Jasmine Savery
Founder & Director

Hi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.

Ingredients

  • 300g ready-to-eat king prawns
  • 2-3 heads little gem lettuce
  • 175g mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 spring onions
  • Small handful of radishes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Lemon wedges (optional, to serve)

You will also need a platter for serving your finished prawn cocktail canapes, a mixing bowl, a spoon, a sharp knife, and a chopping board.


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Ingredients
Ingredients
  • 300g ready-to-eat king prawns
  • 2-3 heads little gem lettuce
  • 175g mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 spring onions
  • Small handful of radishes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Lemon wedges (optional, to serve)

You will also need a platter for serving your finished prawn cocktail canapes, a mixing bowl, a spoon, a sharp knife, and a chopping board.

I don’t care that it’s slightly retro, but I absolutely adore a prawn cocktail (or anything with prawns, for that matter). It’s tangy, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. But let’s be honest, unless I’m hosting a dinner party or enjoying a fancy Christmas starter, there’s rarely a good excuse to whip up a whole prawn cocktail just for myself. 

Enter these delightful prawn cocktail lettuce cups! They’re the perfect single-serve, canapé-sized portions that pack all the nostalgic flavors of the original into a fresh, light bite. They are easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, making them a fabulous addition to any party platter or grazing table. Bonus? No forks needed – just pick up and dig in.

Ready to impress your guests (or just yourself)? Read on for the full recipe!


Method

Follow these steps to make our Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups

1. Arrange Your Lettuce Cups On a Platter

To get the perfect lettuce ‘cup’ start by trimming the end off of your little gem lettuce heads. Gently unravel each leaf one by one. Choose 10-14 leaves that are similar in size, and would comfortably fit 2-3 prawns, and arrange on your platter of choice. 

2. Mix Up the Prawn Cocktail Sauce

In a bowl, add your mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined, taste, and adjust the seasonings to your liking (I added a little more lemon, and a pinch of salt). For extra crunch, finely slice 2-3 spring onions and stir these in, before adding your prawns. Stir until each of your prawns are well coated. 

Top Tip: Short on time? You can absolutely use store-bought Marie Rose sauce instead of making your own.

3. Assemble Your Prawn Cocktail Canapés

Now for the fun bit – the assembly! Spoon two to three saucy prawns into each cup, being careful not to get sauce up the sides, or on the platter. Repeat for each lettuce cup, spooning over any leftover sauce if you have any.

4. Garnish & Serve

Once your prawn cocktail lettuce cups are filled, garnish each one with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and some finely chopped radish for colour. If you have a lemon laying around, chop a few wedges and nestle around the serving platter for guests to squeeze over when serving. Pop in the fridge for later (they’ll last a few hours), or serve immediately. Enjoy!


Easy Canapé Recipes From Savery Grazing

And there you have it – simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups that are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. 

Looking for more delicious canapés to impress your guests? Check out our other recipes for more inspiration or keep up to date with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on this recipe in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups Ahead Of Time?

Yes absolutely, so they’re great for making ahead of parties or get-togethers with friends. I made and assembled my prawn cocktail canapés 6 hours before I needed them, keeping them in the fridge. They remained perfectly crisp up until serving.

If you wanted to make them even further ahead than that, I would recommend making up the prawn cocktail sauce and chopping the garnishes – which can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days, and then assembling when you need them.

Can I Use Frozen Prawns?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns in this recipe, however, ensure that they are completely defrosted before using them, as any ice left on them can make the Marie Rose sauce go watery. My favourite way to defrost prawns is on a plate in the fridge overnight, set on a paper towel to soak up any moisture.

Can I Use Other Types of Lettuce for the Cups?

Yes! Little gem lettuce works wonderfully because of its sturdiness and perfect hand-sized leaves, but other types like romaine hearts or butter lettuce can also be used. Just make sure the leaves are firm enough to hold the filling without wilting, and trim them to size as needed.

What Else Can I Add To Prawn Cocktail Cups?

If you want to make the portion slightly bigger, without splashing out on additional prawns, you could top the lettuce cups with:

  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Grated carrot
  • Smoked salmon
  • Crispy bread crumbs
  • Fresh red chilli
  • Pickled onions

Is There a Healthier Version of the Prawn Cocktail Sauce?

Absolutely. If you’re watching what you eat during the party season, you can easily reduce the calories in the sauce by substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream. You could also swap full fat mayo for a slimmer version. 

What Wine Pairs Well With Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups?

A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling complements the tangy, creamy flavours of the prawn cocktail sauce beautifully. For sparkling options, a glass of Prosecco or Cava also works well. Find more wine pairing tips in our helpful blog!


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