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Prawn Cocktail Recipe

Discover Lone Star’s legendary prawn cocktail recipe; Prawn in the USA – fresh Tiger prawns, Campfire Ketchup dressing, crisp lettuce & guacamole. The best seafood starter in NZ.

Article: recipe
Published on: 8/09/2025

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Prawn in the USA – Lone Star’s Prawn Cocktail Recipe for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for dinner ideas that are easy, fresh, and packed with flavour, a prawn cocktail recipe should be at the top of your list. At Lone Star NZ, we’ve taken this retro classic and given it our legendary twist with the “Prawn in the USA.” Using juicy Tiger prawns, crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy guacamole, and our famous Campfire Ketchup, this dish is proof that the best prawn cocktail NZ diners rave about doesn’t have to be complicated.

This recipe is part of our Lone Star at Home recipes collection – a way for you to bring restaurant-quality meals into your own kitchen. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes NZ, inspiration for party food ideas NZ, or the perfect Christmas starter recipes NZ style, this dish ticks all the boxes. Simple to prepare, quick to assemble, and guaranteed to impress, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why Prawn Cocktail is a Kiwi Favourite

The prawn cocktail first rose to fame as an elegant starter at dinner parties and restaurants decades ago. Today, it’s enjoying a well-deserved comeback thanks to its versatility. It’s light but satisfying, stylish but simple, and works for almost any occasion.

At Lone Star, we’ve kept the essence of the classic but added our own flair. The addition of our signature Campfire Ketchup to the sauce transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary. This isn’t just another easy prawn cocktail recipe – it’s a dish that turns heads and wins compliments every time.

Our Lone Star at Home recipes are designed to be approachable, fun, and delicious. They’re proof that the meals you enjoy at Lone Star restaurants don’t have to stay there – you can create the same legendary flavours in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works.

It combines everything you need in easy entertaining recipes:

  • Minimal prep time.

  • Simple ingredients.

  • Fresh, bold flavours.

  • Elegant presentation.

Most importantly, it’s flexible. Serve it as a starter, enjoy it as a light dinner, or include it in your easy dinner recipes NZ collection for busy weeknights.

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For one serving – scale up as needed for more guests

Ingredients

  • 150g (11–12) Prawns

  • 1 Lemon Half

  • 250g Mayonnaise

  • 200g Campfire Ketchup

  • 1 Lemon Cheek

  • 20g Shredded Iceberg Lettuce

  • 40g Guacamole

  • 30g Cooked Corn Chips

  • 25ml Lemon Juice

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • Chilled tall glass

  • Coriander sprig

Campfire Ketchup

Method

  • Add water to a pot and place on the stove on high heat. Add the lemon half and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil.

  • Peel the prawns (if needed), leaving two with tails for garnish. Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and plunge the prawns into the pot. Cook for 1–2 minutes depending on size.

  • Remove prawns with tongs and cool on a plate. Refrigerate until chilled.

  • Mix mayonnaise, Campfire Ketchup, lemon juice, salt and pepper to make the dressing.

  • Place shredded iceberg lettuce in the base of the chilled glass. Layer the prawns and guacamole in three layers, finishing with guacamole.

  • Garnish with 2 tail-on prawns, a lemon cheek, and coriander sprig.

  • Serve with corn chips and enjoy your restaurant-quality prawn cocktail recipe.

Dinner ideas NZ style – Keep it light before a big main, or pair with wedges for a casual meal.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Keep it chilled – Cold lettuce, prawns, and glassware make the dish crisp and refreshing.

  • Don’t overcook – Prawns only need 1–2 minutes. Overcooking makes them rubbery.

  • Presentation matters – Layering in a tall glass makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

  • Taste test the sauce – Adjust seasoning for the perfect balance of smoky, tangy and creamy.

When to Serve This Recipe

One reason the prawn cocktail continues to shine is how adaptable it is. Here are some great occasions to serve it:

  • Easy meals – When you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is ready in minutes.

  • Christmas starter recipes NZ families love – Fresh prawns and zesty lemon make it a holiday classic.

  • Party food ideas NZ – Serve in individual glasses for an impressive appetiser.

  • Easy entertaining recipes – Ideal when you want to impress without fuss.

Easy Meals and Dinner Ideas

This recipe proves that easy meals don’t have to be boring. Served with fresh bread, wedges, or a side salad, it can be a complete meal on its own. For families looking for dinner recipes that are quick and satisfying, this is one of the best. You don’t need fancy ingredients – just prawns, a few pantry staples, and our Campfire Ketchup.

If you’re hunting for dinner ideas NZ families will love, this is a winner: light enough for summer nights, fun enough for casual dinners, and fancy enough for entertaining. It also makes a brilliant option when you’re stuck for last-minute easy dinner recipes NZ wide – quick to prepare, beautifully presented, and universally loved.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Wine match – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris complements the seafood perfectly.

Mains – Pair with grilled fish, chicken skewers, or steak for a well-rounded dinner.

Sharing platter – Combine with wedges, calamari, and dips for the ultimate party food ideas NZ style.

Holiday table – Serve individually as a festive Christmas starter recipe NZ guests will remember.

At Lone Star, we love sharing the meals our guests keep coming back for. This prawn cocktail is one of the most-loved Lone Star recipes, and now you can make it at home.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that works for dinner ideas, party food ideas NZ, or even special occasions, the Prawn in the USA is the answer. It’s quick, it’s elegant, and it’s a dish that proves sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best.

So next time you’re searching for easy dinner recipes NZ, skip the takeaways and try this legendary Lone Star dish at home. With fresh prawns, creamy dressing, and that unmistakable Campfire Ketchup kick, you’ll see why it’s known as the best prawn cocktail NZ has to offer. This isn’t just food – it’s a piece of Lone Star history, served in your own kitchen.