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Spicy Adobo Prawns Cocktail

This spicy adobo prawn cocktail is a vibrant, contemporary twist on a classic seafood starter. By swapping traditional Marie Rose sauce for a zesty blend of lime, tomato, and smoky chipotle adobo, this dish offers a punchy heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the prawns. The addition of creamy avocado and crisp cucumber provides a wonderful contrast in texture, making every bite refreshing and balanced.

As a naturally dairy-free recipe, this elegant seafood dish is an excellent choice for light summer lunches or as an impressive dinner party appetiser. It is incredibly quick to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the bold flavours to meld together. Serve it chilled in individual glass coupes for a sophisticated touch at your next gathering.

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Ingredients for Spicy Adobo Prawns Cocktail

  • 350g peeled and deveined medium prawns

  • 1 celery rib, sliced

  • 1 firm-ripe 6-to 230g avocado, chopped

  • 1 Kirby cucumber, peeled and chopped

  • 1 plum tomato, seeded and chopped

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped white onion

  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 45ml fresh lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo

  • 2 tablespoons water

How to make Spicy Adobo Prawns Cocktail

Cook prawns in lightly salted boiling water until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes, then drain. Chill until cold, about 10 minutes.

Gently stir together remaining ingredients with 1/2 teaspoons salt, then stir in prawns.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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