A popular starter and appetiser, particularly alongside a Christmas dinner, a prawn cocktail is a firm favourite for many. Try this classic prawn cocktail recipe, and feel free to switch up the quantities due to personal taste.

Ingredients:

250g large cooked prawns, peeled
1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped

For the cocktail sauce:
150ml mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
A dash of Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges, optional for garnish

Instructions:
Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Chill the sauce in the fridge for an hour.
In serving glasses of your choice, add a layer of shredded lettuce at the bottom, then add the diced tomatoes, cucumber and chopped red onion over the top.
Next, evenly distribute the cooked prawns over the vegetable mixture.
Spoon the sauce you’ve just made generously on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge, and serve straight away.

This prawn cocktail recipe will make the perfect starter for any pescatarians at your next dinner party or gathering.

Are Prawns and Shrimp the Same?

Shrimp and prawns have many similarities, but they are not the same. However, in many seafood recipes, the terms "shrimp" and "prawns" are used interchangeably, due to their striking similarity. If you’re looking to establish whether something is a prawn or a shrimp, there are a few key differences to be aware of. Prawns are typically larger, and many people describe prawns as having a sweeter, more delicate flavour compared to the slightly stronger flavour of shrimp. The texture can also vary, with prawns often being firmer and a little more "meaty".

We use mostly prawns in our HelloFresh recipes, with delicious dishes such as prawn and coconut laksa and speedy prawn pasta.

How to Cook Prawns

Prawns are super easy to cook and are usually ready in only a few minutes. There are a few different ways you can cook prawns, including pan frying, grilling, boiling, or even using the air fryer. All you have to do is season them to your liking and choose a cooking method of your choice. We have included some instructions on how to pan fry, grill and boil your prawns here:

Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter to the pan. Once hot, add the prawns in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the prawns with olive oil and season them. Place them on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they're pink and cooked through.
Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain them immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prawn Recipe FAQs

How to defrost prawns

There are a few different ways you can defrost prawns, depending on where you are and how much time you have available. When defrosting prawns, however, it’s important that you always put food safety first. The safest method for defrosting prawns is the fridge method. All you have to do is place the prawns on a plate and transfer them to the fridge for around 8-12 hours or overnight, so make sure you have some time on your hands. It is extremely important to note to never thaw prawns at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth and foodborne illness. Always thaw prawns in the fridge, cold water, or microwave, and cook them promptly after thawing for the best results.

Can you reheat prawns?

Yes, you can reheat prawns, however, it is important not to overcook them, as this can lead to the texture becoming tough and rubbery. The easiest way to reheat prawns is to pop them in the microwave, loosely covered with either a microwave safe lid or a paper towel, then microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking every minute to avoid overheating.