Nigella Lawson’s Prawn Cocktail is a classic and elegant appetizer, perfect for dinner parties or a special meal. With succulent prawns coated in a tangy, creamy Marie Rose sauce, this dish brings together fresh seafood flavors with a retro twist. Served in cocktail glasses or over crisp lettuce, this prawn cocktail makes a delightful starter that’s both easy to prepare and visually impressive.
What is Nigella Lawson’s Prawn Cocktail?
Nigella Lawson’s Prawn Cocktail is a traditional seafood appetizer made with tender prawns dressed in a flavorful Marie Rose sauce, typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. The prawns are served over a bed of crisp lettuce, making it a refreshing and light dish.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for a last-minute appetizer.
- Classic Flavors: Combines rich, tangy Marie Rose sauce with the delicate taste of prawns.
- Light and Refreshing: Ideal for starting off a meal without being too heavy.
- Elegant Presentation: Makes an eye-catching starter for special occasions.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different garnishes or types of seafood.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- 300g cooked and peeled prawns (preferably large)
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
- A dash of hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 small head of lettuce (shredded)
- 1 small cucumber (sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced, optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
- Paprika (for sprinkling, optional)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or spoon
- Cocktail glasses or serving dishes
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions to Make Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Prepare the Lettuce and Veggies: Shred the lettuce into thin strips and divide it between the serving dishes or cocktail glasses. Add cucumber slices and, if using, slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
- Make the Marie Rose Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss the Prawns in the Sauce: Add the prawns to the bowl with the Marie Rose sauce and gently toss to coat the prawns evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Place the sauced prawns over the bed of lettuce and cucumber in each serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Add a lemon wedge to each dish and serve immediately.
What Goes Well With Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of fresh bread or rolls to scoop up the prawns and sauce.
- Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the fresh seafood flavors.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich prawns.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy, smooth texture that balances the tangy sauce.
- Oysters: For a seafood feast, serve the prawn cocktail alongside freshly shucked oysters.
- Pickled Vegetables: A few pickled onions or cucumbers can provide a tangy, contrasting bite.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Use Fresh Prawns: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, cooked prawns. You can also use frozen prawns, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before tossing them in the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or add extra lemon juice for more tang.
- Chill Before Serving: Keep the prawns and sauce chilled until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Customize the Heat: Add more hot sauce or a dash of Tabasco for a spicier twist on the classic Marie Rose sauce.
- Serve in Style: For an elegant presentation, serve the prawn cocktail in tall glasses or on small appetizer plates.
Easy Variations of Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Spicy Prawn Cocktail: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the Marie Rose sauce for a kick of heat.
- Prawn and Crab Cocktail: Mix in some fresh crab meat with the prawns for a luxurious seafood combination.
- Low-Calorie Version: Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of regular mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Vegan Option: Replace prawns with marinated hearts of palm or artichoke hearts for a vegan version.
- Extra Garnishes: Top with chopped hard-boiled eggs or avocado slices for added richness.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store the prawn cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The prawns should be kept cold to maintain their freshness.
- Separate the Sauce: If preparing ahead, store the prawns and the Marie Rose sauce separately, and combine just before serving.
- Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the prawn cocktail, as the texture of the prawns may become mushy upon thawing.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Do Not Reheat: Prawn cocktail is typically served cold, and reheating the prawns will change their texture and taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
How Can I Make Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail Healthier?
- Use Low-Fat Mayo: Substitute regular mayonnaise with a low-fat version to reduce the calorie content.
- Add More Vegetables: Increase the amount of lettuce, cucumber, or other vegetables for a more filling, low-calorie starter.
- Skip the Sauce: For a lighter option, serve the prawns with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice instead of the Marie Rose sauce.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap out some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier sauce.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
Can I make prawn cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, prawn cocktail can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the prawns and Marie Rose sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before serving to ensure the prawns stay fresh.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in prawn cocktail?
You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat crème fraîche for a lighter, tangier alternative. This still gives a creamy texture while reducing calories and fat.
How long can prawn cocktail be stored in the fridge?
Prawn cocktail can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to serve it fresh.
Can I use frozen prawns for a prawn cocktail?
Yes, frozen prawns can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before mixing with the Marie Rose sauce to avoid excess water diluting the flavor.
Final Words
This Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail Recipe is a delicious and elegant starter that brings together fresh prawns and a creamy, tangy sauce.
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Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella Lawson’s Prawn Cocktail is a traditional seafood appetizer made with tender prawns dressed in a flavorful Marie Rose sauce, typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. The prawns are served over a bed of crisp lettuce, making it a refreshing and light dish.
Ingredients
- 300g cooked and peeled prawns (preferably large)
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
- A dash of hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 small head of lettuce (shredded)
- 1 small cucumber (sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced, optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
- Paprika (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce and Veggies: Shred the lettuce into thin strips and divide it between the serving dishes or cocktail glasses. Add cucumber slices and, if using, slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
- Make the Marie Rose Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss the Prawns in the Sauce: Add the prawns to the bowl with the Marie Rose sauce and gently toss to coat the prawns evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Place the sauced prawns over the bed of lettuce and cucumber in each serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: Add a lemon wedge to each dish and serve immediately.
