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Prawn roll

I had the pleasure of experiencing the delicately flavoured prawn roll recently, and what a delight it was! The succulent prawns were perfectly complemented by a medley of seasonings that worked together harmoniously to create a singularly delectable sensation.

Prawn roll


The dish features an irresistibly crunchy exterior, with the tasty and juicy interior offering a beautiful contrast that seals the deal for this scrumptious treat. A generous spread of mayonnaise and wasabi adds a tangy edge to the roll, making it a culinary experience that lingers in the taste buds.

Each individual aromatic element adds its own unique facet to the roll and is compellingly balanced in flavour with its neighbours. The succulent shrimp, the creamy mayonnaise, the spicy wasabi and the colourful vegetables all skillfully combine to create a symphony of flavours. The ease with which these ingredients are combined ensures that the dish does not overwhelm the palate with its complexity but rather, provides an opulent array of tastes that call out to be savoured.

The texture of the prawn roll is another enticement, the crunchy exterior satisfyingly yielding to the delightful interior. The combination of textures is simply delightful, the crunchy exterior teasing the tongue in anticipation of the succulent inner layer. The mingling of tastes and textures make the prawn roll a truly splendid affair.

With its harmonious blend of flavours and textures, the prawn roll is a dish that tantalizes the senses and delights the palate. A decadent indulgence that I will certainly revisit again and again.

The origin of Prawn roll

If there’s one thing us Australians love, it’s food. We’re passionate about our cuisine, and we take pride in the dishes that we’ve created or adapted along the way. But when it comes to the beloved prawn roll, the precise origin of this fishy favourite is a bit of a mystery.

The traditional prawn roll is a simple yet delicious combination of prawns (usually cooked), lettuce, and a tasty sauce sandwiched between two slices of white bread. It’s such a popular snack that you can find it in many cafes, supermarkets, and takeaway joints. But the exact place where it all began is unknown.

The first written record of a prawn roll dates back to 1934, when the Australian Women’s Weekly ran a recipe for a “Prawn Tea-Roll”. It’s suggested that the idea was inspired by Britain’s popular shrimp cocktail, with Aussies simply adapting the idea to use crusty white bread instead of a glass. We can conjecture that this is where the prawn roll originated, but it could possibly be much older than that.

It’s likely that the concept of a prawn roll started before the 1930s. After all, prawns have been an important part of Australia’s diet since colonial times, with many different recipes being used to make the most of their plentiful seafood resources. Over time, some of these recipes may have evolved into the contemporary prawn roll.

It’s also possible that the prawn roll developed independently in multiple locations. As Australia’s immigrants brought their own culinary traditions to the country, many of them blended together to create unique dishes that were unique to Australia.

So although we may never know the true origin of the prawn roll, there's no doubt that this beloved bite has become an Australian icon. Whether you enjoy your prawn rolls as a quick snack, or you cook up a storm perfecting your own version, we can all agree on one thing – they sure do taste good!

FAQs about Prawn roll

How do you roll prawn rolls?

1. Begin by preparing the ingredients. Gather shrimp, lettuce, mayonnaise, and white rice.

2. Cook the white rice according to package directions.

3. Peel and devein the shrimp. Slice the shrimp into thin strips.

4. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add some oil to the pan.

5. Add the shrimp strips to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they are lightly cooked through.

6. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

7. Lay out sheets of nori seaweed. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the nori.

8. Arrange the cooked shrimp and a layer of lettuce on top of the mayonnaise.

9. Sprinkle a layer of white rice on top of the lettuce.

10. Gently roll up the nori with your hands, pressing down to seal the edges together.

11. Slice the roll into 8-10 pieces and serve.


How to prepare prawns?

1. Start by cleaning the prawns with cold water. Remove any residue, such as scales, and trim the antennae and legs.

2. Once they are clean, you can marinate them in a mixture of your choice. Examples include garlic, ginger and soy sauce, or an Italian mix of herbs and olive oil.

3. After marinating, the prawns can be cooked in many ways. The most popular methods are grilling, baking, sautéing, and deep-frying.

4. Depending on how you are cooking the prawns, they will take different amounts of time to cook. For example, deep-fried prawns will only take a few seconds, while grilled prawns may take up to 10 minutes.


What is a shrimp roll made of?

A traditional shrimp roll is made with a buttery split-top bun, filled with a salad mix of diced celery, onion, mayonnaise, and cooked, shelled shrimp. The top of the bun is usually brushed with more melted butter before baking.


Types of Prawn roll

A Prawn Roll is a delectable dish that is enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts worldwide. The crustacean-based appetizer can be found at many restaurants, but its variations are surprisingly diverse. From the Singaporean Jumbo Prawn Roll to the French-influenced Prawn Croissant, there is a prawn roll to tantalize even the pickiest of palates.

The classic Prawn Roll, hailing from the United Kingdom and Ireland, features marinated prawns tucked into a bread roll. The flavor of the prawns is typically enhanced with garlic, onion, and other spices, resulting in a savory feast. While some prefer their prawn rolls grilled or fried, others opt for a steamed version. This scrumptious treat is often topped with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch.

Another popular variation is the Singaporean Jumbo Prawn Roll, which instead features large pieces of prawn wrapped in a thin sheet of pastry. The sheets are deep-fried until golden-brown and then served with a rich and flavorful chili dip. Like the classic prawn roll, this version also offers a plethora of toppings, ranging from sesame seeds to green onions.

Those wishing for a more sophisticated prawn roll should look no further than the French-inspired Prawn Croissant. In this variation, succulent prawns are mixed with herbs and spices and stuffed into croissants. The croissants are then baked until lightly golden and served with a creamy garlic mayonnaise.

And for those prawn enthusiasts on the lookout for something truly unique, try the Prawn Penne Pasta. Here, prawns are cooked in a tomato sauce and mixed with penne pasta. The mix is then topped with parmesan cheese and served hot.

No matter which style you choose, you can be sure that a prawn roll will always be a flavorful treat. It's easy to see why these delectable crustaceans have become such a beloved snack!