Sesame Prawn Toast (Shrimp Toast) Recipe
Sesame Prawn Toast is a classic Chinese appetizer featuring a savory prawn paste spread on slices of bread, coated with a mix of black and white sesame seeds, and shallow-fried until golden and crispy. Served hot with a side of tangy chili sauce, this crunchy and flavorful snack makes for an irresistible starter or party treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 toast each, cut into triangles)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Prawn Paste
- 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
Toast
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the prawn paste: Add the peeled and deveined prawns, green scallion, cornstarch, crushed garlic, grated ginger, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and sesame oil to a food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a paste with a slightly chunky texture, ensuring the prawns are finely minced but not completely pureed.
- Spread the paste on bread slices: Divide the prawn paste evenly into 4 portions. Spread each portion onto one side of each slice of white bread, ensuring an even and generous coating.
- Coat with sesame seeds: In a large, shallow bowl, combine the black and white sesame seeds. Press the bread slices, prawn paste side down, firmly into the sesame seed mixture, coating the paste evenly with seeds.
- Heat the oil: Add 2 cups of vegetable oil to a large frying pan or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 325°F (163°C). Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key for crispy toasts.
- Fry the toasts (sesame side down): In batches, carefully place the bread slices into the hot oil with the sesame seed side down. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until the prawn paste is cooked through, the prawns have turned pink, and the seed coating is golden and toasted.
- Flip and fry the other side: Flip each toast to fry the bread side for about 2 minutes until it is golden brown and crisp, ensuring an even texture all around.
- Drain and serve: Remove the toasts from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Cut each toast into triangles and serve immediately with chili sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using bread that is at least a day old helps it hold the prawn paste better without becoming soggy.
- Adjust the oil temperature carefully to avoid burnt sesame seeds or undercooked prawns.
- The prawn paste can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day before cooking.
- Ensure the prawns are fresh or properly thawed for the best flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve larger groups.
Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/sesame-prawn-toast-shrimp-toast-recipe/
