Chinese Prawn Toast Recipe

Prawns: Fresh seafood that forms the base of the paste, providing a sweet and delicate flavor.

White bread: Acts as the crispy base for the prawn paste, absorbing flavors and providing texture.

Egg white: Helps bind the prawn paste together, giving it a smooth consistency.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the prawn paste.

Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma and flavor essential for Chinese cuisine.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the paste.

Ginger: Contributes a warm, spicy note that complements the prawns.

Spring onions: Offer a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Sesame seeds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the toast.

When blending the prawns into a paste, ensure they are thoroughly minced to achieve a smooth consistency. This will help the prawn paste adhere better to the bread slices and provide a more even texture when fried. Additionally, when frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the bread in the pan. This will prevent the prawn toast from becoming greasy and ensure a crispy, golden exterior.

• prawns - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can mimic the texture of prawns when finely chopped, making it a suitable alternative for those who do not consume seafood.

• prawns - Substitute with tofu: Firm tofu can be used as a vegetarian option. It absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture when blended.

• white bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread offers a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.

• egg white - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be whipped to a similar consistency as egg whites, making it a great vegan substitute.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor profile.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, suitable for those avoiding soy.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used in place of sesame oil, though it will lack the distinct nutty flavor. Add a few drops of toasted sesame oil for a closer match.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in place of garlic for a different but still aromatic taste.

• ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and citrusy flavor profile, making it a good substitute for ginger.

• spring onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement for spring onions.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds can mimic the crunch of sesame seeds, though they have a slightly different flavor.

• Allow the prawn toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.
• Place the cooled prawn toast in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
• To freeze, arrange the prawn toast in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the prawn toast to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• For best results, consume frozen prawn toast within 1 month. Beyond this, the texture may degrade.
• When ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the frozen prawn toast on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quicker option. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawn toast rubbery.
• Serve immediately after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the Chinese prawn toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly brush the top with a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the prawn paste is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the Chinese prawn toast in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Place the Chinese prawn toast in the pan, prawn side down.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Chinese prawn toast on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it is heated through. Note: This method may not retain the crispiness of the bread.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the Chinese prawn toast on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Toast for 5-7 minutes until the bread is crispy and the prawn paste is warmed through.

• Blender: To blend the prawns, egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.

• Spatula: To spread the prawn paste evenly on the bread slices.

• Knife: To finely chop the spring onions and to cut the fried prawn toast into triangles.

• Frying pan: To heat the oil and fry the bread slices.

• Paper towels: To drain the excess oil from the fried prawn toast.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping the spring onions and cutting the bread.

• Measuring spoons: To measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

• Garlic press: To mince the garlic.

• Grater: To mince the ginger.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the prawns ahead of time to save on prep work.

Use a food processor: Blend the prawn paste ingredients quickly using a food processor instead of manually.

Pre-cut bread: Cut the white bread into triangles before spreading the prawn paste to save time during assembly.

Organize your workspace: Have all your ingredients and tools ready and within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Batch frying: Fry multiple prawn toasts at once to reduce cooking time.