PRESS RELEASE: This National Prawn Day, the Aussie Tiger Prawn bánh mì takes centre stage

To mark the sixth annual National Prawn Day on Saturday 21 March, established by Tassal, the focus this year is not just on Aussie Tiger Prawns themselves, but how Australians are choosing to cook and eat them.

While prawns have long been synonymous with the Aussie BBQ, they are increasingly appearing in everyday dishes that reflect modern Australian tastes and draw inspiration from global cuisines.

One example is the popular Vietnamese street-food staple, the bánh mì, which has fast become an Australian lunch favourite shaped by migration, local tastes and a preference for flavourful food on the go.

Sales data direct from Tassal shows Australians bought more than six million kilograms of Aussie Tiger Prawns last year, an increase of nearly one million kilograms compared to 2024, highlighting the growing appetite for prawns across the country.

To celebrate National Prawn Day, celebrity chef and Tassal ambassador Guy Turland has created his own Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawn bánh mì, designed to be simple to make while packed with bold flavours and all the classic elements.

The Bondi-based chef says that while pork and chicken are commonly used in bánh mì, Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns are incredibly versatile and pair naturally with strong flavours such as chilli, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs.

“I think as Aussies, we’ve embraced the bánh mì because we love a sandwich, and we love the fusion of different cultures in our cuisine,” says Guy. “Aussie Tiger Prawns fit naturally into that style of eating. They’ve got great natural sweetness, and they work with the big, punchy flavours people expect.”

Guy’s non-negotiables for the perfect Aussie Tiger Prawn bánh mì:

– The Vietnamese baguette – if you’re not covered in flakes of bread after eating bánh mì, you’re doing it wrong! Hot tip: if you can’t find fresh crunchy rolls, dip a normal roll in water then pop in the oven at 180 degrees (conventional oven) for five minutes to create the perfect flaky texture.

– Loads of butter and pâté – it’s not a traditional bánh mì without it.

– Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns – we’re fortunate to have incredible fresh Australian seafood available locally. Loaded with flavour and nutrition, Aussie Tiger Prawns are a go-to for bánh mì. Distinctively sweet and rich in flavour, with a firm and crisp texture, just five to six large Aussie Tiger Prawns offer more than 20g of protein.

– Pickled veggies: a bánh mì isn’t complete without some pickled veg. I opt for the traditional mix of daikon and carrot, julienned – simple yet satisfying and super easy to make at home with just a couple ingredients.

– Sauce: My personal favourite to pair with Aussie Tiger Prawns is mayonnaise or sriracha mayo to round out the flavours and pack a punch.

Guy Turland’s Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns bánh mì recipe is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gD4NFATb1ikDVP2yANnZADPYWjG1xWHp/view?usp=sharing

Dietitian, Nutritionist and Tassal Ambassador Susie Burrell is also celebrating National Prawn Day this year, and said, “Grown in Australia across Queensland’s coastline, Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns are naturally low in fat, high in protein and a source of key nutrients including vitamin B12 and selenium, which makes them an easy, feel-good choice for National Prawn Day cooking and everyday meals beyond this special occasion.”

Health Benefits of Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns, as advised by leading Dietitian Susie Burrell:

Protein
47%* of your daily protein intake per 100g, improving muscle mass growth and bone health

Omega-3
Good source of omega 3#, which has been known to reduce blood pressure and lowering heart rate

Vitamin B3, B9 and B12
Supports energy levels and memory function

Minerals: Selenium, Phosphorous, Copper, Magnesium and Potassium
Maintains your immune and nervous system. Supports bone health and circulation

# Based on the National Heart Foundation of Australia’s recommended adult consumption.
* Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ. Your daily intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs.

Tassal’s full range of Australian seafood, including Aussie Tiger Prawns, Salmon and Barramundi, is available at major supermarkets and local wet fish shops nationally.