Crab & Prawn Cocktail Recipe: BBC Good Food's Classic

Indulge in a taste of the sea with this classic Crab and Prawn Cocktail recipe, a timeless favourite from the BBC Good Food archives. This dish is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a visual feast, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a special meal.

Crab and prawn cocktail is a retro dish that has stood the test of time, thanks to its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavours. The combination of tender crab meat and succulent prawns, dressed in a zesty Marie Rose sauce and served with crisp lettuce leaves, is an irresistible combination that's sure to become a favourite in your household.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. This recipe serves 4 as a starter or light lunch.

Here's what you'll need:

• 200g white crab meat
• 200g cooked and peeled prawns
• 1 small bunch of fresh chives, snipped
• 1 small bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 little gem lettuce, separated into leaves
• 100g mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp horseradish sauce (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparing the Marie Rose Sauce

The Marie Rose sauce is the heart of this dish, giving it that classic tangy flavour. Here's how to make it:

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and horseradish sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assembling the Crab and Prawn Cocktail

Now that your Marie Rose sauce is ready, it's time to assemble the crab and prawn cocktail. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, prawns, chives, and parsley. Gently mix in enough Marie Rose sauce to coat the ingredients, being careful not to overmix.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and spoon the crab and prawn mixture onto the leaves. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Crab and prawn cocktail is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

As a Starter

Serve the crab and prawn cocktail as a starter to kickstart a special meal. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a classic G&T.

For a touch of elegance, you could also serve it in individual glasses or martini glasses, with the lettuce leaves acting as a garnish.

As a Light Lunch

Enjoy the crab and prawn cocktail as a light lunch, perhaps with some crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of mixed greens or a simple green salad.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with some boiled new potatoes or a side of garlic bread.

This Crab and Prawn Cocktail recipe is a true classic that's sure to become a firm favourite in your household. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a light lunch, it's a dish that's guaranteed to impress. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a taste of the sea today?