Name: Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 10 slices white bread; 750 g raw prawns in the shell (1.6 lb), shelled and deveined; 2 large spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped; 2 teaspoons light soy sauce; 1 ½ teaspoons fresh grated ginger; 2 small cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 1 egg; ½ cup sesame seeds; 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying); Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Jump to Recipe·4 from 49 reviews

If you love classic Asian appetizers that are crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive, this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine golden, sesame-crusted bites topped with juicy, savory prawn mixture, fried to perfection and perfect for sharing at any gathering or as a snack to impress your friends. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients into a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting—a little crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with umami. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive into this irresistible Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A group of raw shrimp with shells and legs is placed piled inside a gray bowl at the top left on a white marbled surface. To the right of the bowl, there are two green onions with white roots laying vertically. Below the shrimp bowl is a small gray bowl filled with a beige paste. Below the paste, there is a single light brown egg resting next to three stacked slices of white sandwich bread. To the right of the bread is a small circular metal container filled with white sesame seeds and some seeds scattered around it. Below the sesame seeds is a small cup filled with a dark liquid. Near the top right center are two cloves of garlic with pinkish skin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s amazing about this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe is how straightforward its ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role. Each component brings a balance of texture, aroma, and flavor that makes this dish so memorable—crisp bread, succulent prawns, fragrant garlic and ginger, and the toasty crunch of sesame seeds.

White bread slices: The base that crisps up beautifully, providing the perfect sturdy platform for the prawn topping.
Prawns (raw, in shell): The star protein, chopped finely to create a luscious, fresh seafood topping that’s full of flavor.
Spring onions (scallions): They add a fresh, mild sharpness and a touch of green color that livens up the prawn mix.
Light soy sauce: A salty umami boost that brings depth without overpowering the delicate prawn flavor.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing, highlighting the prawns perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Roughly chopped to give a punch of aromatic savoriness in every bite.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the prawn mixture together on the bread.
Sesame seeds: Coating the prawn layer for that gorgeous crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Vegetable oil: For deep frying to achieve that irresistible golden crispness.
Sweet chilli sauce: The ideal dipping partner, balancing spicy, sweet, and tangy notes.

How to Make Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe

A clear food processor bowl contains several layers: on the left side, there are raw shrimp in pale pink and off-white shades with a slightly shiny texture; next to them on the right, there are thick, round light green pieces of celery; near the celery are small light tan chunks of paste, and just below them is a small mound of crushed pale yellow garlic. A woman's hand is pouring a dark brown liquid from a small cup into the bowl from the top right corner. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

The day before you want to serve this, start by trimming off the crusts from the white bread slices and cutting each slice in half. Lay them out flat on a wire rack and cover with a clean kitchen towel. This drying process is key because it helps the bread crisp up beautifully when fried, preventing sogginess and giving you that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Prawn Mixture

Either the day before or the same day, shell and devein your prawns, then rough chop them before tossing into a food processor. Add the chopped spring onions, light soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, garlic cloves, and egg. Pulse just enough to combine everything well, leaving a few little prawn chunks for texture. If prepping ahead, store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Step 3: Assemble the Toasts

On the day you plan to serve, spread a 1cm-thick layer of the prawn mixture evenly on each bread piece. This thickness ensures the topping cooks through evenly while staying tender. Next, carefully roll the prawn-topped side in sesame seeds so they adhere well, then place the pieces with the sesame side facing up on a wire rack. This presentation step builds anticipation for the amazing crunch you’re about to enjoy.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large pan or saucepan to around 180°C, keeping a close eye on the temperature with a thermometer for consistent results. Carefully place 5-6 prawn toasts sesame side down into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sesame seeds are beautifully golden and the prawn topping is cooked through. Transfer them onto paper towels lined on a baking tray to drain excess oil and keep crisp.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce

Serve your crispy delights immediately paired with a cooling sweet chilli sauce to dip in. The sweetness and mild heat of the sauce perfectly complement the savory, crunchy toasts, creating a harmony of flavors that’s utterly satisfying.

How to Serve Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions or fresh coriander adds an extra fresh burst and a splash of color. If you love a bit of crunch beyond the sesame seeds, a light dusting of toasted seaweed flakes or a drizzle of a mild sesame oil can elevate the presentation and aroma wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp Asian slaws, pickled cucumber salad, or a bowl of steaming hot miso soup for a satisfying meal spread. For parties, offer an assortment of dipping sauces like plum sauce, soy sauce with chili, or even a tangy lime and fish sauce dip to complement the toasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, slice the prawn toasts into bite-sized squares or diamonds, ideal for finger food at gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with fresh edible flowers to impress guests visually. Stack them with layers of fresh herb leaves between for a fun, layered appetizer variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the prawn toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from any dipping sauces to maintain the crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

Frozen sesame prawn toasts aren’t ideal once cooked because they lose their crunch. However, you can freeze the prepared prawn mixture and dried bread separately. When ready to cook, assemble and fry fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring the toasts back to life, reheat them in a hot oven or under the grill rather than the microwave. This will help restore some crispness to the bread and sesame coating, making your snack almost as good as freshly fried.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns; just make sure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before preparing the prawn mixture. Fresh taste will always be better, but good quality frozen prawns work well too.

What type of bread is best for sesame prawn toast?

White sandwich bread with a soft crumb and thin crust is traditional and perfect for frying crisp. Avoid dense or whole grain breads as they won’t crisp up the same way.

Is frying the only cooking method for sesame prawn toast?

Deep frying gives the characteristic golden, crunchy texture that defines Sesame Prawn Toast. While you could try pan-frying for a lighter version, it won’t be quite the same in flavor and texture.

Can I make the prawn mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the prawn mixture a day ahead allows the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated in a sealed container until you’re ready to assemble and cook.

What can I serve with sweet chilli sauce?

Sweet chilli sauce is classic, but you can also try soy sauce mixed with a little wasabi, hoisin sauce, or even a simple lime and chili dressing to add variety to the dipping experience.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about whipping up this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether at casual get-togethers or special celebrations, with its inviting crunch and vibrant flavors. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and create your own memorable moments around this deliciously crispy classic. Happy cooking and even happier eating!