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.