Name: Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 1 kg / 2 lb medium fresh cooked or raw prawns with shell and heads on (yields about 600 g peeled) OR; 600 g / 1.2 lb fresh cooked prawns already peeled; About 3 cups iceberg lettuce, finely sliced; 2/3 cup / 165 ml mayonnaise (preferably good quality whole egg mayonnaise); 1 tbsp ketchup (or Australian/UK tomato sauce); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp freshly grated horseradish (or 1 1/2 tsp jarred horseradish OR 3/4 tsp wasabi); Dash of tabasco sauce (to taste); Pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste, for flavor and color); Lemon wedges; Finely chopped parsley

If you’re hunting for a timeless appetizer that’s both elegant and utterly delicious, then you can’t go wrong with my Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and a party favorite every time I bring it out. Juicy prawns swimming in that creamy, tangy Rose Marie sauce—oh, you’ll love how effortlessly impressive this is, and it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Elegance: It’s a classic recipe that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to prepare.
Fresh, Flavorful Prawns: The prawns stay juicy and perfectly complemented by the tangy Rose Marie sauce.
Perfect Make-Ahead Starter: You can prep it quickly, chill it, and serve whenever your guests arrive.
Versatile Presentation: Whether in cocktail glasses or lettuce cups, it always looks stylish and tastes fantastic.

The image shows a white glass bowl filled with layers of light green shredded lettuce at the bottom, topped with several large pink shrimp evenly placed on top. The shrimp are covered with a creamy light pink sauce that has small green herb pieces sprinkled over it. A thin yellow lemon slice leans on the side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that includes a glass of clear liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together beautifully to make a vibrant and balanced prawn cocktail. The key is picking fresh, good-quality prawns and a mayo that really shines in your Rose Marie Sauce.

Fresh Prawns: I prefer medium-sized cooked prawns with shells on—they’re juicier and tastier; just peel before serving.
Iceberg Lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch and a cool base; finely sliced, it really elevates the textures.
Lemon Wedges: Essential for that bright citrus kick the prawns love.
Mayonnaise: Whole egg mayo is my secret weapon for a velvety, rich Rose Marie sauce.
Ketchup (or Tomato Sauce): A touch of sweetness and color to balance the mayo perfectly.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory depth and umami to the sauce.
Freshly Grated Horseradish: Gives that signature spicy zing; jarred works too if fresh isn’t handy.
Tabasco Sauce: Just a dash for heat—you can always adjust to taste.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a pinch of warmth and a lovely blush color to the sauce.
Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle on top gives freshness and a pop of green.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I adore sticking to the classic, but sometimes I shake things up with little tweaks depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize it—you’ll find it’s a very forgiving recipe.

Spicy Kick: I once added a bit more horseradish and a splash of smoky chipotle sauce for a bold twist that my friends couldn’t get enough of.
Healthy Swap: Swapping mayo for Greek yogurt lightens it without losing creaminess—perfect for summer days.
Herb Boost: Tossing in fresh dill or chives instead of parsley gives it a fresh garden vibe that I loved for a brunch gathering.
Different Shellfish: Using cooked lobster or crab meat instead of prawns makes it feel ultra indulgent for special celebrations.

How to Make Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Prawns Like a Pro

If you’re working with whole prawns, the first thing you’ll want to do is peel and devein them, removing heads and shells. I like to save a few whole prawns with shells on for garnish—it makes the presentation extra pretty. With medium-sized cooked prawns that are already peeled, I typically skip deveining—they’re so small the difference is barely noticeable, especially once tossed in sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up the Iconic Rose Marie Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup (or tomato sauce), Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated horseradish, tabasco sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. I always taste as I go, adjusting the heat and tanginess to my liking. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, bringing creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors together perfectly.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

Gently toss your prepared prawns with the Rose Marie sauce until they’re evenly coated but still juicy. I like to let this chill for about 15 minutes if I have time—helps the flavors marry beautifully. Don’t overdo it though; you want that fresh prawn texture to shine through.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve with Style

Place some finely shredded iceberg lettuce in individual serving dishes—martini glasses make a fun and classy choice—or even small lettuce cups for a casual twist. Spoon the coated prawns on top, garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley if you like, and voilà! You have a stunning Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce ready to wow your guests.

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Pro Tips for Making Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe

Choose Quality Mayonnaise: I learned that using a rich, whole egg mayo makes the sauce creamy and luscious—don’t settle for low-fat versions here.
Don’t Overcook Your Prawns: If boiling raw prawns, watch carefully—they cook fast and taste best when tender, not rubbery.
Freshness is Key: Fresh prawns really elevate this dish, but if using frozen, thaw gently overnight in the fridge for best results.
Balance Your Sauce Flavors: I avoid overpowering it with too much horseradish or tabasco; start small and add more to taste.

How to Serve Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe

The image shows a shrimp salad served in different clear and white containers on a white marbled surface. In the foreground, there is a white bowl filled with leafy greens topped with several pink shrimp, next to a green lettuce leaf holding four pink shrimp with some small green herbs on top. Nearby are two whole red shrimp and a small lit candle in a silver holder. Behind this, there are two small white bowls and a clear glass filled with a mix of chopped lettuce and pink shrimp garnished with a slice of yellow lemon on the rim. Scattered around are multiple thin lemon slices and wedges. In the background, a clear glass with a pale drink and a straw is visible, with a blurry white cloth and warm yellow lights adding a soft glow. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always garnish with bright lemon wedges and a light sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. The citrus adds a fresh zing to each bite, and parsley gives it a lovely pop of green that just lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I like a little extra horseradish on the side for those who want a spicier kick.

Side Dishes

This shrimp cocktail works beautifully as an appetizer before grilled fish, crusty bread, or even alongside a crisp, fresh garden salad. For casual get-togethers, I pair it with simple cucumber slices or avocado chunks on the side for that creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like serving this Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe in delicate martini glasses layered over shredded lettuce—you can even rim the glass with smoked paprika salt for extra flair! Another fun idea is to serve portions in hollowed-out lemon halves for a zesty presentation. It never fails to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The prawns keep their juiciness best when chilled in the sauce. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute flavors.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp cocktail isn’t something I recommend because the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate, and the prawns lose their fresh texture. If you have to, freeze the prawns separately without sauce and combine fresh sauce when thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold appetizer, reheating isn’t part of the routine. Just serve chilled straight from the fridge. If you want to enjoy the prawns warm, try briefly sautéing them separately and add fresh sauce after warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them gently in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry before tossing in the sauce to keep your cocktail from becoming watery. Fresh is ideal, but good quality frozen prawns work perfectly when prepared right.
What can I substitute for horseradish in the Rose Marie Sauce?

If you don’t have fresh horseradish, jarred horseradish is a great substitute. Wasabi powder or paste also works in smaller amounts, giving that spicy warmth without overpowering the sauce.
How long can I make Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. For best freshness, I recommend serving within 24 hours. The flavors develop nicely, but the prawns maintain their best texture when fresh.
Can I make the Rose Marie Sauce without mayonnaise?

You can try Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative, but the traditional rosy pink sauce texture and richness come from good-quality mayonnaise, especially whole egg mayo. It’s definitely worth sourcing if you want that authentic flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Shrimp Cocktail with Rose Marie Sauce Recipe takes me right back to joyful summer dinners and festive family occasions. It’s such a simple but stunning way to show off fresh prawns, and that sauce? Totally addictive. I hope you give it a whirl—you’ll find it’s your go-to starter for impressing friends with minimal fuss. Trust me: once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple on your menu too!