If you love a prawn cocktail then these sandwiches are going to be right up your street. Plus, they’re SO easy to make!
These prawn cocktail sandwiches are as charming as they are tasty. Light, fresh and simple to prepare, they make a perfect party snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Read on for tips, variations and the full recipe.
Marie Rose Sauce
Marie Rose sauce is the classic partner to prawns in a cocktail-style dish. At its base it’s mayonnaise blended with ketchup. To lift the flavour I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a little lemon juice; both brighten and balance the sweetness of the mayonnaise and ketchup. Some cooks add horseradish or Tabasco for heat, but the Worcestershire and lemon provide a reliably delicious profile.
I often make a little extra sauce: most is mixed with the prawns, and a small amount is spread inside the roll for extra creaminess.
Make ahead?
Yes — the sauce itself stores well in the fridge. Keep it sealed until you’re ready to assemble.
Prawn Cocktail
What prawns work best?
Ready-to-eat jumbo or large king prawns are ideal — they’re juicy and flavorful. If you buy whole prawns remove tails, heads and veins; if you use raw prawns cook them first and cool completely before combining with the sauce. Patting prawns dry before dressing them removes excess moisture and helps the sauce adhere better.
Make ahead?
I don’t recommend fully dressing the prawns too far in advance. The acidity in the sauce can cause the mixture to become watery and change the texture of the prawns if left too long.
Prawn Cocktail Sandwich
Bread options
Mini baguettes or rolls (such as petit pains) are perfect for serving a crowd. Alternatively, a large baguette sliced into portions works well.
Prawn Cocktail Additions
To build the sandwiches I use:
- Lettuce – little gem or iceberg are classic choices. Little gem works well because the leaves cradle the filling.
- Avocado – thinly sliced and seasoned lightly with salt.
- Cayenne pepper – a small dusting for colour and a touch of heat.
Assemble ahead?
For best texture, assemble just before serving. Lettuce can turn soggy and avocado will brown if left preassembled for long.
Serving Prawn Cocktail Sandwiches
These little sandwiches are ideal for parties — no sides required. They’re handheld, flavorful and satisfying on their own.
Full recipe below.
How to make Prawn Cocktail Sandwiches (Full Recipe)
Prawn Cocktail Sandwiches
Equipment
- Small pot (for sauce)
- Paper towels (for patting prawns)
- Small mixing bowl & spatula
- Sharp knife & chopping board (for avocado)
- Bread knife (for rolls)
Ingredients
- 10 small rolls / petit pains
- 300g / 10.5oz cooked, peeled large king prawns
- 1/2 cup / 120g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, peeled & thinly sliced
- 1–2 baby / little gem lettuces, leaves separated and washed
- Cayenne pepper, to garnish
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a small pot or bowl combine the mayonnaise with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and place them in a small mixing bowl. Stir in about two-thirds of the sauce, or enough to coat the prawns comfortably.
- Slice the rolls almost through the centre. Spread a little of the remaining sauce on the bottom half, add a little gem lettuce leaf, then a few slices of avocado seasoned with a pinch of salt. Arrange four prawns on top and finish with a light dusting of cayenne pepper (use sparingly if you prefer mild).
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Quick Demo
Notes
a) Bread – Mini rolls are great for parties. Part-baked petit pains work well if you want to warm or crisp them slightly. You can also use any mini baguettes or slice a large baguette.
b) Prawns – Jumbo or large king prawns are recommended for juiciness. Use ready-to-eat prawns for ease; if using raw prawns cook and cool fully before dressing.
c) Make ahead – The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Avoid dressing the prawns too far in advance, and assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and avocado fresh.
d) Calories – Nutrition values are per sandwich (for 10 total).
Nutrition
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