Crispy, golden, and packed with rich seafood flavor, prawn toast is a beloved Chinese takeaway favorite that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. This homemade version delivers crunchy sesame-coated bread topped with a flavorful prawn mixture that fries to perfection. Unlike many restaurant versions that use fillers, this recipe keeps the prawn flavor front and center for a deliciously authentic bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and crunchy texture with juicy prawn topping
Authentic Chinese restaurant flavor at home
Simple ingredients and easy preparation
Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party food
Better prawn flavor without unnecessary fillers
Great make-ahead option for gatherings
Delicious with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
300 g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
6 slices white sandwich bread
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 large egg white
Vegetable oil, for frying
Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, for serving
Directions
Roughly chop the prawns and place them into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a chunky paste. Avoid over-processing so the prawns still retain some texture.
Transfer the prawn mixture to a bowl. Add green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg white. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
Trim the crusts off the bread slices. Cut each slice diagonally into two triangles.
Spread a generous layer of the prawn mixture over one side of each bread triangle. Press lightly so the topping sticks well.
Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the prawn side and gently press them into the mixture.
Heat about 2 cm of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, place a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully place the prawn toast into the oil, prawn side down first. Fry for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Flip and cook the bread side for another 1 to 2 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add finely chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch.
Use chili flakes or chili oil for a spicy version.
Replace white bread with brioche for a richer flavor.
Try black sesame seeds for a dramatic appearance.
Air fry instead of deep frying for a lighter option.
Add finely chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal taste.
Use crab meat mixed with prawns for a seafood blend.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover prawn toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place the toast on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving because it can make the bread soggy.
You can also freeze uncooked prawn toast. Arrange them on a tray until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
What bread works best for prawn toast?
Soft white sandwich bread works best because it crisps nicely while holding the prawn topping securely.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 220°C for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Why is my prawn toast soggy?
This usually happens if the oil temperature is too low or if the prawns contain too much moisture.
Can I make prawn toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to fry.
What dipping sauces pair well with prawn toast?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic chili sauce, and plum sauce all pair wonderfully.
Do I need a food processor?
No, you can finely chop the prawns with a knife until they form a paste-like consistency.
Can I air fry prawn toast?
Yes, air fry at 200°C for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy and fully cooked.
How do I know when the prawns are cooked?
The topping turns pink and firm while the sesame coating becomes golden brown.
Can I use other seafood?
Yes, crab, fish, or a combination of seafood can work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Homemade prawn toast is a wonderfully crispy and flavorful appetizer that tastes just like your favorite Chinese restaurant version, only fresher and more satisfying. With crunchy sesame-coated bread and juicy prawn topping, it’s guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. Whether served as a snack, starter, or party dish, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
Crispy, golden Chinese-style prawn toast made with a flavorful prawn mixture spread over bread, coated with sesame seeds, and fried until crunchy and delicious.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
300 g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
6 slices white sandwich bread
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 large egg white
Vegetable oil, for frying
Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, for serving
Instructions
Roughly chop the prawns and place them in a food processor. Pulse until they form a chunky paste.
Transfer the prawn mixture to a bowl and add green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and egg white. Mix well.
Trim the crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice diagonally into two triangles.
Spread a generous layer of prawn mixture over one side of each bread triangle.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the prawn side and gently press them in.
Heat about 2 cm of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
Place the prawn toast into the oil, prawn side down, and fry for about 2 minutes until golden.
Flip and cook the bread side for another 1 to 2 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
Notes
Do not over-process the prawns; a slightly chunky texture gives better results.
Pat thawed frozen prawns dry before using to avoid soggy toast.
Reheat leftovers in an oven at 180°C for 8 to 10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Uncooked prawn toast can be frozen and fried from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.
For a lighter option, bake at 220°C for 12 to 15 minutes or air fry at 200°C for 8 to 10 minutes.
