London Prawn Mayo Sandwich, a refined staple of coastal delis and upscale bakeries across Europe. We take the traditional “prawn cocktail” concept and elevate it into a sophisticated sandwich, using a zesty, lemon-infused emulsion to highlight the natural sweetness of cold-water prawns. Light, creamy, and undeniably elegant, the London Prawn Mayo Sandwich is the perfect choice for a refreshing afternoon tea or a light summer lunch.
Prawn Mayo Sandwich is a European Culinary Icon
In culinary circles across Europe, the Prawn Mayo Sandwich represents the pinnacle of “simple excellence” that bridges the gap between everyday convenience and gourmet indulgence. While the ingredients are minimal, the execution of a high-quality Prawn Mayo Sandwich is a sophisticated lesson in seasoning—from the inclusion of aromatic fresh dill common in Northern Europe to the sharp bite of French Dijon mustard. This sandwich has become a featured item in independent European bakeries, where the focus is on the provenance of the prawns and the quality of the slow-fermented grains.
The universal appeal of the London Prawn Mayo Sandwich lies in its versatility and consistent freshness. For the home cook, mastering this recipe is a masterclass in emulsion and texture layering, demonstrating how a “butter barrier” can protect the bread’s integrity. This dish proves that with the right attention to detail and high-quality European seafood, a simple Prawn Mayo Sandwich can be a reliable, restaurant-quality masterpiece suitable for any elegant lunch occasion.
Preparation & Mise en Place
To ensure your Prawn Mayo Sandwich hits professional standards, keep these tips in mind:
- The Sieve & Pat: Drain your prawns in a sieve and pat them dry with a paper towel. This prevents a “watery” Prawn Mayo Sandwich and keeps the flavors concentrated.
- The Butter Seal: Apply a thin layer of softened butter to the bread. This acts as a moisture-proof seal against the creamy Prawn Mayo Sandwich filling.
- Citrus Timing: Add the lemon juice to the mayo before adding the prawns. This seasons the dressing evenly and prevents the prawns from becoming tough.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh dill or chives for a truly professional Prawn Mayo Sandwich; these herbs perfectly complement the sweetness of the shellfish.
Traditional European Prawn Mayo Sandwich Recipe
Serves: 2
Total Time: 20 minutes
Flavour Profile: Creamy, fresh, lightly sweet, and savoury
Ingredients
- 200 g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices soft white or brown bread
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Handful of crisp lettuce leaves
- Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Butter, softened (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the prawns:
- If using large prawns, roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
- Make the prawn mayo:
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard if using. Add the prawns and gently fold until evenly coated. Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs if desired.
- Prepare the bread:
- Lay the bread slices flat. Lightly butter one side of each slice if you prefer a richer sandwich. This step also helps prevent the filling from soaking into the bread.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- Place lettuce leaves on two slices of bread. Spoon the prawn mayonnaise mixture evenly over the lettuce, spreading gently to avoid crushing the prawns.
- Finish and serve:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down. Press lightly, slice in half, and serve immediately.
For a hearty meal option, try our London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken
🍽 Serving
The London Prawn Mayo Sandwich is best served fresh and slightly chilled. Pair it with crisps, a light salad, or fresh fruit for a complete meal. It works well as a picnic sandwich or a quick lunch option. For an elevated café-style presentation, serve on toasted bread or add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch. A cup of tea or sparkling water complements the flavours perfectly.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Potassium: 420 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 110 mg
- Iron: 2.6 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
The London Prawn Mayo Sandwich remains a beloved British classic for good reason. With its creamy texture, fresh ingredients, and effortless preparation, it offers a satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. Whether enjoyed at home or packed for the day ahead, this sandwich delivers comfort and flavour in every bite.