When the craving for something crispy and delicious strikes, my mind drifts to the delightful crunch of homemade Prawn Toast. The very first time I tried this dish, I was taken by the magical combination of fresh prawns, fragrant garlic, and a hint of zingy ginger. It transports me to bustling street markets where the aroma of sizzling treats fills the air.
What I love most about this recipe is how impressively easy it is to whip up in your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun snack, these toasts are bursting with flavor and are sure to wow your friends and family. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to break away from the takeout routine! With its vibrant topping of bright green spring onions and an irresistible sesame crunch, every bite promises a pleasing contrast of textures.
Ready to bring a taste of the seaside to your home? Let’s dive into this simple yet delectable Prawn Toast recipe!
Why is Prawn Toast so beloved?
Flavor-packed experience: Each bite delivers a delightful mix of juicy prawns, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger that will have your taste buds celebrating!
Quick to prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
Perfect for sharing: Slice these toasts into bite-sized pieces and watch them disappear at your next gathering—everyone will want to grab a piece!
No need for fancy ingredients: You can whip this up with everyday pantry staples, yet it feels exotic and restaurant-worthy.
Versatile pairing: Serve them with sweet chili dipping sauce for a delicious contrast or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
Crowd pleaser: Whether it’s game day or a cozy movie night, these crispy treats are sure to impress anyone at your table.
Prawn Toast Ingredients
For the Prawn Mixture
• 200 g raw prawns (shrimp) – ensures a fresh, oceanic flavor; must be de-veined and de-shelled for best results.
• 1 tsp minced ginger – adds a warm, spicy kick that complements the seafood perfectly.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – imparts a fragrant depth, elevating the taste profile.
• 1 egg white – acts as a binding agent for the prawn paste.
• 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped – adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• 1 tsp light soy sauce – brings in umami and enhances the overall flavor.
• ¼ tsp white pepper – gives a warm, subtle heat to the mixture.
• ¼ tsp salt – balances and elevates all the flavors.
For the Toast
• 3 pieces thick sliced white bread – serves as a sturdy base for the prawn paste, keeping it crispy.
• 6 tbsp sesame seeds – offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor once toasted.
For Frying
• Vegetable oil, for frying (around 1 litre) – choose a neutral oil for frying that can handle high heat without smoking.
For Serving
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) – brightens up the dish with fresh flavors and color.
• 2 tbsp sweet chili dipping sauce – adds a sweet and spicy contrast that elevates your Prawn Toast experience.
Prepare these ingredients for an unforgettable homemade Prawn Toast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Prawn Toast
- Combine Ingredients: Add the raw prawns, minced ginger, garlic, egg white, chopped spring onions, light soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to a mini food processor. Blitz until smooth and well combined into a paste.
- Slice the Bread: Take your thick-sliced white bread and make two straight cuts across each piece from corner to corner. This will yield 12 triangles—no need to remove the crust!
- Spread the Prawn Paste: Gently spread about 1 tablespoon of the prawn paste evenly across one side of each bread triangle. Ensure an even layer for the best flavor.
- Prepare Sesame Seeds: Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate or shallow bowl. This will be the crunchy coating that makes the dish so irresistible!
- Coat in Sesame Seeds: Dip each triangle, paste side down, into the sesame seeds. Make sure they’re evenly coated before placing them on a plate, ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a wok or deep frying pan, heat about 1 litre of vegetable oil over high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, perfect for frying!
- Fry the Toast: Working in batches of two to three, add the bread triangles, paste side down, into the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, turn, and continue cooking for an additional 30-60 seconds until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, carefully place the Prawn Toast on a plate or tray lined with kitchen roll to soak up any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining triangles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander for an extra burst of flavor, and serve beautifully alongside sweet chili dipping sauce.
Optional: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Prawn Toast
Get creative and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute thick sliced white bread with gluten-free bread for a similar crunchy texture without gluten.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tsp of sriracha or chili paste to the prawn mixture for an extra punch of heat. This will transform the flavor profile into a bold, zesty delight!
- Veggie Option: Swap the prawns with a finely chopped mix of mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian alternative that still packs a savory punch.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in ¼ cup of cream cheese or grated cheese to give the prawn paste a creamy, rich texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to the prawn mixture for a burst of freshness that brightens each bite.
- Air Fryer Option: Try air frying these toasts at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes for a healthier version with less oil while still achieving a crispy finish.
- Bread Alternatives: Use naan or baguette slices instead of white bread for a unique flavor and texture twist that adds an exciting twist!
Expert Tips for Prawn Toast
- Use Fresh Prawns: Always opt for the freshest prawns for the best flavor and texture. Frozen prawns can work, but they should be completely thawed and drained well.
- Avoid Overspreading: When applying the prawn paste, keep a thin layer on the bread. Overloading can cause the mixture to slide off during frying.
- Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the triangles. If it’s not, the bread can absorb too much oil and become soggy instead of crispy.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even cooking. This helps ensure that each Prawn Toast gets that perfect, golden brown crust.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt and white pepper in the prawn mix based on your preference. Tasting the mixture before frying ensures it’s seasoned just right for your palate.
- Perfect Dipping Sauce: Pair your homemade Prawn Toast with sweet chili dipping sauce for an explosive flavor contrast. You can’t skip this delicious addition!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Prawn Toasts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the prawn paste and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply blend the prawns, ginger, garlic, egg white, spring onions, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper together, then cover and refrigerate. The bread can be sliced and arranged without the topping, so it’s ready to go. When ready to serve, just spread the prawn paste on the triangles and coat them with sesame seeds before frying. This ensures your Prawn Toast stays just as delicious and fresh, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Prawn Toast
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Prawn Toast fresh for the best flavor. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure safety.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a toaster oven or air fryer for extra crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual Prawn Toast triangles in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Prawn Toast, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
What to Serve with Prawn Toast?
Delightful pairings can elevate your meal experience, making every bite of Prawn Toast even more enjoyable.
- Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a crunchy contrast that complements the crispy toast.
- Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: This must-have accompaniment introduces a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, enhancing the flavors of the Prawn Toast.
- Sesame Noodles: Tossed with soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, these noodles bring a rich umami flavor and delightful chewiness to your meal.
- Fresh Cucumber Salad: Chilled cucumber slices with a drizzle of rice vinegar provide a light and refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the toast.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet, tangy mango salsa lifts the dish with its fruity zest, offering a delightful contrast to the savory prawns.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut-infused rice adds a comforting, aromatic element, giving your meal a tropical flair.
- Chilled Riesling: A glass of this lightly sweet and aromatic white wine elevates the experience, bringing out the sweetness in the prawns.
Let your dining experience shine bright by including these thoughtful pairings with your Prawn Toast!
Prawn Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I select the freshest prawns?
Absolutely! When choosing prawns, look for those that are firm and translucent, with a pleasant, mild ocean scent. Avoid any that have dark spots or a strong fishy odor. Ideally, fresh prawns should be bright pink or grey, depending on the variety, and without any visible blemishes.
How should I store leftover Prawn Toast?
Very good question! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating in a toaster oven restores that delightful crispiness that we all crave.
Can I freeze Prawn Toast? How?
Definitely! To freeze your Prawn Toast, wrap each triangle tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What can I do if my prawn paste is too watery?
If you find that your prawn mixture is too watery, add an extra egg white or a spoonful of cornstarch to help bind it. Blitz again in the food processor until combined. You can also try refrigerating the paste for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up before spreading it on the bread.
Are Prawn Toast suitable for those with shellfish allergies?
You should definitely be cautious! Prawn Toast contains shrimp, which is a shellfish and can trigger allergic reactions. If you’re cooking for someone with shellfish allergies, consider using a different protein or a vegetarian alternative, like a nut-based spread or herbed cheese, as a topping.
Can I make Prawn Toast without the sesame seeds?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of sesame seeds or want a gluten-free version, simply skip that step. You can also try coating with crushed cornflakes or panko for a different texture, or just enjoy them without the coating completely!
Irresistible Small Batch Cookie Butter Brownies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and cookie butter until smooth.
- Add the egg and granulated sugar to the mixture and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.