Prawn Cocktail

This timeless Prawn Cocktail is a festive Aussie starter that never goes out of style! Juicy, plump prawns are tossed in a luscious Rose Marie Sauce—a creamy, tangy pink mayonnaise with a hint of spice. Served over crisp iceberg lettuce, it’s a refreshing, elegant appetizer perfect for summer gatherings or holiday feasts. Use the freshest prawns and a high-quality whole-egg mayonnaise for the best flavor. Quick to assemble, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic!

Instructions

1. 1

   If using whole prawns, remove heads, peel, and devein if necessary (Note 1). Reserve a few whole prawns for garnish, if desired.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth to create the Rose Marie Sauce.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, gently toss peeled prawns with the Rose Marie Sauce until evenly coated.

4. 4

   Arrange a layer of finely sliced iceberg lettuce in serving dishes, such as martini glasses, small bowls, or lettuce cups.

5. 5

   Spoon the sauced prawns over the lettuce. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and a whole prawn, if using.

6. 6

   Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Recipe Notes

• Prawns – Freshness is key for the best flavor! In Australia, high-quality fresh cooked prawns are widely available at seafood markets or supermarkets. If using raw prawns, cook briefly in boiling water (1–2 minutes) until pink, then cool before peeling. Pre-peeled prawns save time but may be less juicy than freshly peeled ones. Deveining is often unnecessary for medium-sized cooked prawns as it’s barely noticeable with the sauce.

• Mayonnaise – Whole-egg mayonnaise (like S&W in Australia) provides a smoother, richer flavor compared to classic mayonnaise. It’s widely available in supermarkets and elevates the Rose Marie Sauce.

• Ketchup – Use American-style ketchup or Australian/UK tomato sauce for the right tangy-sweet balance. Avoid tomato-based pasta sauces or purees, which lack the necessary flavor intensity.

• Serving size – Plan for 100g / 3.5 oz of peeled prawns per person for a starter portion. Adjust upward for more generous servings or heartier appetites.

• Presentation – Martini glasses add a fun, retro vibe, but small bowls, lettuce cups, or even shot glasses work for a modern twist. Arrange lettuce neatly to create a crisp base.

• Make ahead – Peel prawns up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Prepare the Rose Marie Sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce. If assembled too early (e.g., 5 hours), sauce may pool at the base, but it remains delicious.

• Storage – Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The sauce may separate slightly, so stir before re-serving. Freezing is not recommended.

• Pro tip – For extra flair, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky depth, or serve with a side of avocado slices for a creamy contrast.