If you have a craving for an irresistible snack that’s packed with bold flavors and a crispy, golden crunch, you’re going to love this Shrimp Toast Recipe. It’s a beloved dim sum favorite that easily elevates simple ingredients into a mouthwatering bite-sized delight. Imagine luscious shrimp blended with fragrant ginger and scallions, spread generously over bread, then fried to perfection with toasted sesame seeds adding a nutty crunch—this recipe is comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s bound to become your new go-to appetizer or party treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Toast Recipe uses a handful of ingredients that are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering its distinctive taste, texture, and aroma. From the fresh shrimp to the crispy white bread and fragrant cilantro, every element comes together harmoniously, making each bite utterly addictive.
- Pork fat (optional): Adds extra richness and juiciness when blended with the shrimp, but you can skip it for a leaner version.
- Shrimp (½ pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing a sweet, tender seafood flavor and a meaty texture.
- Chopped cilantro (¼ cup): Brings a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Scallions (2, finely chopped): Adds a mild oniony bite that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Infuses the mixture with a zesty warmth and depth.
- Sesame oil (¼ teaspoon): Delivers a subtle nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon): Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients to life.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Acts as a binder, giving the shrimp mixture the perfect consistency to stay put on the bread.
- Egg white (1): Helps create a light, airy texture in the shrimp mixture for a tender bite.
- White sandwich bread (4 slices): The classic base, toasted or fresh, that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Toasted sesame seeds (2 tablespoons): Provide a delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness on top of the shrimp layer.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Needed to achieve that perfect golden crust and luscious finish.
How to Make Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
To start, if you’re opting to include pork fat, pulse it in a food processor until smooth. This step adds incredible depth and moistness, but it’s totally fine to skip for a lighter option. Next, add the peeled shrimp, cilantro, scallions, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white to the food processor. Blend everything until you get a smooth, luscious paste that’s ready to be spread. This mixture is bursting with flavor, and getting it just right is key to the success of this Shrimp Toast Recipe.
Step 2: Assemble the Toasts
Take your slices of white sandwich bread and evenly spread the shrimp mixture across each slice, making sure to reach the edges. This ensures every bite delivers the full flavor experience. Once spread, generously sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and gently press them into the shrimp paste so they stick well. To make serving easier and the final presentation more appealing, cut each slice diagonally into four triangles. This transforms your simple toasts into elegant, bite-sized wedges that everyone will reach for.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about an eighth of an inch of vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet until it shimmers. Carefully place the triangles into the hot oil, shrimp side down first, and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until that side is wonderfully golden and crisp. Then use a spatula to gently flip the toasts over and cook the bread side for about one minute, just enough to make it nice and toasted. Carefully transfer the shrimp toasts to paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and irresistibly crunchy!
How to Serve Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
This Shrimp Toast Recipe sings best when it’s kept simple, but a sprinkle of additional chopped cilantro or a dash of thinly sliced scallions can add a lovely pop of color and freshness. For an extra zing, try serving with a small bowl of sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce on the side. These sauces perfectly complement the savory shrimp and toasted sesame, creating an irresistible flavor combo that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
While shrimp toast stands strong on its own, pairing it with crunchy Asian slaw, steamed edamame, or even a light cucumber salad can round out your snack or appetizer spread beautifully. The crisp freshness of these sides balances the rich, fried toasts and keeps the meal feeling vibrant and wholesome. Don’t forget some chilled jasmine tea or a crisp, citrusy white wine to elevate the experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress with your presentation? Arrange the shrimp toast triangles in a circular pattern on a stunning platter with small dipping bowls artfully placed in the center. Or stack them gently for a rustic look, adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or edible flowers as an unexpected, elegant touch. For parties, stick a small decorative pick into each triangle—both visually charming and perfectly practical as finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (although they rarely stick around for long!), place the cooked shrimp toast on a paper towel-lined plate and cover loosely with foil. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind the texture of the fried bread will soften somewhat as it cools, but reheating can restore some of the crispiness.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp toast is possible but not always ideal because the bread texture may suffer. If you want to freeze, assemble the shrimp-covered bread triangles but do not fry them. Arrange them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, cook them from frozen to help keep the bread from becoming soggy. Although the flavor remains delightful, the crispy texture may lessen slightly.
Reheating
To bring your leftover shrimp toast back to life, avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery or soggy. Instead, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of oil or in a toaster oven until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. This method helps revive the golden crunch and melting shrimp topping just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Toast Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as it’s fully thawed and well-drained before processing. Fresh shrimp yields the best texture and flavor but thawed shrimp works perfectly fine and is a convenient option.
Is pork fat necessary in the shrimp mixture?
Pork fat is traditional and adds juiciness and richness, but it’s completely optional. If you prefer a leaner or pescatarian version, simply omit it and rely on the shrimp and egg white for moisture and binding.
What type of bread works best?
Classic white sandwich bread is ideal because it crisps up beautifully and provides a neutral base that lets the shrimp shine. You can try brioche for a richer flavor or whole wheat for a healthier twist, but the texture will differ.
Can I bake the shrimp toast instead of frying?
Baking is possible for a lighter version, but the deep-fried method delivers the signature crunchy, golden crust that makes shrimp toast so special. If baking, try brushing the bread with oil and broiling briefly for some crispness.
How long does the shrimp toast take to prepare?
This Shrimp Toast Recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive dish to whip up for gatherings, snacks, or a special treat any day.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden triangle of shrimp toast that bursts with fresh herbs, ginger, and savory seafood flavor. This Shrimp Toast Recipe delivers exactly that, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a cozy snack, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again. So grab your food processor and skillet, and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 small shrimp toast triangles
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Shrimp Toast is a classic Asian appetizer featuring a savory shrimp mixture spread on toasted white bread, coated with sesame seeds, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. This recipe offers a rich, flavorful bite with a perfect balance of texture and taste, ideal for parties or as a delightful starter.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 ounce pork fat (optional)
- ½ pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 scallions (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 egg white
Bread and Topping
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about â…› inch in the skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp paste: If using pork fat, add it to a food processor and process until smooth. Then add the shrimp, chopped cilantro, scallions, grated ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Process all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the toasts: Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over each of the 4 slices of white sandwich bread, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and lightly press them into the shrimp mixture to ensure they stick. Cut each slice diagonally into four small triangles.
- Heat the oil: In a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, pour vegetable oil to about â…› inch depth and heat it over medium heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Fry the shrimp toasts: Carefully place the shrimp-covered side of the bread triangles down into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp side becomes golden and crispy.
- Flip and finish frying: Use a spatula to gently flip the triangles to the bread side and fry for an additional 1 minute until golden and crisp.
- Drain and serve: Remove the shrimp toasts from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The pork fat is optional; omitting it will result in a slightly lighter toast but still flavorful.
- Ensure oil is sufficiently hot to avoid soggy shrimp toast; oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Can be served with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and sugar.
