Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce

Highlighted under: Cross-Cultural Cooking

A classic appetizer with a zesty twist, this Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce is sure to impress your guests.

Mario

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:45:49.514Z

This Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce combines the sweetness of prawns with a fiery kick, making it an irresistible starter for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh prawns paired with a spicy, tangy sauce
  • Quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining
  • A refreshing twist on a classic dish

The Perfect Starter for Any Occasion

Prawn Cocktail is a timeless dish that has graced dinner tables and celebrations for decades. Its elegant presentation and vibrant flavors make it a standout appetizer that never goes out of style. This version, enhanced with a spicy sauce, brings a new level of excitement to the traditional recipe, making it perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or even a casual family meal.

The combination of fresh, juicy prawns and creamy avocado creates a delightful texture that is both satisfying and refreshing. Paired with a zesty sauce, this dish tantalizes the taste buds, making it a sure hit among seafood lovers and newcomers alike. Whether served at a festive occasion or as a light starter, this Prawn Cocktail is guaranteed to impress.

Why Spice It Up?

Adding a spicy twist to the classic Prawn Cocktail elevates the dish by introducing layers of flavor that excite the palate. The heat from the hot sauce and the sharpness of the horseradish sauce contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the prawns and the creaminess of the avocado. This balance creates a mouthwatering experience that is both invigorating and satisfying.

Moreover, the spicy sauce is easily adjustable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy a mild kick or a fiery punch, you can customize the heat level to make this dish your own. This flexibility ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy the Prawn Cocktail, regardless of their spice tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Crisp white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, complement the dish perfectly, enhancing the seafood flavors without overwhelming them. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving sparkling water with a splash of lemon to keep things refreshing.

To elevate your presentation further, consider serving the Prawn Cocktail in elegant glassware or on a bed of ice. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also keeps the prawns chilled and fresh for longer. Garnishing with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, can also add a pop of color and additional flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce.

For the Prawn Cocktail

  • 500g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup mixed salad greens
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Spicy Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to assemble the dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Cocktail

In serving glasses, layer the mixed salad greens at the bottom, followed by the diced avocado and cooked prawns. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the prawns.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately for a refreshing appetizer.

Enjoy your delicious Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Prawn Cocktail, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The freshness of the prawns is key, so it's best to consume the dish as soon as possible. However, the spicy sauce can be kept in the fridge for longer, allowing you to enjoy it with other seafood dishes or salads.

When reheating, avoid exposing the prawns to excessive heat, as this can result in a rubbery texture. Instead, eat them cold or at room temperature, which maintains their tender quality. Pairing leftover prawns with fresh greens can create a quick and delicious lunch option.

Nutritional Benefits

This Prawn Cocktail not only tantalizes the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. They are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients, such as selenium and vitamin B12, promoting overall health.

Avocado adds a creamy texture while providing healthy fats, fiber, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. The combination of salad greens contributes essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish both indulgent and nourishing. Enjoying this Prawn Cocktail is a delicious way to treat yourself while staying mindful of your health.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just ensure they are thawed and properly cooked before using.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and prawns in advance, but assemble the cocktail just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for horseradish sauce?

You can use a mix of Dijon mustard and a bit of hot sauce as a substitute.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free.

Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce

A classic appetizer with a zesty twist, this Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce is sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Mario

Recipe Type: Cross-Cultural Cooking

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Prawn Cocktail

  1. 500g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
  2. 1 avocado, diced
  3. 1 cup mixed salad greens
  4. Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Spicy Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  2. 2 tablespoons ketchup
  3. 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
  4. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  5. 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 02

In serving glasses, layer the mixed salad greens at the bottom, followed by the diced avocado and cooked prawns. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the prawns.

Step 03

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately for a refreshing appetizer.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 20g