Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish-style prawn cocktail offers a creamy and flavorful combination of fresh shrimp and a rich, homemade sauce. The sauce, known as Marie Rose sauce, elevates the dish with a balanced mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of sherry. The freshness of the shrimp, combined with the crispness of the lettuce, makes it an irresistible and satisfying starter. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, ensuring you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked and peeled shrimp (about 30 large prawns)
- Iceberg lettuce (separated into leaves, washed, and dried)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
For the Marie Rose Sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet sherry
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the Marie Rose Sauce: Whip the heavy cream until slightly thickened. Add mayonnaise and ketchup, then mix in the Worcestershire sauce, sweet sherry, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using fresh shrimp, peel, devein, and cook them. Otherwise, use pre-cooked shrimp. Reserve six shrimp for garnish.
- Assemble the Cocktail: Lay the washed lettuce leaves on individual plates or in cocktail glasses. Toss the remaining shrimp in the chilled Marie Rose sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Spoon five shrimp onto the lettuce in each dish. Garnish with chopped chives, a wedge of lemon, and the reserved shrimp.
- Serve immediately, as the lettuce can wilt quickly.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour (for the sauce)
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Marie Rose sauce for some heat.
- Avocado Addition: For added richness, top your prawn cocktail with slices of avocado.
- Different Greens: Swap out the iceberg lettuce for romaine or baby gem lettuce for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
This prawn cocktail is best served fresh. However, the Marie Rose sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As the shrimp are already cooked, the assembled prawn cocktail can be kept in the fridge for up to 15 minutes before the lettuce wilts.
FAQs
1. Can I make this prawn cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to assemble the cocktail just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them fully and peel them before preparing the cocktail.
3. What kind of shrimp should I use?
King prawns or large shrimp work best for this recipe, but any cooked, peeled shrimp will suffice.
4. Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter version, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
5. What type of lettuce is best for this cocktail?
Iceberg lettuce is a popular choice due to its crisp texture, but other lettuces like romaine or baby gem work just as well.
6. Can I add a different garnish?
Yes, you can use garnishes like chopped parsley, celery, or even a few slices of cucumber for added freshness.
7. Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor profile, you can try using a classic cocktail sauce (tomato-based) or a creamy dill sauce.
8. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add more spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few drops of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce.
9. How long can I store leftover prawn cocktail?
While the prawn cocktail is best served immediately, you can store the leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid storing the entire dish as the lettuce may wilt.
10. Can I use other seafood besides shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with crab meat, lobster, or scallops for a different seafood twist.
Conclusion
Prawn Cocktail Irish Style is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich and creamy Marie Rose sauce and fresh, succulent shrimp, it’s a dish that brings a touch of retro elegance to any meal. Whether served as a starter for a festive dinner or as a light and refreshing appetizer, this dish will always be a hit.
Prawn Cocktail Irish Style
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Appetizer, Starter
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish, Retro
Description
Prawn Cocktail Irish Style is a classic and retro-inspired appetizer featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, tangy Marie Rose sauce. Perfect for festive meals or as a refreshing starter, this dish brings a creamy and flavorful twist to traditional prawn cocktails.
Ingredients
For the Prawn Cocktail:
- 30 large cooked and peeled shrimp (prawns)
- Iceberg lettuce (washed, dried, and separated into leaves)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
For the Marie Rose Sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet sherry
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Make the Marie Rose Sauce:
- Whip the heavy cream in a bowl until slightly thickened.
- Add the mayonnaise and ketchup to the whipped cream, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, sweet sherry, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Refrigerate the sauce for 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
- If using fresh shrimp, peel, devein, and cook them. Otherwise, use pre-cooked shrimp.
- Reserve six shrimp for garnish.
-
Assemble the Cocktail:
- Lay washed lettuce leaves on individual plates or cocktail glasses.
- Toss the remaining shrimp in the chilled Marie Rose sauce until fully coated.
-
Serve:
- Spoon five shrimp onto the lettuce in each dish.
- Garnish with chopped chives, a wedge of lemon, and the reserved shrimp.
- Serve immediately as the lettuce can wilt quickly.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Marie Rose sauce for some heat.
- Avocado Addition: Top your prawn cocktail with slices of avocado for extra richness.
- Different Greens: Swap out iceberg lettuce for romaine or baby gem lettuce for different texture.
