Sesame Prawn Toast is a delightful Asian appetizer that combines succulent prawn paste with a crispy sesame seed crust, fried to golden perfection. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch paired with the fresh, aromatic flavors of ginger, garlic, and spring onion, creating a delicious balance between texture and taste.
This dish is perfect as a starter for dinner parties or a fun snack for casual gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for those who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy for an added burst of flavor.
Full Recipe:
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200g raw peeled prawns
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2 spring onions, finely chopped
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp cornflour
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4 slices white bread, crusts removed
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2 tbsp sesame seeds
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
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Place the prawns, spring onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornflour into a food processor. Pulse until you get a coarse paste with some texture remaining.
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Cut each bread slice into four triangles. Spread a generous layer of the prawn paste evenly over one side of each bread triangle.
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Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate, then press the prawn-coated side of each triangle into the seeds to cover.
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Heat about 2cm of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan until hot but not smoking (around 180°C / 350°F).
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Carefully fry the prawn toasts in batches for 2-3 minutes each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Sesame Prawn Toast
Sesame Prawn Toast is a classic Asian appetizer that has won hearts worldwide with its irresistible combination of crispy textures and flavorful prawn filling. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has become a staple in many restaurants and homes, especially popular as a party snack or starter. The marriage of fresh prawn paste with fragrant sesame seeds creates a wonderful contrast that is both crunchy and savory. This delicacy is loved for its satisfying bite and rich umami flavor, making it an excellent appetizer for any occasion.
Cultural Origins and Popularity
Sesame Prawn Toast is traditionally rooted in Cantonese cuisine but has since become embraced internationally, especially in Western countries where Asian fusion food is prevalent. In many Chinese restaurants around the globe, this dish is often found on the dim sum menu or served as part of a banquet. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to the perfect blend of accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking method that yields a restaurant-quality snack.
The dish is especially popular in the UK, Australia, and the United States, often appearing in Chinese takeaways and casual dining spots. Its simplicity, combined with the satisfying texture and flavor, makes it an evergreen favorite that appeals to a broad audience.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor of Sesame Prawn Toast is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly nutty notes. The prawns offer a delicate sweetness and seafood umami, while the aromatics like garlic, ginger, and spring onions add a fresh, zesty undertone. Soy sauce and sesame oil contribute to the savory depth, balancing the sweetness of the prawns.
Texture plays a huge role in the appeal of this dish. The prawn mixture forms a tender and moist layer on the bread, while the coating of toasted sesame seeds adds a crunchy, nutty crust. When fried, the bread becomes golden and crisp, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft prawn topping. This interplay of textures is one of the main reasons why Sesame Prawn Toast stands out among other appetizers.
Versatility in Serving
One of the advantages of Sesame Prawn Toast is its versatility. It can be served hot or warm, making it ideal for both formal dinners and casual get-togethers. It pairs exceptionally well with various dipping sauces, including sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a spicy mayo, which complement the prawn’s sweetness and the sesame’s nuttiness.
Moreover, this dish fits well into various meal settings — as a starter, part of a dim sum spread, or as finger food at parties and social gatherings. Its bite-sized nature makes it easy to serve at events, and it’s equally satisfying as a quick snack.
Making It at Home vs. Eating Out
While Sesame Prawn Toast is widely available in many Asian restaurants and takeout menus, making it at home offers distinct advantages. Homemade versions allow for control over the freshness and quality of ingredients, ensuring a more vibrant and personalized flavor. Adjusting the seasoning, choosing high-quality prawns, and controlling the frying process can elevate the dish to new heights compared to commercially prepared options.
Additionally, preparing Sesame Prawn Toast at home can be a fun and rewarding culinary project. The recipe is straightforward enough for beginner cooks but still yields impressive results that can wow family and friends.
Health Considerations
While delicious, Sesame Prawn Toast is a fried dish and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Prawns are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Sesame seeds add healthy fats and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
However, frying in oil adds calories and fat, which can affect health if consumed excessively. For those looking to make the dish a bit lighter, baking or shallow frying are alternative cooking methods that can reduce oil absorption while still maintaining crispiness.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Prawn Toast
Achieving the perfect balance of crispy texture and juicy prawn topping requires some attention to detail. Using fresh prawns and finely processing the paste ensures a smooth but textured filling that adheres well to the bread. Removing the crust from the bread helps the prawn mixture stick better and allows for even frying.
When frying, oil temperature is crucial. If too low, the toast absorbs excess oil and becomes greasy; if too high, it may burn before cooking through. Maintaining a steady medium-high temperature ensures a golden crust and thoroughly cooked filling.
Pressing the prawn-coated bread onto sesame seeds generously before frying guarantees a beautifully toasted and flavorful crust.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Sesame Prawn Toast is best served immediately after frying to retain its crisp texture. It pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or even a tangy ponzu sauce. For added freshness, serving it alongside a simple Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast.
This dish also complements a variety of other Asian dishes such as stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle bowls, making it an excellent addition to any meal spread.
Why Sesame Prawn Toast Remains a Favorite
The enduring popularity of Sesame Prawn Toast can be attributed to its perfect harmony of taste, texture, and ease of preparation. It embodies the essence of Asian comfort food — simple ingredients transformed into something deliciously satisfying.
It appeals to a wide audience, from seafood lovers to those seeking a quick yet impressive appetizer. Its combination of crunchy sesame crust and tender prawn paste offers an exciting bite every time, and its adaptability to various sauces and meal settings adds to its universal appeal.
Conclusion
Sesame Prawn Toast is much more than just a fried snack. It is a celebration of flavors and textures that highlights the beauty of Asian cuisine in a compact, approachable form. Whether enjoyed as a party appetizer, a starter at a special dinner, or a tasty snack, it brings delight with every bite.
Its rich cultural history, balanced flavor profile, and versatility make it a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Asian flavors or simply craving a crispy, savory treat. Making it at home not only allows you to tailor it to your tastes but also offers a rewarding cooking experience that will impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Enjoy this crispy, golden delight knowing that you’re serving up a timeless classic that continues to captivate food lovers worldwide.