These Cucumber Prawn Cocktail Cups are the ultimate light and refreshing appetizer for summer gatherings. The individual cucumber cups filled with prawn cocktail make for a stunning appetizer to serve at parties or festive events. Their vibrant colors and fresh, delicate presentation make them an appealing choice for any celebration. The pickled shallots and crispy onions add a sophisticated touch that makes this dish feel special, while the lightness of the cucumber keeps it from feeling too heavy, making it a great choice for appetizers at events like holiday dinners, cocktail parties, and more.
The combination of crisp cucumber, tender prawns, and a tangy yet creamy cocktail sauce creates a satisfying bite-sized treat that everyone will love. This recipe not only provides a delightful mix of flavors but also gives you a chance to experiment with fresh ingredients, including the choice of mayonnaise and spice levels to customize the cocktail sauce to your taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers
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200g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
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4 tbsp mayonnaise
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1 tbsp tomato ketchup
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds and scoop out the center of each slice to create small cups.
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In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
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Add the prawns to the sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly.
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Spoon the prawn mixture into each cucumber cup, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Quick and Easy Appetizer
One of the best aspects of cucumber prawn cocktail cups is how quickly they come together. With minimal preparation and no need for cooking, this dish is perfect for those looking for a fast yet impressive starter. The cucumber serves as a light, refreshing base that balances the richness of the prawn cocktail. Topping the cups with crispy shallots or onions adds a satisfying crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor of each bite. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weekday meal or entertaining guests, these cucumber cups will elevate your menu without requiring extensive kitchen time.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Cucumber prawn cocktail cups are not only easy to prepare but also present beautifully. The individual cucumber cups filled with prawn cocktail make for a stunning appetizer to serve at parties or festive events. Their vibrant colors and fresh, delicate presentation make them an appealing choice for any celebration. The pickled shallots and crispy onions add a sophisticated touch that makes this dish feel special, while the lightness of the cucumber keeps it from feeling too heavy, making it a great choice for appetizers at events like holiday dinners, cocktail parties, and more.
A Healthier Alternative to Classic Prawn Cocktails
While traditional prawn cocktails often come served with a heavy dressing, cucumber prawn cocktail cups offer a lighter, healthier version of this classic dish. The dressing here, made with mayonnaise, sriracha, fish sauce, and lemongrass paste, is creamy and flavorful without being too rich. The prawns are the star of the dish, providing protein and essential nutrients, while the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and is low in calories, making this dish a great option for those seeking a healthier starter. It’s a delicious way to enjoy seafood without feeling weighed down by creamy sauces or excessive amounts of oil.
Customization: A Versatile Dish
The beauty of cucumber prawn cocktail cups lies in their versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to cater to your personal preferences or dietary requirements. For example, if you’re looking for a spicier kick, you can adjust the amount of sriracha in the dressing or use a different type of chili sauce. You could also substitute the prawns with other seafood like crab or lobster, or even choose a plant-based option if you’re catering to vegetarians. The addition of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, can also enhance the flavor, offering new dimensions to the dish with each variation.
Why Choose Lettuce Leaves for Serving?
Using lettuce leaves as the base for your prawn cocktail cups serves multiple purposes. Lettuce, especially Little Gem varieties, offers a delicate, crispy texture that complements the prawn filling beautifully. It also acts as a natural vessel for the prawn cocktail, adding an extra layer of freshness and crunch. Additionally, the lettuce leaves help keep the dish light and healthy, offering an alternative to serving the prawn cocktail in heavier containers like bread or crackers. The lettuce cups are easy to assemble and eat, making this dish a practical yet elegant choice for any occasion.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of cucumber prawn cocktail cups provides a well-balanced nutritional profile. With approximately 120 kcal per serving, this dish is relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone watching their intake. The prawns provide a rich source of protein, while the cucumber is low in carbs and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals. The dressing, though creamy, is not excessive in fat, and the addition of fresh vegetables ensures that each bite is filled with healthy nutrients. With only 1.9g of salt per serving, it’s also suitable for those who are mindful of their sodium intake.
A Delightful Addition to Your Recipe Collection
If you’re looking to add a dish that is both light and impressive to your culinary repertoire, cucumber prawn cocktail cups are the perfect choice. They offer a refreshing and healthy take on the classic prawn cocktail and are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick lunch, a festive occasion, or a casual dinner, these cups will provide a burst of freshness and flavor in every bite. They’re easy to prepare, and with the ability to customize the dressing and ingredients, you can make them your own.
Conclusion: A Light and Elegant Starter
Cucumber prawn cocktail cups are a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful appetizer. Their simplicity, versatility, and stunning presentation make them perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual meals to sophisticated events. The balance of flavors – from the refreshing cucumber to the savory prawns and creamy sauce – ensures that each bite is satisfying yet light. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight starter or a dish to impress your guests, these cucumber prawn cocktail cups will not disappoint. Give them a try at your next gathering, and you’re sure to be met with compliments!
