Prawn Cocktail

Name: Prawn Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 2 to 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian Menu
Ingredients: Cooked King Prawns — 400g; Iceberg Lettuce — ½ head; Fresh Parsley — 5g; Lemon — 1; Mayonnaise — 150g; Tomato Ketchup — 2 tbsp; Worcestershire Sauce — 1 tsp; Lemon Juice — 1 tbsp; Paprika — ¼ tsp; Salt — To taste; Black Pepper — To taste

A classic seafood starter popularised across coastal Italian trattorias, sweet, succulent king prawns are gently poached and served over a crisp bed of shredded baby gem lettuce. Draped in a silky, cognac-infused salsa rosa sauce with a hint of lemon, every chilled, refreshing bite offers a delightful balance of plump texture, velvety richness, and subtle citrus brightness.

Cuisines

Cooking Instructions

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 0 minutes

Servings: 2 to 4

Notes:

The juice of half a lemon can be substituted for white wine if avoiding alcohol.

Double cream or crème fraîche can be blended into the mayonnaise for an extra velvety texture.

A dash of Tabasco or cayenne pepper can be added to the sauce for an optional spicy kick.

Make the Marie Rose Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika until smooth and fully combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Prepare the Salad Base
Finely shred the iceberg lettuce and divide it evenly between individual serving glasses or bowls.

Assemble the Cocktail
Toss the peeled, cooked prawns in half of the Marie Rose sauce until lightly coated, then spoon them over the bed of lettuce.

Garnish and Serve
Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika and fresh parsley, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.