionally, it pairs wonderfully with slices of crusty white or brown bread and butter for dipping.
Mundo Match
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