What comes to your mind when someone mentions ‘cocktail’ to you? Alcoholic cocktails, right?
But you would be amazed to know there is a seafood dish made from prawns that classify as a Prawn Cocktail.
Surprised?
I was too when I first discovered this British delicacy which is a great party appetizer that’s served in a cocktail glass. It’s so delish, juicy and easy to nibble on. Plus, this is one cocktail you don’t have to worry about having one too many. Tee Hee!
So, let me cut to the chase and share my most favourite non-fuss prawn cocktail recipes to serve at your next cocktail party.
1. Classic Prawn Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail recipe is absolutely divine and hardly takes any time to prepare.
Ingredients:
110gms shelled, washed and dried prawns
2 cherry tomatoes
50ml mayonnaise
5ml tabasco sauce
20ml tomato ketchup
100gm lettuce
1 pinch black pepper
Salt
Lime
Method:
Poach the prawns with shell and before you serve them, de-shell. Make Marie Rose sauce (a popular seafood sauce) by mixing mayonnaise, tabasco sauce, tomato ketchup and salt together and keep it aside. Then, place the lettuce, cut into shreds and mix it with a little Marie Rose sauce. Lastly, place the poached prawns on top of it and pour the remaining sauce to coat them. Tada!
Image Credits: BBC Good Food
2. Prawn Cocktail with Avocado
If you serve this at your house party, know that your guests won’t leave till you share the recipe with them. No kidding!
Ingredients:
12 cooked king prawns
90gms mixed lettuce washed
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
125ml Marie Rose sauce
Paprika, for sprinkling
Herbs of your choice (for garnish)
Method:
You can poach the prawns or cook them in a skillet for 3 to 4 minutes, as you like it. Arrange the lettuce and top with avocado. Now, place the prawns on the salad and add dollops of sauce on top. Sprinkle with paprika and add the herbs of your choice on top for the finishing. Easy-peasy.
Image Credit: Delicious Magazine
3. Retro Prawn Cocktail
Straight from the ‘80s, this recipe is like a touch of nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients:
900gms raw jumbo prawns, tails on
1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups lettuce, roughly chopped
2 avocados, diced
1 cucumber, diced
150ml Marie Rose sauce
Method:
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the prawns for 3 to 4 minutes till each side turns pink. Sprinkle it with salt as per taste and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Take a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and refrigerate. When ready, assemble the ingredients. Add lettuce to the bottom of the glass, top it with a few pieces of cucumber, avocado and finally prawns. Top it with sauce and serve immediately.
Image Credits: My Food Story
For an enhanced gastronomical affair, serve them cold.
And finally, don’t forget to pair it with a good drink. After all, a cocktail is incomplete without some alcohol. If you know what I mean! I recommend a glass of a smoky whisky, right from the islands of Scotland.
Like Talisker - Made By The Sea, it is best enjoyed with seafood preparations like the prawn cocktail that’s shrimp-ly delicious.
*Drink Responsibly!
