Retro Prawn Cocktail Shooters (Printable)

Succulent prawns paired with a zesty sauce, served in elegant shot glasses for party bites.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 16 large cooked prawns, peeled and deveined, tails on

→ Cocktail Sauce

02 - 6 tablespoons ketchup
03 - 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 0.5 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
07 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 1 small lemon, cut into wedges
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
12 - Optional: lettuce leaves or microgreens for base

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
02 - Refrigerate the cocktail sauce for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavors.
03 - Optionally place a small lettuce leaf or a few microgreens at the bottom of each shot glass.
04 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of chilled cocktail sauce into each shot glass.
05 - Hang two prawns on the rim of each glass with tails positioned outward for easy handling.
06 - Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the assembled shooters and add a lemon wedge on the side.
07 - Serve immediately, keeping the shooters chilled until ready to present.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They look far more impressive than the five minutes of actual work they require.
  • The horseradish bite cuts through richly in a way that keeps you reaching for another.
  • You can prep everything hours ahead and assemble just before people arrive, which means less kitchen stress.
02 -
  • Never use canned horseradish that's been sitting open in your fridge for months—it loses its fire and becomes unpleasant, so buy small and use fresh.
  • Overcooking the prawns even slightly will make them rubbery and sad, so always buy them pre-cooked or be vigilant if you're cooking them yourself.
03 -
  • Buy prawns with their tails still attached—it's not just prettier, it makes them easier for guests to grab and eat.
  • Fresh horseradish root grated yourself will hit harder than prepared horseradish, but it's also more work; prepared is fine and honestly more convenient.
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