Prawn toast, a beloved dim sum and Chinese takeaway staple, is a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser that is perfect for a snack or to add to your homemade Chinese fakeaway meal.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this crispy, savoury treat at home.
Ingredients:
- 200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- Sesame seeds (white, black, or a mix)
- Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well)
Instructions:
- Prepare the prawn mixture:
- In a food processor, blend the prawns, garlic, ginger, green onions, egg white, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until it forms a smooth paste.
- Prepare the bread.
- Cut the crusts off the bread slices, and then cut each slice into two triangles or four squares, depending on your preference.
- Spread the prawn mixture:
- Spread a generous layer of the prawn mixture onto one side of each bread piece. Make sure it’s evenly coated.
- Add sesame seeds:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the prawn mixture, pressing them in lightly so they stick.
- Heat the oil.
- Pour enough oil into a frying pan to reach about 1cm deep and heat it over medium heat. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and turns golden, it’s hot enough.
- Fry the Prawn Toast:
- Carefully place the bread, prawn side down, into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes or until the prawn mixture is golden and cooked through.
- Turn the bread over and fry for another 1-2 minutes to crisp up the bread.
- Drain.
- Remove the prawn toasts from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve.
- Serve hot, either as is or with dips like sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce. Perfect as a side to any homemade Chinese meal.
Tips:
- Consistency: Ensure that the prawn mixture has a spreadable, paste-like consistency. If it’s too runny, it won’t adhere well to the bread.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If it’s too hot, the bread will burn before the prawn mixture cooks. If it’s too low, the toast will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Serving Size: This recipe can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings.
- Variations: Feel free to add a small amount of finely chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the prawn mixture for added texture.
Enjoy your homemade prawn toast, a perfect combination of crispy bread and flavorful, juicy prawn topping!