Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail 

Elegant, retro, and bursting with flavor, Gordon Ramsay’s prawn cocktail is a modern take on the classic British starter. With tender prawns, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy Marie Rose sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Ideal for dinner parties or festive occasions, it’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Prawn Cocktail?

Gordon Ramsay’s prawn cocktail is a refined version of the classic 70s dish made with chilled prawns tossed in a lightly spiced, creamy dressing and served over shredded lettuce or avocado. His version often includes a hit of lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs for added brightness and depth.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Rocket Salad
• Gordon Ramsay Chilli Jam
• Gordon Ramsay Strawberry Jam
• Gordon Ramsay Buffalo Wings
• Gordon Ramsay Tomato Relish

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Light yet flavorful starter
  Perfect for warm weather or formal dinners.
• Quick to prepare
  Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cooking.
• Sophisticated presentation
  Served in cocktail glasses or layered in small bowls.
• Balanced, creamy sauce
  With just the right amount of tang and spice.
• Easy to prep ahead
  Assemble just before serving for freshness.
• Customizable
  Add avocado, cucumber, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

For the prawns:

• 250g cooked king prawns, peeled and deveined
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Marie Rose sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For serving:

• 1 small head of romaine or iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
• ½ avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Season the prawns: In a bowl, toss the cooked prawns with lemon juice, salt, and a touch of black pepper. Set aside to marinate briefly.
• Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Combine prawns and sauce: Gently fold the prawns into the Marie Rose sauce, making sure they are evenly coated.
• Prepare the serving base: Arrange shredded lettuce (and avocado slices if using) in the base of serving glasses or small bowls.
• Spoon in the prawns: Pile the coated prawns on top of the lettuce base. Make sure each portion is evenly layered for presentation.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped dill or parsley, add a lemon wedge on the side, and serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Fresh crusty bread or melba toast – For scooping up sauce.
• Chilled white wine or champagne – Complements the seafood.
• Avocado or cucumber slices – Adds creaminess and crunch.
• Mini blinis or crackers – For a canapé-style appetizer.
• Chili oil drizzle – For an extra spicy kick.
• Microgreens or baby herbs – For an elegant touch.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Use high-quality, fresh prawns – For the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t over-dress the prawns – The sauce should lightly coat, not overwhelm.
• Chill all ingredients before serving – Keeps the dish refreshing and crisp.
• Serve in glassware for presentation – Cocktail glasses or mini jars work beautifully.
• Add lemon juice gradually – To avoid making the sauce too runny.
• Balance your flavors – Taste and adjust salt, spice, and acidity before serving.
• Prep the sauce in advance – But mix with prawns just before serving.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Add chopped mango or pineapple – For a tropical twist.
• Swap prawns for crab or lobster – For an elevated variation.
• Include finely diced cucumber – For added crunch.
• Serve over avocado halves – For a fresh, modern presentation.
• Add horseradish to the sauce – For extra bite.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo – For a lighter, tangier sauce.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

• Store the sauce separately – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep prawns chilled – Once combined with sauce, serve immediately or within 2 hours.
• Do not freeze – The texture of the sauce and prawns may deteriorate.
• Use airtight containers – To maintain freshness and avoid odors.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Prawn Cocktail

This dish is meant to be served cold. Reheating is not recommended.

• To refresh chilled prawns: Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
• Avoid microwaving: It will change the texture and make the sauce separate.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

What is Marie Rose sauce made of in prawn cocktail?

Marie Rose sauce is typically made from mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes Tabasco or a pinch of paprika for heat. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Can I make prawn cocktail in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and prep the prawns in advance, but mix them together just before serving to keep the texture fresh and the presentation appealing.

What prawns are best for prawn cocktail?

Large, peeled, cooked king prawns or cold-water prawns work best. They should be juicy, tender, and well-chilled for the freshest taste.

How long does prawn cocktail last in the fridge?

Once assembled with sauce, the prawn cocktail should be eaten within 1 day. If stored separately, the prawns and sauce can last up to 2 days in the fridge.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s prawn cocktail is a timeless starter with a refined twist. It’s cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect way to begin any special meal. With minimal prep and elegant presentation, it’s a dish that proves simplicity can still impress.

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