Name: Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 12 ounces peeled and deveined prawns; ¼ cup green scallion, sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; ½ teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 slices white bread (more than a day old); ¼ cup black sesame seeds; ¼ cup white sesame seeds; 2 cups vegetable oil for frying; Chili sauce for serving

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If you love crispy, flavorful snacks that combine seafood with a delightful crunch, you are going to adore this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe. It’s a classic appetizer where juicy prawn paste is spread over bread, coated in nutty sesame seeds, and fried until golden perfection. Every bite bursts with a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic ginger and garlic, making it an irresistible treat that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round speckled plate holds six smaller white bowls arranged in a circle. The largest bowl on the left contains several raw grayish shrimp with a shiny wet texture, arranged in a curled shape. At the top right, a smaller bowl is filled with light beige sesame seeds, while the bowl directly below it has black sesame seeds with a matte texture. Below these, a white bowl is full of finely chopped green chives, bright and fresh. To the left of this, a small plate holds three white powders and black pepper, with a smooth texture. Above this plate is another small dish with a piece of light brown ginger and a white garlic clove. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich texture and vibrant flavor. From fresh prawns providing juicy seafood goodness to fragrant sesame seeds creating that signature crust, everything comes together in harmony.

12 ounces peeled and deveined prawns: Fresh prawns ensure a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture.
¼ cup green scallion, sliced: Adds a mild onion aroma and a touch of color to the prawn paste.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Acts as a binder to hold the prawn paste together smoothly.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses the paste with that unmistakable nutty aroma.
1 teaspoon grated ginger: Offers bright, zesty warmth that lifts the prawn flavor.
1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed: Adds a punch of savory depth and aroma.
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Essential seasoning to highlight the ingredients.
½ teaspoon sugar: Balances flavors with a subtle touch of sweetness.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and complexity.
4 slices white bread (more than a day old): Slightly stale bread fries up crisp without soaking up too much oil.
¼ cup black sesame seeds: Adds a bold, earthy crunch and striking contrast in color.
¼ cup white sesame seeds: Compliments the black sesame seeds with a mild nuttiness.
2 cups vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil perfect for achieving that deep golden fry without overpowering flavors.
Chili sauce for serving: Provides a spicy kick and perfect dip to elevate every bite.

How to Make Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe

A single slice of toasted white bread lies flat on a piece of parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread is evenly toasted to a light golden brown, with the edges slightly darker and crisp. On top, there is a thick, uneven layer of a pale grayish-green spread mixed with small green herb pieces and some darker specks, giving it a textured, slightly shiny appearance. The spread covers almost the entire top of the toast, leaving only a thin border of the toasted bread exposed. The setup is simple and clean, focusing on the detailed texture of the spread against the crisp toasted bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Prawn Paste

Start by adding the peeled prawns, green scallion, cornstarch, garlic, grated ginger, sugar, salt, pepper, and sesame oil into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a paste that is mainly smooth yet still slightly chunky. This texture is key because it allows the paste to stay moist and tender without becoming mushy, and the flavors to blend well while retaining bits of prawn.

Step 2: Spread the Paste on Bread

Divide the prawn paste mixture evenly into four portions. Take your slightly stale slices of white bread and spread each portion generously over one side. The slight staleness prevents the bread from becoming soggy during frying, resulting in a beautifully crisp base for the prawn topping.

Step 3: Coat with Sesame Seeds

In a large shallow bowl, combine the black and white sesame seeds to create that iconic speckled crust. Press the prawn-covered side of each bread slice firmly into the sesame seed mix. This step envelopes the toast in a crunchy, nutty exterior that perfectly complements the tender prawn paste.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches about 325°F (165°C). Carefully add the bread pieces with the sesame seed side down in batches. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until the prawn paste turns pink and cooked through and the sesame crust turns golden and crisp. Flip the toast slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes to achieve that perfect golden crust on the bread side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Once slightly cooled, cut the sesame prawn toast into triangles or your favorite shapes. Serving warm ensures each bite delivers the crisp, juicy, and flavorful experience that makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh scallions or a scattering of julienned red chili can add a fresh pop of color and a mild bite that complements the rich toasted prawn. A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil over the cut pieces just before serving can elevate aroma without overwhelming the palate.

Side Dishes

This Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple Asian-inspired sides like a crisp cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or steamed edamame. These lighter, refreshing sides balance the rich fried toast and keep the meal feeling light and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these toasts as finger food at parties alongside an assortment of dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar, or even a creamy wasabi mayo. You can arrange the toasted triangles on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges for a vibrant, inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover sesame prawn toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess, but it’s best enjoyed within the first day for optimal texture.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze as well once fried since the bread tends to become soggy during thawing. However, if you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the prawn paste separately in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before spreading on bread and frying fresh.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the toast crisp, use a toaster oven or air fryer set to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will soften the crunch and result in a greasy texture.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp and prawns are interchangeable in this Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined, then pulse to a slightly chunky paste.

What kind of bread works best?

White bread that is slightly stale works best because it crisps up nicely during frying and doesn’t soak up too much oil. Avoid breads with heavy seeds or whole grains as they can affect texture and flavor.

Is there a healthier way to cook this dish?

You can try baking the sesame prawn toasts on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. The crispness won’t be quite the same as frying but it’s a lighter alternative.

Can I prepare the prawn paste in advance?

Yes, you can make the prawn paste up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling and frying the toast later.

What dipping sauces pair well with sesame prawn toast?

Classic choices include sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with a bit of rice vinegar, or even hoisin sauce. Spicy mayo or wasabi mayo also add a creamy, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the toasted prawns.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe at home, now is the perfect time. It’s a fun, tempting dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. With its crispy, nutty sesame crust and flavorful prawn filling, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to appetizers or snacks. So grab those fresh prawns and get frying — you’re about to make a truly memorable treat!

Ingredients You'll Need