Spicy Prawn Cocktail Shots
A sophisticated twist on the classic prawn cocktail, crafted to tantalize your taste buds with a modern touch. Ideal for both intimate dinners and large celebrations, these Spicy Prawn Cocktail Shots are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Delight your guests with this elegant starter served in stylish shot glasses. The fiery seafood sauce, bursting with flavor from Tabasco, pink peppercorns, and cayenne, provides the perfect complement to succulent prawns nestled on a bed of crisp salad greens. Prepare them ahead of time for easy, yet impressive, entertaining.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peeled cooked prawns or shrimp
500 (reserve twelve for decoration)
Good quality mayonnaise or homemade mayonnaise
200 (none)
Tomato ketchup
3 (tablespoons)
Lemon juice
1 (tablespoon)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Assorted mixed salad greens
as needed (such as lamb's lettuce, mesclun, little gem lettuces)
Pink peppercorns, crushed
1 (tablespoon)
Cayenne pepper
for sprinkling (none)
Instructions
1
Determine the number of shots you plan to serve. Reserve twelve prawns, preferably with tails on, for garnishing later.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
3
Prepare your shot glasses or small serving glasses by lining each one with a generous layer of mixed salad greens or lettuce.
4
Place approximately four to five prawns into each glass, depending on their size, nestled atop the salad base.
5
Drizzle the prepared seafood sauce over the prawns, gently stirring to coat them evenly without disturbing the salad too much.
6
Generously sprinkle the crushed pink peppercorns and a pinch of cayenne pepper over each shot for an added kick.
7
Finally, garnish each glass with a reserved prawn elegantly draped over the rim and, if desired, a small lemon wedge for a hint of citrus freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Prawn Cocktail Shots?
They are a sophisticated, modern twist on the classic prawn cocktail, designed to be served as elegant individual appetizers in shot glasses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 12 individual prawn cocktail shots.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spicy seafood sauce and the prawns in advance and assemble the glasses just before your guests arrive.
What type of prawns are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500g of peeled cooked prawns or shrimp, preferably reserving twelve with tails on for decoration.
How do I prepare the spicy seafood sauce?
Combine mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, lemon juice, and a dash of Tabasco sauce in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
What ingredients provide the spicy flavor in this dish?
The heat comes from a combination of Tabasco sauce, crushed pink peppercorns, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before incorporating them into the shots.
How many prawns should go into each shot glass?
Place approximately four to five prawns into each glass, depending on their size, on top of the salad base.
What kind of salad greens are best for the base?
Assorted mixed greens such as lamb's lettuce, mesclun, or little gem lettuces work best for this appetizer.
How should these be served at a party?
Serve them in stylish shot glasses or small decorative glassware to create an elegant presentation for your guests.
Is store-bought mayonnaise acceptable for the sauce?
Yes, you can use either a good quality store-bought mayonnaise or a homemade version depending on your preference.
What is the role of pink peppercorns in this recipe?
Crushed pink peppercorns add a mild, floral heat and a beautiful visual element to the top of each prawn shot.
How should I garnish the prawn cocktail shots?
Garnish each glass with one reserved prawn draped over the rim and optionally add a small lemon wedge for citrus freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for New Year's Eve celebrations?
Absolutely, the elegant presentation and festive flavor profile make it a perfect starter for New Year's Eve or other celebrations.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, you can easily adjust the amount of Tabasco, cayenne pepper, and peppercorns to suit your guests' heat tolerance.
What is the best way to assemble the shots?
Start with a layer of salad greens, add the prawns, drizzle the sauce over the top, and finish with the spices and garnish.
Can I use smaller shrimp instead of prawns?
Yes, small cooked shrimp are a great substitute and may even fit more easily into smaller shot glasses.
What size shot glasses are recommended?
Standard 2-ounce or 3-ounce shot glasses or small dessert verrines are the ideal size for this appetizer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your mayonnaise and ketchup to ensure they are safe.
How do I prepare the pink peppercorns?
The peppercorns should be gently crushed before being sprinkled over the sauce to release their oils and flavor.
What can I substitute for Tabasco sauce?
If you don't have Tabasco, any other vinegar-based hot sauce or even a small amount of prepared horseradish can provide a similar kick.
Do I need to cook the prawns?
No, this recipe uses pre-cooked prawns, which makes the assembly quick and easy.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, if you prefer a milder version, you can leave out the cayenne pepper while keeping the pink peppercorns for flavor.
How many prawns should be reserved for decoration?
Reserve exactly twelve prawns (one for each glass) to ensure the garnish is consistent for all servings.
Is this a healthy appetizer option?
While the sauce contains mayonnaise, the dish is high in protein and includes fresh salad greens, making it a balanced starter.
Can I add avocado to these shots?
Yes, a layer of finely diced avocado would pair perfectly with the prawns and spicy sauce.
What drinks pair well with spicy prawn shots?
A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine pairs beautifully with the seafood and spice.
How long can assembled shots sit out?
Since it contains seafood and mayonnaise, it is best to keep them chilled and serve them immediately, or within 30 minutes of assembly.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe scales linearly; just ensure you have enough shot glasses for all the additional servings.
Why serve prawn cocktail in a shot glass?
Serving in a shot glass provides a modern, portion-controlled, and mess-free way for guests to enjoy a classic dish while mingling.