Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés are elegant bite-sized appetizers featuring succulent prawns coated in a tangy and mildly spicy sweet chilli sauce, often served atop a crisp, golden pastry or cracker base. Garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of crème fraîche, these canapés strike a balance between spicy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy-all in one mouthful.
Designed with her signature simplicity and flair, these canapés require minimal effort yet deliver maximum impact. They’re ideal for entertaining guests because they can be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving. They reflect Mary Berry’s culinary ethos: making food that’s refined but not fussy.
Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapes Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients it requires-and yet how harmoniously they come together. Here’s what you’ll need:
For The Prawns
- 200g cooked peeled prawns (king prawns work beautifully) – Look for fresh or high-quality frozen varieties.
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce – Choose a brand that’s not too runny; you want it to cling to the prawns.
- Juice of half a lime – For a zingy lift.
- Freshly ground black pepper – To taste.
For The Base
- Mini vol-au-vents, blinis, crostini, or ready-made puff pastry cut into small rounds – The base should be crisp or flaky to contrast the prawns’ tenderness.
Optional Garnishes
- Crème fraîche or sour cream – Adds a touch of creaminess.
- Fresh coriander or parsley leaves – For a herby freshness.
- Finely sliced spring onions or red chilli – For color and a hint of heat.
- Lime wedges – For serving and extra zest.
Equipment Needed
Fortunately, you won’t need anything fancy-just the basics:
- Mixing bowl – For tossing the prawns in the sweet chilli dressing.
- Spoon or spatula – To gently combine ingredients without breaking the prawns.
- Baking tray (if using puff pastry bases) – To bake your pastry rounds until golden.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping herbs or garnishes.
- Serving platter – Something stylish to present your canapés with a flourish.
👩🍳 Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés
Let’s walk through the process step by step. It’s quick, it’s simple, and the results are always stunning!
Step 1: Prepare The Base
If you’re using:
- Puff pastry: Roll out and cut into small rounds or squares. Bake according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes at 200°C/400°F) until golden and puffed. Let cool.
- Crostini or blinis: These are ready-made, so just warm them slightly if desired or use as-is.
Step 2: Dress The Prawns
In a mixing bowl:
- Add the cooked prawns.
- Pour in the sweet chilli sauce and lime juice.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently toss until the prawns are evenly coated. Let them marinate for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble The Canapés
- Place a small spoonful of the dressed prawn mixture onto each base.
- Add a tiny dollop of crème fraîche on top (if using).
- Garnish with a small coriander or parsley leaf, or a sliver of spring onion or red chilli for color and punch.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
Arrange your beautiful canapés on a serving platter. Add a few lime wedges around the edge for guests who might want an extra citrus zing.
Tips And Tricks
Ah, here’s where the magic really happens! These little pointers will help you elevate your canapés from good to glorious:
- Use the best prawns you can afford. Fresh prawns have a sweetness and firmness that really stands out in a canapé. If using frozen, thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid watering down the sauce.
- Don’t overdo the sweet chilli sauce. It should coat, not drown the prawns. You want that balance of sweet and heat, not a sticky overload.
- Chill before serving. If time allows, assemble the canapés and let them chill for 10-15 minutes in the fridge. It helps firm them up and enhances flavor melding.
- Be creative with your base. While puff pastry is wonderfully rich, you could use cucumber slices for a fresher, gluten-free twist, or even polenta squares for something a bit more gourmet.
- Keep the size right. Each canapé should be a single bite-anything larger becomes awkward to eat elegantly.
Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés are the epitome of effortless elegance. With minimal ingredients and a simple method, they deliver bold flavor, luxurious texture, and undeniable visual appeal. Whether you’re throwing a festive party, catering a wedding reception, or just want to add a bit of glam to your dinner table, these canapés are the perfect go-to.
They reflect what Mary Berry does best: taking timeless ingredients and turning them into something that feels both classic and current. So the next time you need a stylish nibble that’s as impressive as it is easy, you know exactly what to make.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés
Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés are an absolute showstopper at any gathering-elegant, bite-sized, and bursting with flavor. But if you’re looking to put your own creative spin on this classic, there are countless ways to experiment while preserving their charm. Here are several easy and delicious variations you can try:
1. Avocado Twist
For a creamy contrast to the spicy-sweet prawn topping, add a thin layer of smashed avocado on the base (a mini toast, blini, or cucumber slice). Mash ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime, a touch of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread before topping with the prawns.
2. Asian Fusion Bites
Infuse some Southeast Asian flair by mixing a bit of grated ginger, lime zest, and a drop of sesame oil into the sweet chilli sauce. Garnish with finely chopped coriander and a sliver of red chilli for extra heat and fragrance.
3. Coconut & Lime Prawns
Toss the prawns in a coconut milk marinade with a hint of lime juice before assembling. The result is a lush, tropical flavor that plays beautifully against the sweet chilli glaze.
4. Cucumber Cups
Instead of the traditional canapé base, hollow out thick slices of cucumber and stuff them with a mixture of prawns and sweet chilli sauce. It’s crisp, fresh, and gluten-free-perfect for lighter or dietary-friendly options.
5. Mini Vol-au-Vents
For a touch of retro charm, serve the prawns in mini puff pastry cases. Add a dab of crème fraîche or cream cheese underneath for creaminess, then top with the prawn and sauce mix. Garnish with a sprig of dill or chive for elegance.
6. Spicy Mango Salsa Addition
Add a tropical flair by spooning a bit of spicy mango salsa onto each canapé before adding the prawns. A simple mix of finely diced mango, red onion, lime juice, chilli, and coriander gives a bright, juicy burst to each bite.
7. Lettuce Wrap Canapés
For a fresh, low-carb version, spoon the sweet chilli prawn mixture into baby gem or butter lettuce leaves. It’s crunchy, hydrating, and ideal for warm-weather entertaining.
The beauty of these variations lies in how adaptable they are. The prawns and sweet chilli sauce form a wonderfully balanced base that can be dressed up, down, or sideways depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Storing Leftovers
While canapé-style dishes are usually devoured in minutes (they’re too good not to be!), you might occasionally find yourself with leftovers. Proper storage ensures they remain safe to eat and retain as much of their original texture and flavor as possible.
Refrigeration Tips
If your canapés were made with perishable bases like bread or pastry, it’s best to separate the components before storing. Remove the prawns and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 1 to 2 days. Any creamy elements (like avocado or cream cheese) should also be stored separately to avoid sogginess.
If you used cucumber or lettuce cups, these don’t hold up as well once dressed-so it’s best to enjoy those fresh and discard any leftovers that have been sitting out for more than an hour or two.
Freezing Advice
Unfortunately, these canapés don’t freeze well once assembled, especially with the sauce already mixed in. The prawns, however, can be frozen before saucing. Simply store the cooked prawns in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before using.
Pro Tip: Refreshing Leftovers
To give refrigerated prawns a lift the next day, toss them with a bit of fresh lime juice and extra chopped herbs before reassembling your canapé. You can also pop the bread or pastry base in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive its crunch.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés?
Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés are a delightful appetizer, but they can also be the star of a broader spread. Whether you’re planning a cocktail party, a summer brunch, or a special dinner starter, here’s how to complement them:
1. Elegant Pairings For A Party Platter
- Mini Quiches: Classic mini Lorraine or goat cheese and caramelized onion quiches provide a rich, savory balance.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Sweet and salty with a juicy crunch-this Italian classic contrasts beautifully with the spicy prawns.
- Devilled Eggs: Their creamy, tangy filling complements the prawn’s sweetness and adds vintage flair to your table.
2. Light Side Dishes For A Meal
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with red cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-lime dressing adds texture and zest.
- Couscous or Quinoa Salad: Add herbs, roasted peppers, and a citrus vinaigrette. It’s hearty but doesn’t overpower the prawns.
- Grilled Vegetables: Think asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt-simple, smoky, and fresh.
3. Sauces And Dips
- Garlic Aioli: A little pot of this creamy, garlicky dip on the side gives guests a luxe option for extra flavor.
- Mango Chutney: For a sweeter accompaniment, this works brilliantly as a dip or spread on the base.
- Herb Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with mint, parsley, lemon, and a touch of garlic-it cuts the spice and adds a refreshing element.
4. What To Drink
- Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Riesling will match the prawns’ delicate sweetness and the chilli kick.
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne: Bubbles always elevate canapés. A brut sparkling wine adds sophistication without overwhelming the flavors.
- Mocktail Option: A cucumber-lime spritzer with mint is cool, citrusy, and beautifully refreshing with seafood.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapés are more than just a quick party bite-they’re a versatile, flavor-packed delight that can be reinvented in countless ways. Whether you’re spicing them up with mango salsa, refreshing them with avocado, or pairing them with elegant accompaniments like sparkling wine and herb yogurt dip, these canapés rise to every occasion.
With thoughtful storage, you can even save a few for next-day nibbles (if there are any left, that is!). So whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these canapés bring together the best of ease, elegance, and flavor in every bite.
Now-time to grab those prawns and get creative. Your canapé game is about to go next level!
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapes?
To make Mary Berry’s sweet chilli prawn canapes, you will need the following ingredients: cooked prawns, ready-made canapé bases (like puff pastry or crackers), sweet chilli sauce, cream cheese or mascarpone, lime juice, coriander, and optional garnishes such as fresh chilli or lime zest. The prawns should be peeled and cooked beforehand, and the sweet chilli sauce can be either store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
How Do I Prepare Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapes?
Preparation for Mary Berry’s sweet chilli prawn canapes is straightforward. Start by spreading a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone on the canapé bases. Then, place a cooked prawn on each base. Drizzle with sweet chilli sauce and top with a sprinkle of lime juice and fresh coriander. Optionally, you can garnish with fresh chilli slices or a zest of lime for extra flavor. Arrange the canapés on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Sweet Chilli Prawn Canapes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Mary Berry’s sweet chilli prawn canapes can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to assemble them a few hours before serving to maintain freshness. You can prepare the canapé bases and toppings separately, then assemble them just before serving to prevent the cream cheese from becoming too soft or the canapés from becoming soggy. If you’re using store-bought bases like crackers, they tend to stay crispy longer, but fresh pastry bases should be assembled closer to serving time.
