Zesty Lawson Prawn Cocktail Recipe: A Tangy Seafood Delight

Lawson’s prawn cocktail brings a delightful twist to classic seafood appetizers.

Succulent shrimp swim in a zesty sauce that tingles your taste buds.

Crisp lettuce adds a fresh crunch to every bite.

Our kitchen-tested method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Bold flavors mingle perfectly in this crowd-pleasing starter.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Why Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail Stands Out

• Craft Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this prawn cocktail a breeze to prepare for anyone with basic kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleaser Appetizer: Perfect for dinner parties, summer gatherings, or casual get-togethers where guests want something light and refreshing.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust sauce intensity to match personal taste preferences, making it adaptable for different palates.
• Healthy Protein Option: Packed with lean protein from prawns and fresh vegetables, offering a nutritious starter that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail Ingredients Guide

• Prawns: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the protein base of the salad.
• Lettuce: Crisp green leaves that provide a fresh and crunchy foundation.
• Tomatoes: Juicy red vegetables that add bright color and tangy flavor.
• Cucumber: Cool and refreshing vegetable that brings a light, crisp texture.
• Avocado: Creamy green fruit that adds richness and smoothness to the dish.
• Onion: Sharp and aromatic vegetable that provides a subtle bite.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy white sauce that creates a smooth and rich base.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco: Condiments that blend to create a zesty and spicy sauce.

• Parsley, Lemon Wedge: Optional fresh herbs and citrus that enhance the final presentation and add a bright, fresh accent to the dish.

How To Prepare Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail

Step 1: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Wash and finely chop all the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Select crisp, ripe ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Onion

Ensure the prawns are cleaned, deveined, and cut into uniform pieces.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend the sauce ingredients until completely smooth and well incorporated.

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco sauce

Whisk thoroughly to create a creamy, tangy dressing with a subtle kick.

Step 3: Combine Prawns and Vegetables

Gently fold the prepared prawns and chopped vegetables together in a large serving bowl. Be careful not to break the delicate ingredients while mixing.

Step 4: Drench with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the prawn and vegetable mixture. Use a soft spatula to coat everything evenly, ensuring each piece gets a perfect sauce coverage.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the prawn cocktail into individual serving glasses or small bowls. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, add a final touch with fresh herbs or a citrus accent.

• Chopped parsley
• Lemon wedge

Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing, oceanic flavors.

Tips For A Great Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail

• Freshness First: Use the freshest prawns possible for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they're properly cleaned and deveined before mixing.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to taste, creating a personalized dressing that suits your spice preference.
• Chill for Perfection: Let the prawn cocktail rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing taste.
• Texture Tip: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a consistent and appealing mouthfeel.
• Serving Style: Serve in clear glasses or small bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients and create an elegant presentation.

Creative Twists On Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail

• Low-Carb Zinger: Replace bread bowl with crisp lettuce cups, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for lighter sauce.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Add diced jalapeños, swap ketchup with salsa, include cilantro and lime juice for bold flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Ocean Medley: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, substitute regular mayo with avocado-based mayonnaise, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Coastal Version: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives, replace regular onions with red onions, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle fresh herbs like oregano and dill.

Tasty Pairings For Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail

• Amplify Citrus Sparkle: Pair this zesty prawn cocktail with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the seafood's freshness.
• Crunch and Contrast: Serve alongside light, herbed crackers or toasted sourdough points to add textural interest and provide a perfect base for scooping up the cocktail.
• Refresh with Bubbles: Complement the dish with a sparkling prosecco or champagne, whose effervescence will cleanse the palate and enhance the prawns' delicate flavor.
• Zingy Side Kick: Add a small green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to bring brightness and acidity that balances the rich, creamy sauce.

Keep Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail Fresh And Cool

• Store leftover prawn cocktail in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep cold and sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Prawns and fresh vegetables lose texture and quality when frozen, so refrigeration is the best preservation method.
• Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture. Discard if prawns smell fishy or sauce separates.
• Keep sauce and prawn mixture separately in different containers to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp texture when ready to serve again.

Nigella Lawson Prawn Cocktail FAQ Answers

• Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the salad to prevent excess water.

• How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has a mild kick from Tabasco. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Tabasco sauce according to your preference.

• Are there any alternatives to mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a healthier substitute for mayonnaise while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can mix the prawns and vegetables ahead of time, but add the sauce just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.

Lawson Prawn Cocktail Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Dive into classic British charm with Lawson prawn cocktail, a retro seafood appetizer that blends creamy sauce and succulent prawns. Crisp lettuce, zesty dressing, and plump shrimp combine for a nostalgic starter you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14.1 ounces) cooked and peeled prawns
• 1 small iceberg lettuce, cut into thin strips
• 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into small pieces
• 1 cucumber, cut into small pieces
• 1 ripe avocado, cut into small pieces
• 1 small red onion, chopped very small

Sauce Ingredients:

• 150 milliliters (5.1 fluid ounces) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spice Ingredient:

• 1–2 dashes of Tabasco sauce

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse prawns and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Finely chop lettuce and slice cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado into uniform bite-sized pieces.
3. Thinly slice red onion to ensure delicate distribution throughout the salad.
4. Whisk mayonnaise with ketchup, creating a vibrant coral-colored sauce.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco, blending until sauce achieves smooth, consistent texture.
6. Gently fold prawns and chopped vegetables in large mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
7. Drizzle prepared sauce over mixture, using light folding motion to prevent breaking delicate ingredients.
8. Transfer cocktail into chilled serving glasses or decorative bowls for elegant presentation.
9. Refrigerate for 25-35 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly chill.
10. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or delicate lemon wedge for bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture in your cocktail.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of ingredients.
• Adjust hot sauce levels to match your personal spice tolerance, adding Tabasco gradually.
• Prepare sauce separately and taste before mixing to perfect the tangy, creamy balance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg