A Delicious Dive into the History of Sesame Prawn Toast
Sesame prawn toast is a beloved dish that has graced the menus of Chinese restaurants worldwide. This delightful appetiser combines the crunch of toasted bread with the savoury goodness of prawn paste and a generous coating of sesame seeds. Though often considered a staple in Chinese cuisine, the history of sesame prawn toast is as rich and textured as the dish itself.
The Origins of Sesame Prawn Toast
Sesame prawn toast, known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavourful centre, has a somewhat mysterious origin. While it is frequently associated with Chinese cuisine, its beginnings may actually lie in the culinary traditions of other cultures. Some food historians believe that sesame prawn toast was inspired by the Japanese dish called “ebikatsu,” a breaded and fried prawn cutlet, which was then adapted by Chinese chefs. The Chinese influence is evident in the use of prawns, sesame seeds, and the signature frying technique that gives the dish its distinct crunch.
This dish made its way to the West during the mid-20th century, when Chinese immigrants began opening restaurants in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The adaptation of traditional Chinese dishes to suit Western palates led to the creation of sesame prawn toast, which quickly became a favourite appetiser.
The Role of Ingredients in Sesame Prawn Toast
Each ingredient in sesame prawn toast plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s unique flavour and texture. Let’s explore the importance of these key components:
Prawns: The star of the dish, prawns bring a delicate sweetness and a firm texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy toast.
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are not only visually appealing but also add a nutty, aromatic quality to the dish. The seeds adhere to the prawn paste, forming a golden crust when fried. In sesame prawn toast, they add a layer of crunch and a burst of flavour with each bite.
Bread: The choice of bread is another important factor in the success of sesame prawn toast. The bread serves as a sturdy base for the prawn paste, absorbing just enough oil to become golden and crunchy without becoming greasy.
Seasonings: The seasonings in sesame prawn toast vary depending on regional preferences and individual recipes. However, common seasonings include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sometimes a touch of sesame oil. These ingredients add depth to the prawn paste, infusing it with the savoury and aromatic qualities that make the dish so irresistible.
The Popularity of Sesame Prawn Toast in Modern Cuisine
In Australia, where there is a growing demand for gluten-free options, sesame prawn toast has become a favourite among those looking for gluten-free versions of classic dishes. The use of high-quality, gluten-free ingredients ensures that the dish retains its authentic taste while catering to the dietary restrictions of a wider audience.
Why Sesame Prawn Toast is a Must-Try Dish
Sesame prawn toast is more than just a delicious appetiser; it is a testament to the adaptability and creativity of culinary traditions. The dish’s evolution from its possible Japanese and Chinese roots to its current status as a global favourite showcases how food can transcend cultural boundaries and bring people together. Whether you’re enjoying sesame prawn toast at a Chinese restaurant or making it at home, the dish offers a perfect blend of textures and flavours that is sure to satisfy.
For those who follow a gluten-free diet, sesame prawn toast is a reminder that gluten-free cooking can be just as flavourful and enjoyable as traditional recipes. The careful selection of ingredients and the attention to detail in preparation ensure that this dish remains a standout, even without gluten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sesame prawn toast is a dish with a rich history and a bright future. Its combination of crispy bread, succulent prawns, and nutty sesame seeds has made it a favourite among food lovers worldwide. As gluten-free versions of the dish continue to gain popularity, more people are discovering the joys of sesame prawn toast. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to this appetiser, one thing is certain: sesame prawn toast is a dish that deserves a place in your culinary repertoire.
Gluten-Free Sesame Prawn Toast
Sesame prawn toast is a beloved dish that has graced the menus of Chinese restaurants worldwide. This delightful appetiser combines the crunch of toasted bread with the savoury goodness of prawn paste and a generous coating of sesame seeds.
2
servings5
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Ingredients
200 grams 200 raw prawns, deveined and de-shelled
1 tablespoon 1 minced ginger
1 tablespoon 1 minced garlic
1 1 egg white
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 of Chinese five spice powder
1 teaspoon 1 sesame oil
2 2 spring onions, chopped
1 tablespoon 1 light soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 of white pepper
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 of salt
3 slices 3 gluten-free bread
Sesame seeds
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- Instructions
- Start by getting your blender out. Add the prawns, minced ginger, minced garlic, egg white, spring onions, soy sauce, white pepper, salt, five spice, and sesame oil into the blender. Blend until smooth.
- Once blended, set the mixture aside. Take your slices of gluten-free bread and cut each piece into four triangles.
- Spread the prawn mixture generously over each triangle of bread.
- Pour sesame seeds onto a large plate and press the prawn-topped side of the bread into the sesame seeds until fully coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a good layer of vegetable oil. Place the prawn toast into the skillet, prawn side down first. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve immediately with Gods of Sauces Thai Chilli Jam and enjoy your homemade gluten-free sesame prawn sauce. Yum!
