Prawn cocktail tartlet

Prawn cocktail tarts blend the classic flavours of succulent prawns, tangy Marie Rose sauce, and crisp lettuce in delicate pastry cases. Perfect for canapés or a chic starter.

Matt Tebbutt recipe

Preparation time
overnight

Cooking time
10 to 30 mins

Serves
Makes 6

Richard Bainbridge - saturday kitchenBy Richard Bainbridge
From Saturday Kitchen



Nutri-Score C
This dish scores a moderate Nutri-Score of C due to the balance of fresh prawns and buttery pastry. For more information on Nutri-score click here.


Equipment


Ingredients

For the pastry

  • 250g/9oz plain flour: sieved, plus extra to dust
  • 150g/5½oz salted butter: cold and diced
  • 15g/½oz whole milk:
  • 1 free-range egg:
  • Pinch sugar:
  • Pinch salt:

For the Marie Rose sauce

  • 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise:
  • ½ tbsp tomato ketchup:
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce:
  • 2 drops Tabasco sauce:
  • 25ml/1fl oz whisky: to taste

To serve

  • 12 cooked prawns: peeled and lightly washed
  • 1 lemon: juice only
  • 1 Little Gem lettuce: sliced
  • 1 tsp freeze-dried raspberries:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper:

Method

Prepare the Pastry

  • Rub the flour and butter together in a bowl until it forms a breadcrumb-like consistency.
  • Combine the milk and egg in a separate bowl. Whisk gently.
  • Create a well in the flour mixture, add sugar, salt, and the egg/milk mixture. Mix to form a dough.
  • Shape the dough into a round, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate overnight.

Bake the Pastry

  • Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.
  • Roll the pastry thinly on a floured surface and place in small tart cases (3-4cm).
  • Rest for 20 minutes, then bake with baking beans or empty tart cases on top for 12 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and cool.

Make the Marie Rose Sauce

  • Mix mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and whisky in a bowl.
  • Refrigerate until needed (keeps for up to 4 days).

Assemble the Tarts

  • Season prawns with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Pipe a small amount of Marie Rose sauce into each tart case.
  • Add sliced lettuce, arrange two prawns per case, and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries.

Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Mâcon-Villages Domaine des Verchères 2021
With its crisp apple and subtle citrus notes, this Chardonnay enhances the sweetness of the prawns and complements the tangy Marie Rose sauce.

Tesco: Picpoul de Pinet Réserve de la Roquemolière 2022
This zesty wine with notes of green apple and lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry and creamy sauce.

Sainsbury’s: Albariño Rías Baixas Taste the Difference 2021
Featuring peach, pear, and citrus flavours, this Albariño pairs perfectly with seafood, lifting the prawns’ delicate flavour.


What can you serve with this

  1. Crusty bread: to scoop up extra sauce and add texture.
  2. Mixed green salad: to balance the richness of the pastry.
  3. Chilled white wine: enhances the freshness of the prawns.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe earns a Nutri-Score of C. The buttery pastry adds richness, while prawns and fresh lettuce contribute protein and fiber. The score reflects a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Note: this score is automatically calculated and should be used as a guide only.


Recipe FAQ

  • Can I use pre-made pastry? Yes, ready-made shortcrust pastry is a time-saving alternative.
  • Can I skip the whisky in the sauce? Absolutely, replace it with a splash of lemon juice or omit it entirely.
  • Can I prepare the tarts in advance? Yes, bake the pastry cases ahead and assemble just before serving.
  • What can I substitute for freeze-dried raspberries? Try pomegranate seeds for a fresh, tangy flavour.
  • Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pastry mix to adapt the recipe.
  • How long will the Marie Rose sauce keep? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • What other seafood can I use? Crab or lobster work well as alternatives to prawns.
  • Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of Little Gem? Yes, any crisp lettuce will work.
  • How do I store leftover tarts? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Can I freeze the pastry cases? Yes, freeze baked cases for up to 3 months; thaw before using.

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