Prawn Toast Recipe – Crispy Indian-Style Prawn & Garlic Bites

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Prawn Toast Recipe – Crispy Indian-Style Prawn & Garlic Bites

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling streets of India and stumbled upon a Chinese food stall, chances are you’ve encountered the magic that is Prawn Toast. It’s a total classic – crispy, garlicky, and bursting with flavour. I remember first trying it as a kid, and I was instantly hooked! It’s become a bit of a tradition in my family to make this for celebrations, and I’m so excited to share my version with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Prawn Toast recipe is seriously easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. It’s perfect as a starter, a party snack, or even a quick evening treat. The combination of succulent prawns, fragrant garlic, and a satisfying crunch is just irresistible. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect when you’re short on time but craving something special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 cup Cleaned prawns (about 200g)
• 1 tsp Minced/grated garlic
• 1 Egg white
• ¼ cup Chopped spring onion
• ½ tsp Pepper powder
• ½ – 1 tsp Soya sauce
• ½ tbsp Cornflour
• 1-2 tbsp Sesame seeds
• 4-6 Bread slices
• Salt to taste
• Oil (for deep frying)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using good quality prawns really makes a difference. I prefer medium-sized prawns for this, as they blend nicely.

Now, about that soya sauce… in Indian Chinese cuisine, we often use a slightly sweeter, darker soya sauce. If you can find one, definitely go for it! Otherwise, regular dark soya sauce works just fine.

And don’t skimp on the garlic! Freshly minced garlic is key to that amazing flavour. Trust me, pre-minced garlic just doesn’t compare. It’s worth the extra minute or two.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the prawn paste. Pop the prawns, garlic, egg white, spring onion, pepper powder, soya sauce, cornflour, and a pinch of salt into a food processor. Blend it all up until you have a lovely, smooth paste.
2. Next, grab your bread slices and cut them into triangles. Spread a generous layer of that prawn paste onto one side of each triangle, pressing it down firmly.
3. Now for the fun part – sprinkle those sesame seeds all over the prawn paste. This adds a wonderful nutty flavour and a beautiful texture.
4. Heat up some oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the toast, paste-side down, for about 30-50 seconds, until it’s golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the toast over and cook the bread side briefly – just a few seconds to warm it through.
6. Drain the prawn toast on some paper towels to remove any excess oil.
7. Serve immediately with your favourite sweet chili sauce!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the toast in batches to ensure it gets nice and crispy.
• Hot oil is key: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the toast. Otherwise, it will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Fresh is best: Using fresh prawns and garlic will give you the best flavour.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the prawns for plant-based prawns or crumbled firm tofu. You might need to adjust the seasoning slightly. My friend, Priya, swears by using marinated and crumbled tofu – it’s amazing!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favourite gluten-free bread. There are some fantastic gluten-free bread options available these days.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped green chilies to the prawn paste.
• Festival Adaptations: This is a fantastic starter for celebrations like Diwali or New Year’s Eve. Everyone always loves it!

Serving Suggestions

Prawn Toast is best served hot and crispy, straight from the fryer. A side of sweet chili sauce is a must, but you could also try a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy garlic mayo. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, Prawn Toast is best enjoyed immediately. It tends to lose its crispness as it sits. However, if you must store it, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer to try and restore some of the crispness.

FAQs

What type of prawns work best for prawn toast?

Medium-sized prawns are ideal, as they blend easily and have a good texture. You can use frozen prawns, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before using.

Can I make the prawn paste ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The prawn paste can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good mix before spreading it on the bread.

What is the best way to prevent the toast from becoming soggy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, drain the toast on paper towels immediately after frying.

Can I bake the prawn toast instead of frying it?

You can, but it won’t be quite as crispy. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sauce is traditionally served with prawn toast in India?

Sweet chili sauce is the most popular choice! But you’ll also find it served with tomato ketchup, schezwan sauce, or a tangy garlic dip.

Enjoy making this classic Indian-Chinese snack! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!