There’s something utterly irresistible about the crunch of a perfectly fried shrimp toast. Whether it’s a delightful afternoon snack or a savory starter at a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress. I discovered this gem during one of my culinary explorations in Hong Kong, where the aroma of shrimp mingled with the nutty scent of sesame seeds wafted through the bustling streets.
What’s fantastic about this easy Chinese shrimp toast recipe is its versatility; you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, using methods like deep-frying, pan-frying, or even air-frying for a lighter option. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a seamless blend of freshness from scallions and the tender sweetness of shrimp, all resting atop a simple slice of bread.
In moments of hunger or when entertaining friends, this shrimp toast not only satisfies but elevates any gathering with its delightful fusion of flavors. Ready to discover your new favorite snack? Let’s dive into this perfect recipe!
Why is shrimp toast the ultimate snack?
Irresistible crunch: Each bite of this shrimp toast boasts a perfectly crispy exterior, creating a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp inside.
Quick and Simple: With just a 30-minute prep time, this easy Chinese shrimp toast recipe allows you to whip up a delicious treat without the fuss.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the classic deep-fry, a healthier air-fry, or a quick pan-sear, this recipe adapts to your cooking style effortlessly.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh scallions, shrimp sweetness, and nutty sesame yields a flavor experience that’s both savory and satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual snacks to elegant entertaining, shrimp toast impresses guests and satisfies your cravings alike. Enjoy it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce for that extra zing!
Shrimp Toast Ingredients
For the Shrimp Mixture
- Scallions – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor. Use green onions for a milder alternative.
- Cilantro – Provides aromatic notes and brightness. Omit if unfamiliar or substitute with parsley.
- Egg White – Acts as a binder for shrimp paste. Can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
- Garlic – Marks the flavor base for the shrimp paste. Garlic powder can substitute if fresh is unavailable.
- Peeled and Deveined Large Shrimp – The star ingredient, providing protein and sweetness. Substitute with cooked shredded chicken for a different take.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami saltiness. Tamari serves as a gluten-free alternative.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning to taste. Adjust according to preference.
For the Base and Frying
- White Sandwich Bread – The base for the shrimp paste. Whole-grain bread can be used for a healthier option.
- Neutral Oil – Used for frying for a crispy texture. Can use olive oil or coconut oil, but frying temperature may need adjusting.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Adds depth and nuttiness. Replace with canola oil for a milder flavor.
- White Sesame Seeds – For garnish, adding crunch and flavor. Use black sesame seeds for a color contrast.
How to Make Shrimp Toast
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Blend: In a food processor, combine scallions, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until finely chopped, making sure the herbs are well mixed without turning mushy; this should take about 15-20 seconds.
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Mix: Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the blend. Pulse until you achieve a coarse paste—this will be the flavorful base of your shrimp mixture.
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Combine: Transfer the mixture into a medium bowl. Chop the remaining shrimp into ¼-inch pieces before stirring them in. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
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Spread: Generously spread the shrimp mixture over each slice of bread. Ensure to cover the bread fully for the best taste, then invert each slice onto a plate of sesame seeds for an even coating.
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Fry: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the toast in the oil. Fry until golden brown, flipping occasionally, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
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Drain: Use tongs to transfer the shrimp toast onto paper towels. This will help remove excess oil and keep your toast crispy. Serve warm for the best experience!
Optional: Serve with sweet chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp Toast Variations
Dive deeper into the world of shrimp toast by customizing it to your heart’s content with these fun twists!
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Herb Swaps: Substitute cilantro with fresh dill or basil for a new aroma and taste. Each herb brings its own character—experiment and find your favorite!
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Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the shrimp mixture for an exciting flavor explosion. This kicks the flavor profile up a notch, perfect for heat seekers!
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Bread Choices: Switch out traditional white bread for whole-grain or even sourdough for a heartier base. Different breads change the texture and enhance the overall eating experience.
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Vegan Bliss: Replace shrimp with mashed chickpeas for a vegan alternative while still keeping that savory flavor. It may become a new go-to for plant-based eating!
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Air-Fried Delight: Cook the shrimp toast in an air fryer instead of frying in oil for a healthier yet still crispy option. Enjoy all the crunch with fewer calories—what’s not to love?
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Asian Flair: Add a splash of oyster sauce to the shrimp mixture for an extra umami kick. This adds depth and layers of flavor, reminiscent of your favorite Asian dishes.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in some finely chopped walnuts or peanuts to the shrimp mixture for added texture and richness. The nuttiness enhances the sesame for a delightful contrast.
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Infused Oils: Try using garlic-infused oil for frying or drizzling, which infuses the toast with additional flavor. This elevates the dish and gives it a gourmet touch!
Expert Tips for Shrimp Toast
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Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; a proper temperature will create a crispy finish without excess greasiness.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
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Thaw Shrimp Properly: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry to prevent added moisture in your shrimp paste.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist on this shrimp toast recipe.
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Perfect Coating: Make sure to evenly spread the shrimp mixture over the bread for a balanced, flavorful bite with each toast.
Storage Tips for Shrimp Toast
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Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh and warm. If serving at a gathering, aim to consume within 2 hours for optimal taste and safety.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in an air fryer or skillet to regain crispness before serving.
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Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze uncoated shrimp toast (without sesame seeds) for up to 2 months. Thaw and then coat before frying.
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Reheating: To restore that crispy texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
Make Ahead Options
These crispy shrimp toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance by blending the scallions, garlic, cilantro, and shrimp, then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness and prevent browning, be sure to keep it tightly sealed. The bread slices can also be prepped ahead; just lay them out and store them carefully wrapped to keep them from drying out. When ready to enjoy your shrimp toast, simply spread the prepared shrimp mixture onto the bread, coat with sesame seeds, and fry until golden brown for a dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Perfect Shrimp Toast?
Creating the perfect meal experience is all about pairing flavors, textures, and vibrant accompaniments.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: A delightful dip that adds spiciness and sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory crunch of the shrimp toast.
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Asian Slaw: A refreshing side filled with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing that balances the crispy richness of the shrimp toast.
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Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provides a protein-packed side with a pop of color and a satisfying bite.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut-infused rice creates a luscious contrast against the savory shrimp, enhancing each mouthful.
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Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy and nutty, quinoa tossed with fresh herbs offers a light option, making the meal feel wholesome and satisfying.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers dressed in a rice vinegar blend refresh the palate between bites of rich shrimp toast.
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Ginger Lemonade: This zesty drink invigorates your taste buds, making it a perfect pairing to the umami flavors of shrimp toast.
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Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet and creamy dessert that rounds off the meal beautifully, balancing the savory notes with its tropical sweetness.
Perfect Crunchy Shrimp Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for my shrimp toast?
Absolutely! Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp that are firm and have a fresh smell of the sea. If you see dark spots all over or a strong fishy odor, it’s best to avoid those. Fresh shrimp are sweet and plump, which is perfect for creating that delicious shrimp paste. If you’re looking for sustainability, consider getting shrimp from certified suppliers.
How should I store leftovers of shrimp toast?
Ideally, shrimp toast is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness! You can also use a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Can I freeze shrimp toast before frying?
Very much so! To freeze, prepare the shrimp mixture and spread it over the bread but do not coat with sesame seeds yet. Place the uncoated slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw and coat with sesame seeds before frying.
What should I do if my shrimp toast turns out greasy?
If your shrimp toast ends up greasy, the most likely culprit is oil that wasn’t hot enough during frying. To troubleshoot, ensure that the oil reaches 350°F before adding the shrimp toast. Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low. If you’ve already fried them and they’re greasy, placing them on paper towels can help absorb excess oil.
Can I make shrimp toast for my pets?
While shrimp itself can be safe for pets, the ingredients in shrimp toast, especially the seasoning and added oils, are not pet-friendly. It’s best to stick to plain, cooked shrimp without any added sauces or spices if you want to treat your furry friends.
What type of bread works best for shrimp toast?
For the best texture, use a thick white sandwich bread which absorbs the shrimp mixture effectively while frying. You can also opt for whole-grain bread if you prefer a healthier variant. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the shrimp mixture without falling apart when frying.
Crispy Shrimp Toast Recipe for Irresistible Flavor at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, combine scallions, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until finely chopped, about 15-20 seconds.
- Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pulse to achieve a coarse paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Chop the remaining shrimp and stir in. Season with salt and pepper.
- Generously spread the shrimp mixture over each slice of bread, then coat with sesame seeds.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm!
