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Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe

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4 from 49 reviews

Sesame prawn toast is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful appetizer featuring minced prawns mixed with aromatic seasonings spread over toasted bread, coated with sesame seeds, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with sweet chili sauce, this classic Asian snack is perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 10 slices white bread

Prawn Mixture

  • 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

Coating & Frying

  • ½ cup sesame seeds
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Serving

  • Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Dry the bread: Remove the crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice in half. Lay the bread pieces flat on a wire rack and cover with a clean tea towel. Allow to dry out overnight to achieve a firm base for the prawn topping.
  2. Prepare the prawn mixture: Shell and devein the prawns, then roughly chop them. Place the prawns in a food processor along with the spring onions, light soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and egg. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still has some small prawn chunks for texture. Store in an airtight container if preparing the day before serving.
  3. Assemble the toasts: On the day of serving, spread approximately 1 cm thick layer of the prawn mixture on each dried bread half. Smooth the surface evenly to ensure even cooking.
  4. Coat with sesame seeds: Roll the side with prawn mixture in a plate of sesame seeds so they stick evenly. Place the prepared toasts sesame seed side up on a wire rack, ready for frying.
  5. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large saucepan to a depth of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Heat the oil to 180°C (356°F), monitoring with a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature during frying.
  6. Deep fry: Carefully lower 5-6 prawn toasts sesame seed side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crisp on the bottom side. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature.
  7. Drain and serve: Remove the toasts from the oil and place them sesame seed side down on a baking tray lined with several layers of roughed-up paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat the frying process with remaining toasts.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately while hot, paired with sweet chili sauce for dipping for a vibrant, tasty experience.
  9. Enjoy and share feedback: Take a moment to leave a comment and rating to share your experience and help others discover this flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Drying the bread overnight is essential to prevent sogginess during frying and to achieve a crispy texture.
  • You can prepare the prawn mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time on serving day.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature at 180°C ensures the prawn toast cooks evenly without becoming greasy.
  • If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread in; it should sizzle immediately but not burn quickly.
  • Serve prawn toasts immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
  • Homemade sweet chili sauce can be used as an alternative for dipping if preferred.