As the sun sets and the aroma of sizzling garlic fills the air, I can’t help but be transported back to that vibrant night market in Thailand, where street vendors effortlessly whip up tantalizing treats. One bite of those crispy Thai-style prawn toasts had me hooked! These delightful morsels are the ultimate fusion of texture and flavor, with a perfectly golden-brown crust enveloping a luscious seafood mousse that dances with fresh herbs and zesty lime.
What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is for gatherings—whether it’s an elegant dinner party or simply catching up with friends over drinks. You can prepare these prawn toasts ahead of time, and they’re just as impressive straight from the oven as they are hot off the fryer. Just imagine the delight in your guests’ eyes when they sink their teeth into these crispy, savory bites paired with a tangy dipping sauce. Join me in recreating this culinary gem that effortlessly steals the spotlight at any occasion!
Why love Thai-style prawn toast?
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these toasts can be served as appetizers or snacks, impressing guests with their vibrant flavors.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare ahead—store in the fridge or freeze for later, saving you time on busy days.
Unique Flavor Explosion: The blend of prawns, fresh herbs, and tangy sauce delivers an unforgettable taste sensation.
Crispy Texture: Golden brown crust paired with a fluffy seafood mousse creates a delightful contrast that will leave everyone wanting more.
Customizable Ingredients: Swap prawns for other proteins or make them vegetarian, tailoring them to fit any dietary preference.
Thai-style Prawn Toast Ingredients
For the Prawn Mixture
• Prawns – 350g (12 oz), peeled and deveined; the main protein that provides flavor and texture.
• White Fish – 150g (5 oz), diced (e.g., barramundi, snapper); adds depth of flavor and can be substituted with firm white fish.
• Makrut Lime Leaves – 8 leaves, finely sliced; imparts aromatic flavor—you can use regular lime zest as a substitute.
• Coriander Stems – 2 tbsp, finely chopped; enhances freshness, but optional for those who dislike coriander.
• Egg White – 1, for binding the mixture, helping to create a smooth seafood mousse.
• Sea Salt – 2 tsp; essential for enhancing the flavors of the prawn mixture.
• White Sugar – ½ tsp; necessary for balancing flavors in the mixture.
• Baguette – 1, sliced into 2cm thick rounds; serves as the base for your prawn topping; can be swapped with other firm bread types.
• Black Sesame Seeds – for topping; adds texture and visual appeal.
For the Tangy Sauce
• Fish Sauce – 3 tbsp; brings umami richness to the sauce.
• White Sugar – 3 tbsp; balances out the saltiness from the fish sauce.
• White Vinegar – 2 tbsp; adds a lovely tanginess to the mix.
• Lime Juice – 2 tbsp; enhances fresh citrus flavor, making each bite bright.
• Red Chilli – 1 long, finely chopped; introduces heat that complements the dish.
• Garlic Clove – 1, finely chopped; contributes depth and complexity to the sauce.
For Frying and Garnish
• Vegetable Oil – for deep frying; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to ensure perfect frying.
• Asian Herbs – 1 cup (e.g., coriander leaves, Thai basil, mint); for garnishing and serving, bringing additional aromatic layers to your dish.
These Thai-style prawn toasts are so much more than just a snack; they’re a culinary journey waiting to happen in your kitchen!
How to Make Thai-style Prawn Toast
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Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the prawns, white fish, makrut lime leaves, coriander stems, egg white, sea salt, and white sugar. Pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture that’s ready to spread.
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Spread on Bread: Generously spread the prawn mixture onto the baguette rounds, making sure to cover each piece evenly. Place them on a tray and sprinkle with black sesame seeds for that added crunch.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, sugar, white vinegar, lime juice, chopped red chili, and minced garlic. Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan or wok and heat it until hot, about 325°F (165°C). Keep an eye on the temperature so it’s just right for frying—too hot can cause greasiness.
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Fry the Toasts: Carefully place the baguette rounds in the hot oil, filling side down. Cook them, flipping occasionally, until they turn a delightful golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
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Garnish and Serve: Toss your Asian herbs in a little bit of the tangy sauce, then pile the warm prawn toasts on a serving plate. Top with the herby mixture and drizzle with more sauce. Serve while hot for maximum enjoyment!
Optional: Add extra chopped chili to the prawn mixture for a spicier kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Thai-style prawn toasts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delectable snacks without last-minute stress! You can prepare the prawn mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; this not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld. For long-term storage, the uncooked prawn toasts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just spread the prawn mixture on the baguette rounds, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re perfectly crispy. This make-ahead method ensures your Thai-style prawn toasts are just as delicious as when freshly made!
Thai-style prawn toast Variations
Feel free to get creative with your prawn toasts and explore these exciting alternatives that will delight your taste buds!
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Minced Chicken: Swap out prawns for minced chicken for a hearty twist that still packs delicious flavor.
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Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless option, substitute the seafood with mashed chickpeas or crumbled tofu, accented with the same herbs and spices.
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Spicy Touch: Add finely chopped fresh chili to the prawn mixture for an extra spicy kick that will awaken your senses.
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Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley instead of coriander to give your toasts a unique flavor profile.
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Zesty Lemon: If you can’t find makrut lime leaves, a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest makes for a lovely alternative that brightens the dish.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of baguette to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
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Cheese Topping: Try sprinkling grated cheese on top before frying for an indulgent twist that adds a rich, creamy texture to your toasts.
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Sweet Finish: Drizzle some sweet chili sauce over cooked toasts right before serving for a unique sweet and spicy contrast that complements the savory mousse.
Expert Tips for Thai-style Prawn Toast
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Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (325°F/165°C) before frying. This prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy finish.
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Prepare Ahead: Make the prawn mixture and spread it on the bread beforehand. You can refrigerate or freeze them, saving time on busy days.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh prawns for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
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Spice it Up: For an extra kick, incorporate additional chopped chili into the prawn mixture or the dipping sauce to suit your heat preference.
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Bread Choice: Opt for a firm baguette to provide better support and texture for the prawn topping. Soft bread may not hold up well during frying.
What to Serve with Thai-style Prawn Toast?
To elevate your meal and impress your guests, consider these delightful pairings that balance perfectly with the crispy bites of tropical flavor.
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Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing adds crunch and brightness to your meal. Its crispiness complements the texture of the prawn toast beautifully.
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Thai Iced Tea: The creamy sweetness of this iconic drink offers a delightful contrast to the savory prawn toasts, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Coconut Rice: Rich and creamy, coconut rice brings a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the seafood, making each bite a tropical escape.
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Spicy Mango Salad: A fusion of sweet mango and spice creates an exciting flavor burst, uplifting your main dish and adding refreshing contrasts.
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Hoisin Dipping Sauce: For another layering of flavor, try a hoisin sauce dip; its sweetness and depth accentuate the savory elements of the prawn toast.
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Lime Sorbet: Light and refreshing, this sorbet cleanses the palate, making it a perfect ending after enjoying the rich and savory flavors of your meal.
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Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful and smoky, these skewers add a rustic touch to your table while complementing the tropical notes of the prawn toast.
With these delicious accompaniments, your Thai-style prawn toast will shine even brighter as a starred item on your culinary stage!
How to Store and Freeze Thai-style Prawn Toast
Fridge: Store uncooked prawn toasts in an airtight container for up to 1 day. This allows for easy preparation prior to your gathering.
Freezer: Place the uncooked prawn toasts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Cook frozen prawn toasts straight from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the frying time for perfectly crispy results.
Cooked Storage: If you have leftovers, cooked prawn toasts can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, and can be reheated in an oven to maintain their crispiness.
Thai-style Prawn Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe prawns?
Choose prawns that are firm to the touch and translucent, with a mild ocean scent. Avoid those with a strong fishy odor or dark spots on the shells, as these are signs of spoilage. Fresh prawns should have a glossy appearance.
What is the best way to store uncooked Thai-style prawn toasts?
To store uncooked prawn toasts, place them in a single layer on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and put in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. This method preserves their freshness and makes it easy to prepare them right before serving.
Can I freeze the cooked Thai-style prawn toasts?
Absolutely! Cooked prawn toasts can be frozen, but it’s best to flash freeze them. Lay them out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Reheat by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess when frying?
To prevent sogginess, make sure the oil is heated to about 325°F (165°C), and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Fry in batches if necessary. This ensures that each toast gets a nice, crisp finish without absorbing too much oil.
Are Thai-style prawn toasts suitable for people with allergies?
Since this recipe contains seafood and fish sauce, it is not suitable for those with shellfish or fish allergies. For a safer alternative, consider creating a vegetarian version using mashed chickpeas or tofu, seasoned with similar flavors. Always inform guests of the possible allergens in your dish.
How long can I keep cooked prawn toasts in the fridge?
Cooked prawn toasts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. This way, they’ll taste almost as good as when they were freshly made!
Delicious Thai-Style Prawn Toasts Perfect for Every Gathering
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, add the prawns, white fish, makrut lime leaves, coriander stems, egg white, sea salt, and white sugar. Pulse until smooth.
- Spread the prawn mixture onto the baguette rounds, then sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
- In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, sugar, white vinegar, lime juice, red chili, and garlic. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan or wok until hot (325°F/165°C).
- Place baguette rounds in the hot oil, filling side down, and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Garnish with Asian herbs and serve with the tangy sauce.