Perfect Christmas Prawn Cocktail — The British Christmas Starter

Prawn cocktail is the British Christmas starter — chilled prawns with Marie Rose sauce on a bed of lettuce. Looks elegant; tastes refreshing; signals the start of a proper Christmas dinner. Americans rarely think of this.

The recipe (serves 6-8)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cooked; peeled prawns / shrimp (large)
• 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 cucumber, finely diced
• Lemon wedges + paprika (garnish)

Marie Rose sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sour cream OR yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (Tabasco; sriracha)
• Salt + pepper

Method

1. Make sauce; refrigerate
2. Layer shredded lettuce in glass dishes
3. Top with prawns + cucumber
4. Spoon sauce over
5. Sprinkle paprika; add lemon wedge
6. Serve immediately

Make-ahead

• Sauce: 24 hours ahead
• Prawns: cooked and chilled night before
• Assemble just before serving

Cross-references

For other Christmas appetizers, see Christmas charcuterie board and perfect Christmas deviled eggs.

Perfect Christmas prawn cocktail is the British starter that's lighter than typical American appetizers. Marie Rose sauce; chilled prawns; iceberg lettuce. Refreshing start to Christmas dinner.