Prosciutto Prawn Cocktail with Spicy Sauce

This prosciutto prawn cocktail with spicy sauce is a glamorous, modern reinvention of the classic prawn cocktail. Cooked king prawns are individually wrapped in prosciutto and layered into serving glasses with crispy streaky bacon, a fresh avocado and jalapeño salsa, shredded butter lettuce and a luxurious whipped spicy cream sauce spiked with Tabasco, Worcestershire and fresh lime.

Elegant, bold and packed with flavour, this cocktail is the ultimate entertaining starter — impressive to present, easy to assemble, and genuinely unlike anything your guests will have tried before.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• A glamorous modern twist on the classic prawn cocktail
• Prosciutto-wrapped king prawns add richness and elegance
• Whipped spicy cream sauce is light, bold and addictive
• Fresh avocado and jalapeño salsa adds heat and creaminess
• Great value at around $11.50 per serve
• Perfect for Christmas, New Year or any special occasion

Why make a prosciutto prawn cocktail?

The classic prawn cocktail is a perennial favourite for good reason — it’s fresh, indulgent and always a crowd-pleaser. This version elevates the concept by wrapping each prawn in a strip of prosciutto, adding a salty, silky layer that complements the sweetness of the king prawn beautifully. The addition of jalapeño in the avocado salsa brings a modern heat that lifts the whole dish.

The standout element is the spicy cocktail sauce — made by whipping cream to soft peaks and folding through tomato sauce, lime juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire. It’s lighter and more refined than a traditional Marie Rose sauce, yet far more complex and exciting in flavour.

Ingredients (serves 4)

Servings4

Prawn cocktail

• 100 g streaky bacon rashers, cut into strips
• 2 avocados, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
• 2 French shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 16 cooked king prawns, peeled and deveined (tails intact)
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthways
• 8 butter lettuce leaves, finely shredded

Spicy cocktail sauce

• 200 ml thickened cream
• 60 ml tomato sauce
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp Tabasco sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

To serve

• Lime wedges

Make ahead tip: The spicy cocktail sauce can be made up to 2 to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The avocado salsa is best made fresh just before serving.

How to make prosciutto prawn cocktail with spicy sauce

Step 1: Make the spicy cocktail sauce

Using electric beaters, beat the thickened cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Whisk in the tomato sauce, lime juice, Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips for 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the avocado jalapeño salsa

Place the finely chopped avocado, pickled jalapeños and French shallots in a small bowl. Add the olive oil and red wine vinegar and toss gently to combine. Season with salt.

Step 4: Wrap the prawns

Wrap each cooked king prawn individually in a halved strip of prosciutto. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the cocktail glasses

Spoon ¼ cup of cocktail sauce into the base of each of four 250ml serving glasses. Top with a layer of crispy bacon, then a layer of the avocado jalapeño salsa.

Place some shredded butter lettuce in the centre of each glass, leaving room around the edges for the prawns. Divide the prosciutto-wrapped prawns among the glasses. Drizzle with the remaining cocktail sauce and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Tips for best results

• Make the cocktail sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate — it gets even better with time
• Beat the cream to soft peaks only — overwhipping will make the sauce too stiff
• Make the avocado salsa just before assembling to keep it fresh and green
• Use 250ml glasses or small cocktail coupes for the most elegant presentation
• Wrap each prawn tightly in prosciutto so it stays secure when placed in the glass
• Assemble the glasses just before serving so the layers stay distinct and fresh

Serving suggestions

This prosciutto prawn cocktail pairs beautifully with:

• Toasted crostini or melba toast alongside
• Extra lime wedges for squeezing over
• A chilled glass of sparkling wine or Pinot Gris
• As a starter before a seafood main or summer barbecue
• Served on a large platter family-style for a shared centrepiece

Nutrition per serving

Based on 4 servings

Energy

2763 kJ

Calories

660 cal

Protein

33 g

Total fat

55 g

Saturated fat

22 g

Carbohydrate

8 g

Final thoughts

This prosciutto prawn cocktail with spicy sauce is everything a great starter should be — visually stunning, packed with flavour and easy enough to prepare ahead so you can enjoy your own party. The combination of prosciutto-wrapped king prawns, fresh avocado jalapeño salsa, crispy bacon and that irresistible whipped spicy cream sauce makes for a dish that feels truly special from the very first spoonful.

Whether you’re serving it for Christmas, a dinner party or a special summer celebration, this prawn cocktail will set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Make the sauce ahead, prep the components, and assemble just before serving for a starter that looks like it came straight from a fine dining restaurant.