Name: Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Cooked prawns (250g / 9 oz): Peeled and deveined, ready to be coated in sauce.; Iceberg lettuce (half a head): Shredded finely for a crisp base.; Mayonnaise (4 tbsp): Forms the creamy base of the Marie Rose sauce.; Ketchup (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and color to the sauce.; Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): For a touch of umami and depth.; Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Freshly squeezed, to add brightness to the sauce.; Paprika (a pinch): Adds a subtle smoky flavor.; Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.; Lemon wedges: For garnish, to serve with the cocktail.; Fresh parsley (a handful): Chopped, for garnish.

Mary Berry’s Prawn Cocktail is a timeless classic that brings together juicy prawns, crisp lettuce, and a deliciously tangy sauce. This dish is perfect as a starter for dinner parties, festive occasions, or even a light lunch. The prawns are coated in a creamy, slightly spicy Marie Rose sauce, served on a bed of lettuce, and garnished with a wedge of lemon. Elegant, simple, and full of flavor, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.

What is Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail?

Mary Berry’s Prawn Cocktail is a retro dish featuring fresh prawns tossed in a zesty Marie Rose sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. It’s typically served over a bed of shredded lettuce and garnished with lemon wedges for a light, refreshing start to a meal. The combination of succulent prawns and tangy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser and an enduring favorite.

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Why You Love This Recipe

Simple and elegant: A quick dish that delivers a touch of sophistication.
Perfect for entertaining: This prawn cocktail is a great starter for any gathering.
Light and fresh: The combination of prawns, crisp lettuce, and a creamy sauce makes it refreshing and flavorful.

Customizable: You can adjust the sauce to your taste or add extra garnishes like avocado or cucumber.
Great make-ahead option: The sauce can be made in advance, allowing for easy assembly when serving.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Cooked prawns (250g / 9 oz): Peeled and deveined, ready to be coated in sauce.

Iceberg lettuce (half a head): Shredded finely for a crisp base.
Mayonnaise (4 tbsp): Forms the creamy base of the Marie Rose sauce.
Ketchup (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and color to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): For a touch of umami and depth.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Freshly squeezed, to add brightness to the sauce.
Paprika (a pinch): Adds a subtle smoky flavor.

Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Lemon wedges: For garnish, to serve with the cocktail.
Fresh parsley (a handful): Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Spoon for mixing
Knife and chopping board

Measuring spoons

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Prepare the lettuce: Shred the iceberg lettuce finely and divide it between individual serving glasses or a large serving bowl to create the base.
Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth, then season with a pinch of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Coat the prawns: Add the prawns to the sauce and gently toss until they are fully coated.
Assemble the cocktail: Place the prawns on top of the shredded lettuce in the serving glasses or bowl.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce.
Avocado: Slices of avocado add a creamy texture that complements the prawns.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Chilled white wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this light starter.
Pickled onions: For a tangy bite, add pickled onions as an optional garnish.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Use fresh prawns: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality prawns, either cooked at home or pre-cooked from a trusted source.

Don’t over-dress the prawns: Ensure the prawns are lightly coated in the sauce, rather than drowning in it, to keep the flavors balanced.
Chill the sauce: For a refreshing dish, prepare the sauce ahead of time and chill it in the fridge before tossing with the prawns.
Adjust the sauce to taste: If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of Tabasco sauce to the Marie Rose sauce for a bit of heat.
Vegan option: Substitute prawns with marinated tofu or jackfruit, and use plant-based mayonnaise to create a vegan version.
Extra crunch: Add finely chopped celery or radish for an extra crunchy texture.

Smoked paprika: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to give the sauce a deeper, smoky flavor.
Add seafood: Mix in other seafood like crab or lobster to elevate the dish further.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover prawns and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Do not freeze: Prawn cocktail is best served fresh. Freezing the prawns in the sauce may alter the texture once thawed.
Prepare in advance: You can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble the prawn cocktail just before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Serve cold: Prawn cocktail is a cold dish, so reheating is not necessary. Serve it straight from the fridge after assembling.

Refresh the sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in a little extra lemon juice or water before tossing with the prawns.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail Healthier?

Use light mayonnaise: Replace full-fat mayonnaise with a lighter version to reduce calories.
Skip the ketchup: For a lower sugar content, reduce or eliminate the ketchup from the sauce.

Increase vegetables: Add more lettuce or other crunchy vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
Use Greek yogurt: Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce with added protein.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 200

Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 5g

Protein: 15g
Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I make a prawn cocktail in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce for the prawn cocktail in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble the dish with prawns and lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

What type of prawns should I use for a prawn cocktail?

It’s best to use cooked, peeled prawns for a prawn cocktail. You can use small prawns or larger king prawns, depending on your preference. Just make sure they are fresh or high-quality frozen prawns.

Can I freeze a prawn cocktail?

A prawn cocktail is not suitable for freezing, especially with the sauce, as it can affect the texture of the prawns and make the sauce watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

How do I make prawn cocktail sauce spicier?

To add a bit of heat to the sauce, mix in a few drops of hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Marie Rose sauce.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Prawn Cocktail is a classic starter that never fails to impress with its simplicity and elegance. The combination of tender prawns, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy sauce makes for a delightful dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

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