If you love bold flavors and crave something crispy with a delightful kick, this Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender prawn paste layered on soft bread, coated with crunchy sesame seeds, and fried to golden perfection. It’s the kind of appetizer that transforms any gathering into a memorable feast and makes your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a snack, this recipe combines irresistible textures and a perfect balance of heat, garlic, and ginger that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe is simple yet absolutely essential for creating that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From fresh prawns providing juicy protein to aromatic garlic and ginger enhancing the taste, every element works together to elevate this dish from ordinary to unforgettable.
- White sandwich bread, 8 slices: Choose soft bread with the crusts removed to ensure the prawn paste sticks beautifully and fries to crispy golden triangles.
- Raw prawns or shrimp, 1/2 pound: Peeled and deveined for a fresh, succulent base that creates the dish’s rich seafood flavor.
- Egg white, 1: Acts as a binder to hold the prawn mixture together perfectly when cooking.
- Garlic cloves, 2 (minced): Brings pungent depth and warmth to the paste.
- Ginger, 1 tablespoon (grated): Adds zing and a subtle spiciness to brighten the overall taste.
- Green onion, 1 (finely chopped): Gives fresh color and a mild oniony crunch.
- Soy sauce, 1 tablespoon: Infuses umami and saltiness that accentuates the prawns.
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon: Offers a nutty aroma that perfectly complements the fried toast.
- Chili garlic sauce or sriracha, 1 teaspoon: Provides that signature heat and pungent character, adjustable to taste.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Helps thicken the prawn mixture, ensuring it spreads evenly on the bread.
- Sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons: Create a delightful crunch and visual appeal on top of the prawn layer.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for achieving the perfect crispiness on the toast’s exterior.
How to Make Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Mixture
Start by adding the raw prawns, egg white, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, salt, and cornstarch into a food processor. Pulse everything until a thick, smooth paste forms. Don’t forget to scrape the sides occasionally so the mixture blends evenly. This prawn paste is where all the flavor magic happens, with each ingredient melding together in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Spread and Coat the Bread
Lay out your crustless bread slices on a flat surface, then spread a generous layer of the prawn mixture onto each slice. It’s important to cover the bread evenly to ensure every bite has that fantastic prawn flavor. Next, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the paste and gently press them in so they stick during frying. Cut each slice diagonally to form triangles — these little triangles fry up beautifully and are perfect for dipping.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers and feels hot enough, carefully place the prawn toast pieces prawn-side down. Fry for around 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Flip each piece and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is a crisp, golden exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender prawn topping inside. Finally, transfer the fried toast to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
How to Serve Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions or fresh cilantro leaves. A tiny drizzle of extra chili garlic sauce or a squeeze of lime adds brightness and balances the rich, fried flavors. These simple touches bring freshness and color right to your plate.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crisp Asian-style salads featuring shredded cabbage or cucumber, which provide a cooling crunch alongside the spicy prawn toast. For a heartier meal, consider serving with steamed jasmine rice and a bowl of hot miso soup to round out the flavors and textures beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the prawn toast triangles on a large platter lined with banana leaves for an exotic touch. Serve with individual dipping bowls of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce placed strategically around the platter. You can also stack the toasts on a wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled around to create an inviting and colorful presentation that’s as tasty as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the toast is best enjoyed crispy, try to consume leftovers within 1 to 2 days for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared prawn paste ahead of time for up to 24 hours in a sealed container or freezer bag. However, it’s best not to freeze the assembled or fried toast as the texture deteriorates significantly upon thawing. This way, the paste remains fresh and ready for quick cooking anytime you want a delicious snack.
Reheating
To reheat leftover prawn toast, skip the microwave because it can make them soggy. Instead, pop them into a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore the crispiness. This gentle reheating refreshes the crunchy exterior without compromising the flavors inside.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in the Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp and prawns are interchangeable in this recipe and will both deliver that wonderful seafood flavor you’re aiming for. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture.
How spicy is this Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe?
The level of heat primarily depends on how much chili garlic sauce or sriracha you add. Starting with one teaspoon gives a pleasant, moderate spice that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. You can always add more if you like it hotter.
Can I bake or air fry the prawn toast instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, brush the assembled toast with oil and cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes or bake in a preheated oven until golden and crisp. This method yields a less oily but still delicious result.
Is it necessary to remove the crust from the bread?
Removing the crust helps the prawn mixture stick better and creates a more uniform crispness when frying. It also prevents the edges from becoming overly hard or burnt.
Can I prepare the prawn paste in advance?
Definitely. You can make the prawn paste up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. This makes assembly quick and easy, especially handy when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing this Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe with friends and family. Its perfect balance of flavor, spice, and crispy texture makes it a standout appetizer in any setting. Give it a try soon — you might just find it becoming your new go-to snack that everybody raves about!
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Spicy Prawn Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces (serves 4–6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Spicy Prawn Toast is a flavorful Asian-inspired appetizer featuring a savory prawn paste spread on crisp fried bread triangles. Infused with garlic, ginger, and chili, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds, this dish makes a perfect party snack or starter that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1/2 pound raw prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawn Paste: In a food processor, combine the raw prawns, egg white, minced garlic, grated ginger, finely chopped green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, salt, and cornstarch. Pulse several times until a thick, cohesive paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Spread Mixture on Bread: Lay out the white sandwich bread slices with crusts removed. Evenly spread a generous layer of the prawn paste on one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover most of the surface.
- Apply Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the prawn-coated side of each bread slice. Press lightly to help the seeds adhere firmly to the paste.
- Cut into Triangles: Using a sharp knife, cut each bread slice diagonally in half to form two triangles, perfect for finger food or appetizers.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Toast: Carefully place the bread triangles prawn side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the prawn paste turns golden and cooked through. Then flip the triangles and fry the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until the bread is crisp and golden brown.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried prawn toasts from the skillet and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the spicy prawn toast hot as a delicious appetizer accompanied by sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, you can use an air fryer: lightly brush the prawn-coated bread with oil and cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- The prawn paste can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- This recipe is perfect as a party snack or an appetizer at gatherings.
