Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah

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

Juicy chargrilled prawns served with a spicy mayonnaise and crunchy pistachio dukkah for a modern Australian starter. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes brings together peeled and deveined large raw prawns, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 16 peeled and deveined large prawns with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill pan over high heat. Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes each side until pink and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until smooth to make the chilli mayo.
  4. Step 4: For the pistachio dukkah, combine 1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted pistachios, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Step 5: To serve, arrange 2 cups mixed salad leaves on plates, top with the grilled prawns, drizzle generously with chilli mayo, and sprinkle with pistachio dukkah.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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 Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah?

Refrigerate any leftover chargrilled prawn cocktail with chilli mayo and pistachio dukkah 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 Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah?

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 Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah 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 Chargrilled Prawn Cocktail with Chilli Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah?

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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