Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail Recipe

The Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail is a timeless classic that combines plump, juicy prawns with crisp lettuce and a creamy, tangy Marie Rose sauce. It’s light, elegant, and perfect for dinner parties, festive gatherings, or a refreshing starter any time of year. Mary Berry’s version keeps it traditional but refined—simple to prepare, beautifully presented, and full of flavor.

What Is Mary Berry’s Prawn Cocktail?

Mary Berry’s Prawn Cocktail is a traditional British starter featuring cooked prawns coated in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Served on a bed of crunchy lettuce and topped with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of paprika, it’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Moroccan Lamb Tagine
• Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup
• Mary Berry Beef Cheeks

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
• Light yet flavorful – A perfect balance of creamy and tangy.
• Elegant presentation – Ideal for festive or formal occasions.
• Make-ahead friendly – Sauce can be prepared in advance.
• Loved by everyone – A timeless crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

• 400g cooked and peeled prawns (king prawns or cold-water prawns)
• 100ml mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
• ½ tsp paprika (plus extra for garnish)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 small lettuce (iceberg or romaine), shredded
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 ripe tomato, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Serving glasses or small bowls
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add the Prawns

Add the cooked, peeled prawns to the bowl and gently fold them into the sauce until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

Arrange shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, and chopped tomato at the bottom of each serving glass or bowl. This adds crunch and freshness to the dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Prawn Cocktail

Spoon the dressed prawns on top of the lettuce mixture. Add a small drizzle of extra sauce if desired. Sprinkle lightly with paprika for color and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with buttered brown bread or toast for a classic presentation.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thick: Added an extra squeeze of lemon juice for better consistency.
• Overpowering Worcestershire flavor: Reduced to ½ teaspoon for balance.
• Soggy lettuce: Assembled just before serving to keep it crisp.
• Too plain: Added a sprinkle of paprika for color and mild spice.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayo for fewer calories. You can also replace ketchup with fresh tomato purée and add finely chopped herbs for flavor. Serve with whole-grain bread instead of white for added fiber.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

• Prawns: Substitute with crab meat or cooked shrimp.
• Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Ketchup: Swap for chili sauce for a spicy twist.
• Lettuce: Use baby gem or mixed greens for variety.
• Paprika: Replace with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

• Buttered brown bread – Adds a classic, hearty touch.
• Chilled white wine – Pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Fresh lemon wedges – Enhance the freshness of the prawns.
• Roasted new potatoes – Great for a more filling meal.
• Crispy baguette slices – Perfect for scooping up sauce.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

• Use cold prawns: The dish tastes best when chilled before serving.
• Dry prawns well: Remove excess moisture before mixing with sauce.
• Don’t overmix: Fold prawns gently to keep them plump and intact.
• Balance the sauce: Adjust lemon juice or ketchup for a perfect tang.
• Serve in glass dishes: Enhances presentation and portion control.
• Chill before serving: Keeps it fresh and enhances flavor.
• Add texture: Include diced avocado or celery for extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail

• Add avocado: Creaminess pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add a few drops of Tabasco or chili flakes.
• Use smoked prawns: For a smoky flavor twist.
• Serve in lettuce cups: For a light, low-carb version.
• Add herbs: Fresh dill or chives give a fragrant lift.
• Turn it into a main: Serve over rice or pasta salad.

Storing Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail the Right Way

• Keep refrigerated until serving.
• Store leftovers for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
• Avoid freezing, as the sauce and prawns lose texture.
• Do not leave out at room temperature for more than 1 hour.

How to Reheat Prawn Cocktail (If Needed)

Prawn cocktail is best served cold. If using freshly cooked prawns, allow them to cool completely before adding the sauce. Never reheat prawns that have already been mixed with mayonnaise, as it can curdle and spoil.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 440mg

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FAQs

How do I make prawn cocktail sauce creamy and smooth?

To achieve a smooth Marie Rose sauce, whisk the mayonnaise and ketchup together first before adding Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Mix slowly until combined. Using room-temperature ingredients also helps the sauce blend evenly without separating.

Should I use fresh or frozen prawns for a prawn cocktail?

You can use either, but ensure the prawns are fully cooked, peeled, and chilled. Fresh prawns offer the best flavor and texture, while frozen prawns are a convenient option—just thaw them completely and pat dry before mixing with the sauce.

How do I stop lettuce from going soggy in a prawn cocktail?

Always assemble the prawn cocktail just before serving. Keep the lettuce dry by washing and thoroughly patting it with kitchen paper. If preparing ahead, store lettuce separately from the sauce and prawns to keep it crisp.

Can I make the prawn cocktail sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir well before using and combine with prawns only when ready to serve for the best texture and freshness.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Prawn Cocktail remains one of the most beloved British starters for a reason—it’s quick, classic, and irresistibly creamy. With its cool prawns, crisp lettuce, and tangy Marie Rose sauce, this dish is both nostalgic and elegant.