Unveiling the Delight: Prawn Crackers with Marinated Salmon

Imagine a snack that’s ready in a flash, offers a delightful crunch, and delivers a burst of fresh, savory flavors with a subtle Asian twist. That’s exactly what these prawn crackers with smoked salmon bring to the table! They are the perfect solution for those moments when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant combination of ingredients that come together harmoniously.

The secret to the exquisite flavor profile is the finely chopped smoked salmon, which is gently marinated. We infuse it with the bright, zesty notes of fresh ginger and lemon (or lime, if you prefer an even more exotic kick), along with a drizzle of rich olive oil. This simple marinade not only enhances the salmon’s natural taste but also tenderizes it slightly, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the crispy prawn cracker. Marinating in the fridge also makes this an excellent make-ahead option, allowing you to prepare the salmon mixture in advance and assemble just before serving.

Just moments before your guests arrive, or whenever you’re ready to enjoy this irresistible treat, simply take your crisp prawn crackers and generously top each one with a spoonful of the flavorful marinated salmon. A sprinkle of delicate grated coconut adds a hint of tropical sweetness and an extra layer of texture, while a fresh sprig of parsley provides a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a feast for the eyes too! Get ready to enjoy the fun and watch these disappear!

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Coconut Salmon Prawn Crackers

To create these stunning and flavorful prawn cracker appetizers, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The exact quantities can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this blog post, but here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special and why each component is crucial:

• Smoked Salmon: The star of our appetizer! Opt for high-quality, cold-smoked salmon for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Norwegian salmon, Scottish smoked salmon, or wild-caught salmon are excellent choices. Ensure it’s finely chopped; this helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes for easier eating on the cracker.
• Prawn Crackers: These provide the perfect crispy base for our salmon topping. Using pre-baked prawn crackers keeps the preparation super fast and easy. Look for good quality crackers that are light and airy, offering that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Fresh Ginger: This aromatic root is essential for that signature “Asian-inspired” zest. Always use fresh ginger and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or the edge of a spoon before finely grating it. Its pungent, spicy, and sweet notes cut through the richness of the salmon beautifully.
• Lemon Juice (or Lime): Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the flavors and “cooks” the salmon slightly in the marinade (similar to a ceviche). Nothing compares to the vibrancy of fresh juice! For an even more exotic and tangy profile, fresh lime juice is an excellent alternative.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only helps to bind the marinade ingredients but also adds a fruity, peppery depth of flavor to the salmon. Choose one you enjoy the taste of, as its nuances will shine through.
• Grated Coconut: This ingredient adds a delightful textural contrast and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory and zesty notes. Just before serving, sprinkle some dried grated coconut over the salmon for a delicate finish. For an intensified coconut flavor and an even crispier texture, you can lightly toast the grated coconut in a dry frying pan until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
• Fresh Parsley: More than just a garnish, fresh parsley contributes a clean, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish. A small sprig or a light sprinkle of finely chopped parsley on top of each bite not only enhances the taste but also adds an appealing visual element, making your appetizers look as good as they taste.

Crafting Your Appetizer: How to Prepare Salmon and Lime Prawn Crackers

Preparing these elegant and delicious salmon prawn crackers is surprisingly straightforward, making them ideal for both novice and experienced home cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. You can find a complete printable recipe with a step-by-step description and ingredient measurements at the very bottom of this blog.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by taking your smoked salmon and finely chopping it. The finer you chop, the better it will combine with the marinade and the more pleasant the texture will be on the cracker. Place the chopped salmon into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Create the Marinade & Marinate: In the bowl with the salmon, add your freshly grated ginger, freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) juice, and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the salmon is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and allow the salmon mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This crucial step allows the flavors to deepen and meld, creating a more harmonious and delicious topping. You can even prepare this mixture several hours in advance, or in the morning, for ultimate convenience.
3. Assemble the Crackers: Just before you are ready to serve, arrange your prawn crackers on a serving platter. Take a teaspoon or a small spoon and carefully place a dollop of the marinated salmon mixture onto the center of each prawn cracker. Be mindful not to overload them, as you want the cracker to remain stable.
4. Garnish and Serve Immediately: To finish, sprinkle a generous amount of grated coconut over the salmon topping on each cracker. If you chose to toast your coconut, now is the time to add that extra crunch and flavor! Finally, garnish each appetizer with a small sprig of fresh parsley. Serve these delightful salmon prawn crackers immediately to ensure the prawn crackers remain wonderfully crisp.

Did you try your hand at making this deliciously easy recipe? Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and regularly feature the most beautiful photos from you. If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps both me and other home cooks discover and enjoy wonderful dishes.

Looking for more culinary inspiration?

• You can find exciting video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And to ensure you never lose a favorite recipe, make sure to save them on Pinterest, so they’re always easy to find next time!

Andréa

More Delicious Appetizers & Snack Ideas

If you loved these Smoked Salmon Prawn Crackers, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic recipes to inspire your next gathering or simply elevate your everyday snacking: