Look, I get it. When most people hear “prawn cocktail,” they think of 1970s country clubs, white tablecloths, and people who have “summer homes.” But when I was in college, my bank account was usually sitting at about $12.75, and my “summer home” was a sleeping bag in my parents’ basement.

I used to think seafood was strictly for people with trust funds. Then I found a bag of frozen pre-cooked prawns on clearance for four bucks. I realized that with some mayo and ketchup packets I swiped from the dining hall, I could feel like a five-star chef while wearing my laundry-day pajamas. This budget prawn cocktail is the ultimate 10 minute seafood flex—it’s one of those essential college cooking recipes because it looks expensive, tastes classic, and costs less than a fancy latte.

The “Express Thaw” Frozen Shrimp Recipe

The biggest mistake people make with frozen shrimp is trying to rush them in the microwave. Trust me, I’ve done it. You end up with something that has the texture of a pink pencil eraser. Not a vibe.

Here’s the hack: The Cold Water Thaw. You put those frozen prawns in a bowl of cold tap water. Because water transfers heat way faster than air, they’ll be ready to go in about five minutes. It’s science, but for people who just want a fast frozen shrimp recipe.

Why Iceberg is the GOAT for Cheap Appetizer Ideas

Don’t let food snobs tell you iceberg lettuce is “boring.” For a budget prawn cocktail, it’s the Greatest Of All Time. When looking for cheap appetizer ideas, iceberg is king: it’s cheap, it stays crunchy even under the sauce, and it provides the volume you need to make the dish look like a massive portion.

If you don’t have fancy martini glasses, don’t sweat it. I’ve served this in a coffee mug, a mason jar, and even a plastic stadium cup. Once you hit it with that tiny pinch of paprika at the end, your brain won’t care what the container looks like.

Tips for the Perfect Budget Prawn Cocktail

• Dry them off: I cannot stress this enough. After you thaw the prawns, pat them dry like you’re drying a valuable puppy. If they’re wet, the sauce won’t stick, and you’ll end up with a watery mess at the bottom of your glass.
• The 3 Ingredient Cocktail Sauce: It’s basically 2 parts mayo to 1 part ketchup plus lemon. If your 3 ingredient cocktail sauce tastes too much like a burger sauce, add another squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce.
• Store Brand Wins: Use the store-brand frozen prawns. They are usually the exact same shrimp as the name brand but $2-3 cheaper. That’s extra gas money, my friends.

This dish hits different when you’re hungry and want to feel like you’ve actually got your life together. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it proves that being broke doesn’t mean your food has to be boring. Check out my other favorites in the Best Prawn Cocktail collection.