Gluten-free prawn toast offers all the crisp, savory goodness of the classic Asian appetizer, without the wheat. Typically found in Chinese restaurants and takeout menus, prawn toast is made by spreading a seasoned prawn mixture over slices of bread and pan-frying or deep-frying until golden and crunchy. This gluten-free version uses wheat-free bread and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities while still delivering bold flavor and satisfying texture.
At the heart of prawn toast is the shrimp paste — a finely blended mixture of raw prawns, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame oil, and seasonings. This paste is generously spread over slices of gluten-free bread, then topped with sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor. When fried, the bread becomes crisp and golden, while the prawn topping turns juicy and flavorful, with a slightly springy bite.
Using gluten-free bread ensures the dish stays suitable for those avoiding gluten, and there are many varieties available that hold up well to frying. It’s important to choose a firm, sturdy loaf that won’t fall apart when coated with prawn paste and cooked. Tamari is a great alternative to regular soy sauce, adding umami without the gluten.
Prawn toast is best served hot and crispy, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions. It makes a wonderful appetizer or snack, especially when paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili, soy-ginger, or a tangy rice vinegar blend. It’s also a popular choice at parties and gatherings, where its bite-sized portions and bold flavors are always a hit.
Gluten-free prawn toast proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste or texture when adapting classic recipes for dietary needs. It’s crispy, savory, and full of flavor — a perfect fusion of tradition and modern dietary awareness.

Ingredients
- 200 grams prawns peeled and deveined
- 2 slices gluten-free bread preferably stale
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- as needed vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the prawns, sesame oil, soy sauce, cornflour, and egg white into a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Spread the prawn mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the prawn-topped bread, pressing down lightly to help them adhere.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and carefully place the bread slices, prawn side down, into the oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then turn over and cook the bread side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels before cutting into triangles.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Why do we need cornflour? Can’t we just skip it? Just asking. 🤔
Cornflour helps bind the ingredients together! It gives a nice texture. You can try without it, but it might not turn out as good. 😅
I think cornflour is important, right? It makes it crispy and stuff. But hey, if you wanna skip it, go for it! Might be a bit mushy tho.
Meh, kinda bland. Try adding garlic for more flavor.
I totally agree! More garlic would kick it up a notch. I’ve also tried adding some chili flakes for that extra zing!
Bland? I thought it was okay if you dip it in some sauce. But garlic sounds good for next time!
This recipe is sooo good! I can’t believe it’s gluten free, tastes just like the real thing!
I dunno, I feel like real toast is better. This is just not it for me.
This is so delicious, I’m making it for the second time this week!
OMG, this prawn toast is life-changing! Who knew gluten-free could taste this good?
I tried it, but my pauns didn’t turn out so great. They kinda fell apart. Anyone else have that happen?
Prawns? Yuck. Can I use chicken instead? 😂
I made this but used normal bread by accident. Still yum! Kinda want the gluten anyway tho.
Glad you enjoyed it! Normal bread works too if you’re not strictly gluten-free. Just as tasty! 🍤
Super easy to make. My kids loved them! Will make again, 10/10!