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Prawns Toasts With Sesame Seeds and Spring onions

This homemade prawn toast recipe offers a fresh, vibrant take on the classic Chinese takeaway favourite. Infused with aromatic lemongrass, ginger, and a hint of chilli paste, these crispy snacks are bursting with zesty flavour. By using plump, juicy prawns and a generous coating of nutty sesame seeds, you can create a high-quality starter or snack that is far superior to shop-bought versions. The combination of the savoury prawn paste and the golden, fried bread provides a satisfying crunch that makes them irresistible for any occasion.

As a high-protein dish, these toasts are a brilliant choice for those looking for a more nutritious way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavours at home. Using white bread with the crusts removed ensures a delicate texture, while the addition of fresh spring onions adds a pleasant bite. Serve them hot alongside a sweet chilli dipping sauce for a simple yet impressive appetiser that fits perfectly into a weekend dinner party or a casual family sharing platter.

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Ingredients for Prawns Toasts With Sesame Seeds and Spring onions

  • 275g prawns, peeled, deveined

  • 2 tablespoons hot chilli paste (such as sambal oelek)

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemongrass

  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 spring onions, green and white parts separated, thinly sliced crosswise

  • 35g white sesame seeds

  • 4 slices white bread, 1/4 inch thick, crusts removed

  • Vegetable oil (for frying

  • about 240ml )

Pulse prawns, chilli paste, lemongrass, fish sauce, and ginger in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pulse again to combine. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl; stir in spring onion whites.

Place sesame seeds on a plate. Spread prawns mixture over bread slices, extending all the way to edges. Press bread, prawns side down, into sesame seeds to coat evenly.

Pour oil into a large skillet to come 1/4" up sides and heat over medium-high until a small pinch of prawns mixture sizzles when added to oil. Working in 2 batches, fry toasts, prawns side down, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes; turn and cook until other sides are golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Transfer to a paper towel–lined wire rack to drain.

Cut each toast diagonally into quarters and top with spring onion greens.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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