This Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail Recipe is a classic and refreshing recipe, which is made with fresh prawns and a zesty horseradish sauce. It’s the perfect starter for a dinner party, ready in about 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail Recipe Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 165 ml mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp freshly grated horseradish
- Dash of Tabasco sauce (to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste)
For the Prawn Cocktail:
- 1 kg medium fresh cooked prawns (peeled, with a few left whole for garnish)
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Finely chopped parsley (optional)
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail
- Prepare the Prawns: Ensure your prawns are peeled and deveined. If you like, set aside a few whole prawns to use as a garnish for each glass.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, Tabasco, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth, pink, and well-combined.
- Coat the Prawns: Add the peeled prawns to the sauce. Gently fold them in until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the prawns apart.
- Assemble the Glasses: Layer the finely shredded iceberg lettuce in the bottom of four small serving glasses or bowls.
- Top and Garnish: Spoon the saucy prawn mixture evenly over the bed of lettuce in each glass. Garnish each serving with a whole prawn (if using), a fresh lemon wedge, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get the best flavor? Using the freshest cooked prawns you can find will make a massive difference in the final taste and texture of the cocktail.
- Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely. The sauce is easy to customize. Add more Tabasco sauce or an extra pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier, tangier version.
- How do I make it extra refreshing? Chilling all your components—the prawns, the lettuce, and even the serving glasses—for about 15 minutes before assembling makes the final dish even more crisp and refreshing.
- Why shouldn’t I overmix the prawns? Tender cooked prawns can be delicate. Fold them into the sauce gently with a spatula just until they are coated to keep their texture perfect and prevent them from breaking apart.
What To Serve With Prawn Cocktail
This classic starter is traditionally served on its own, but it’s also wonderful with:
- Thin slices of buttered brown bread.
- Sliced avocado added to the lettuce base.
- A glass of crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
How To Store Prawn Cocktail
Store: Prawn cocktail is best made and served fresh. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 24 hours. Note that the lettuce will lose its crispness.
Prawn Cocktail Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 383kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time. The sauce can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also wash and shred the lettuce. For the best results, combine the prawns with the sauce and assemble the cocktails just before serving.
What if I can’t find fresh horseradish?
You can substitute prepared horseradish from a jar. It is often a bit less potent, so you may want to start with 1 teaspoon and add more to your taste.
What are the best prawns to use?
Freshly cooked and chilled medium-sized prawns (or shrimp) are ideal. Avoid using small salad shrimp, as they can get lost in the sauce and don’t provide the same satisfying texture.
Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes383
kcalA light, creamy, and classic prawn cocktail featuring tender prawns in a zesty Marie Rose-style sauce, served on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce.
Ingredients
Sauce: 165 ml mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp grated horseradish, dash of Tabasco, pinch of cayenne.
Cocktail: 1 kg cooked and peeled prawns, 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce, lemon wedges, fresh parsley.
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Gently fold the peeled prawns into the sauce until they are well-coated.
- Divide the shredded lettuce among four serving glasses.
- Spoon the prawn mixture over the lettuce.
- Garnish with a whole prawn, a lemon wedge, and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality, fresh-cooked prawns.
- Chilling the glasses and ingredients before assembly makes for a more refreshing starter.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco and cayenne to your preferred level of spice.
- This dish is best assembled just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
