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 barbecue, 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.

Aussie take on Vietnamese favourite

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,” he said.

“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.”

A healthy option

Dietitian, Nutritionist and Tassal Ambassador Susie Burrell is also celebrating National Prawn Day this year.

“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,” she said.

Ms Burrell advises Tassal Aussie Tiger Prawns comprise:

• 47% of your daily protein intake per 100g, improving muscle mass growth and bone health
• Good source of omega 3#, which has been known to reduce blood pressure and lowering heart rate
• Vitamin B3, B9 and B12 – supporting energy levels and memory function
• Selenium, Phosphorous, Copper, Magnesium and Potassium – maintaining your immune and nervous system, and supporting bone health and circulation.

Popular pick

Australians bought more than six million kilograms of Aussie Tiger Prawns last year, according to Tassal sales data. That’s an increase of nearly one million kilograms compared to 2024, highlighting the growing appetite for prawns across the country.

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.