There’s a special kind of joy that comes from preparing a dish that transports you straight to a vibrant street market in Hong Kong. With each bite of crispy shrimp toast, you can almost hear the bustling chatter and feel the lively atmosphere as you indulge in this beloved Chinese delicacy. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior paired with beautifully seasoned shrimp and sprinkled sesame seeds that burst with flavor.
This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I crave something quick yet impressive for guests or a cozy night in. Surprisingly easy to make in less than an hour, this shrimp toast takes minimal ingredients and transforms them into an unforgettable appetizer. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will elevate your appetizer game!
Why is Shrimp Toast a Must-Try?
Irresistible Crunch: With a perfectly crispy outer layer, this shrimp toast delivers a satisfying crunch that everyone will love.
Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh shrimp and aromatic herbs creates a burst of flavor, elevating this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Quick to Prepare: In under an hour, you can whip up this impressive appetizer—perfect for unexpected guests or family gatherings!
Versatile Taste: Modify ingredients easily to suit your palate, whether adding heat with chilies or swapping out herbs.
Cultural Delight: Experience a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant street food scene right in your home. Transform your next gathering with this delicious recipe that promises to wow your guests, leaving them craving more!
Shrimp Toast Ingredients
For the Shrimp Mixture
• Shrimp – Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Scallions – Adds a mild onion flavor; if you don’t have them, green onions work well as a substitute.
• Cilantro – Provides a fresh, herbaceous note; feel free to skip it if you prefer no herbs.
• Egg White – Binds the shrimp mixture; for a vegan option, a flax egg can serve as a great substitute.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Enhances the richness; olive oil can replace it for a lighter flavor.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
For the Coating and Frying
• White Sesame Seeds – Coats the shrimp paste for added crunch; if you don’t have them, poppy seeds can provide a fun visual and texture.
• Neutral Oil (for frying) – Essential for crispness; choose vegetable or canola oil to keep the flavor neutral.
• Bread (white sandwich bread) – Acts as the base; gluten-free bread can easily replace it if needed.
Creating crispy shrimp toast is not only simple but promises to delight your taste buds!
How to Make Shrimp Toast
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Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the scallions, garlic, and cilantro until finely chopped. This aromatic base sets the stage for the irresistibly flavorful shrimp mixture.
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Mix Paste: Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the food processor. Pulse everything together until you have a coarse paste, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
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Chop and Season: Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl, and chop the remaining shrimp into small pieces. Season these with salt and pepper, then gently mix them into the paste for added texture.
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Prepare the Bread: Spread the shrimp mixture evenly onto each slice of bread. For an added crunch, invert the slices into a shallow dish of sesame seeds, coating the top generously.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the bread triangles until they’re golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully as needed.
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Drain and Serve: Once cooked, drain the shrimp toast on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them warm, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped scallions for an appealing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to 24 hours in advance; just combine the scallions, garlic, cilantro, and shrimp in your food processor and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can spread the shrimp paste onto the bread slices and coat them in sesame seeds ahead of time, but assemble and cook them within 3 days to ensure maximum freshness. When ready to serve, simply heat oil in a skillet and fry the triangles until golden and crispy—your guests will be thrilled with the delightful crunch of these make-ahead treats!
Storage Tips for Shrimp Toast
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh; however, if left out, shrimp toast can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be discarded.
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: If you want to store shrimp toast for longer, freeze it before frying. Place the prepared slices of shrimp paste-covered bread on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To regain the crispiness, reheat refrigerated or frozen shrimp toast in the oven at 375°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes for refrigerated and 20-25 minutes for frozen.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Toast
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Hot Oil is Key: Ensure the frying oil reaches around 350°F for that ideal crispy texture; a kitchen thermometer can help you achieve this.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry only a few pieces of shrimp toast at a time. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in sogginess.
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Texture Check: Taste your shrimp mixture before spreading it onto the bread. Adjust the seasoning if needed, so every bite of shrimp toast is full of flavor.
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Experiment with Baking: For a healthier twist, consider baking the shrimp toast at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, lightly spray with oil for crispiness.
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Storage Tips: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness!
What to Serve with Shrimp Toast?
Create a beautiful dining experience by pairing your crispy shrimp toast with delightful sides and drinks.
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Soy Dipping Sauce: A traditional complement that enhances the umami flavors, this sauce beautifully balances the dish’s richness.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Its sweet and spicy notes add a perfect kick, elevating every bite of the shrimp toast while satisfying your palate.
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Crispy Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad provides a crunchy contrast to the warm toast and adds a burst of fresh flavor.
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Steamed Edamame: When dusted with sea salt, edamame offers a fun and healthy nibble that resonates with the Asian theme of your meal.
For a truly inviting spread, consider a combination of textures and flavors. Pairing earthy edamame and a tangy cucumber salad with your shrimp toast creates a delightful harmony.
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Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture make jasmine rice a comforting addition, soaking up any extra sauce from the toast.
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Hot Green Tea: The warmth and subtle notes of green tea pair perfectly with the savory shrimp toast while providing a soothing finish to your meal.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet note, serve this Thai dessert, offering a creamy coconut flavor that contrasts beautifully with the toast’s crunch.
Shrimp Toast Variations
Dive into the world of flavor as you customize your shrimp toast just the way you like it!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely minced chili or chili flakes into the shrimp mixture for a delightful heat that will wake up your taste buds. It adds an exciting layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy toast.
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Herb Swap: Instead of cilantro, try using fresh basil or dill for a unique twist. These herbs can completely transform the flavor profile while still maintaining that refreshing quality.
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Creamy Addition: Mix in some finely shredded cheese like cream cheese or mozzarella to the shrimp paste for an indulgent, creamy texture. This adds a delightful richness, making every bite even more satisfying.
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Textural Twist: Substitute the white sandwich bread with whole-grain or sourdough bread to give your toast an earthier flavor and chewier texture. The heartiness of these breads brings a fantastic contrast to the delicate shrimp.
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Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the shrimp toasts at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil. You’ll enjoy a crispy result without the frying!
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Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut to the sesame seeds when coating the bread for a tropical flair. This unexpected twist enhances the crunch and adds an enticing sweetness.
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Umami Boost: Experiment with different types of soy sauce, like mushroom soy, for a deeper umami flavor. Just a small switch can elevate your shrimp toast to a whole new level!
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Garnish Galore: Top with a sprinkle of furikake or toasted nori for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal. These Japanese seasonings can add a unique twist to your classic shrimp toast.
Each of these variations breathes new life into the basic recipe, so don’t hesitate to mix and match to find your perfect shrimp toast!
Shrimp Toast Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Shrimp Toast?
I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh shrimp provides a sweeter taste, but frozen can work well too—just ensure they’re thoroughly thawed before use.
How should I store my Shrimp Toast?
For optimal freshness, store leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out. If you have any un-fried shrimp toast, you can also keep it in the freezer before cooking.
Can I freeze Shrimp Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze shrimp toast, prepare the slices with the shrimp mixture spread on the bread, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, fry them from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
What should I do if my shrimp mixture is too wet?
If your shrimp mixture turns out too wet, you can easily thicken it. Start by adding a little more panko bread crumbs or an additional egg white to help bind it. Mix until the texture is more workable. Tasting it first will also allow you to make any seasoning adjustments!
Is Shrimp Toast safe for people with allergies?
Since this recipe contains shrimp and egg, avoid serving it to anyone with shellfish or egg allergies. It can be modified for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free bread and ensure that your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free as well.
Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
Yes! While neutral oils like vegetable or canola are recommended for their mild flavor, you could also use peanut oil for a richer taste. Just be sure not to use strong-flavored oils like olive oil, which could alter the dish’s profile.
Crispy Shrimp Toast Recipe That Will Impress Any Guest
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, blend the scallions, garlic, and cilantro until finely chopped.
- Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the food processor. Pulse until you have a coarse paste.
- Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl, chop remaining shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and mix into the paste.
- Spread the shrimp mixture onto each slice of bread, then coat generously with sesame seeds.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the bread triangles until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm, optionally garnished with extra scallions.
