Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled tiger prawns served in cocktail glasses with a zesty chilli mayonnaise, fresh salad leaves, and lemon wedges for an elegant Australian starter. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes brings together olive oil, salt, black pepper for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Toss 16 peeled and deveined tiger prawns with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through, with slightly charred edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth to create a spicy chilli mayo.
  4. Step 4: Divide 2 cups mixed salad leaves evenly among 4 cocktail glasses. Arrange 4 grilled prawns on top of each.
  5. Step 5: Spoon 1 tbsp of the chilli mayo over the prawns and garnish each glass with a lemon wedge. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant starter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo?

Refrigerate any leftover barbecued prawn cocktails with chilli mayo in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Barbecued Prawn Cocktails with Chilli Mayo?

Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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