Shrimp Toast Recipe
Crispy, savory, and outrageously good, Shrimp Toast is an irresistible classic that steals the show at any gathering. This Chinese-inspired appetizer hits all the right notes: juicy shrimp is blended with aromatic seasonings, slathered onto soft bread, then fried until golden and crunchy. Whether you’re whipping up a dim sum feast or simply want to impress friends with something special, Shrimp Toast offers a perfect contrast of textures and flavors that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great Shrimp Toast starts with a handful of simple ingredients that pack a major punch. From juicy crustaceans to punchy aromatics, each item here serves to enhance the overall experience—lending crunch, creaminess, or bold flavor to every bite.
- White sandwich bread: The soft, crustless slices provide the perfect base for holding the shrimp mixture and frying to golden perfection.
- Raw shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp is the star here, transforming into a rich, savory topping.
- Egg white: Acts as a binder to keep the shrimp mixture cohesive and light.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami note and classic Chinese savoriness.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash imparts nutty aroma and depth to the spread.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, peppery crunch that wakes up the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced garlic offers a gentle, aromatic bite.
- Fresh ginger: A hint of grated ginger gives warmth and subtle heat.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- White pepper: For a touch of earthiness and subtle spice that’s characteristic of classic Shrimp Toast.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the filling is smooth and aids in crisping up the exterior.
- Mayonnaise (optional): A dollop adds extra creaminess and richness to the shrimp spread.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top, they add crunch and visual appeal.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, it must be neutral in flavor for the best results.
How to Make Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by chopping your shrimp as finely as you can—think tiny bits that will blend seamlessly onto your bread. If you want it extra smooth, a few pulses in a food processor do wonders. The goal is a coarse paste that still has a little texture; this gives the Shrimp Toast its signature bite.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp paste with egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped green onions, minced garlic, ginger, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. If you’re a fan of a more luscious filling, add that spoonful of mayonnaise—it takes creaminess to the next level. Mix everything together until you have a soft, spreadable shrimp mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Toasts
Lay the bread slices flat (make sure the crusts are off—they fry more evenly this way). Using a butter knife or spatula, spread about two tablespoons of the shrimp mixture evenly onto each slice, right to the edges. For an extra tempting crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top at this stage if you like.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Get your skillet ready with about half an inch of vegetable oil, heating over medium. To test, drop in a crumb—if it sizzles, you’re ready! Carefully place the toasts shrimp-side down in batches, giving them plenty of space. Fry for two to three minutes per side until the bread is deep golden and the shrimp is cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once cool enough to handle, slice each toast into triangles or quarters for easy grabbing. Shrimp Toast is best served piping hot, the moment it hits that ideal balance of crisp edges and savory filling.
How to Serve Shrimp Toast
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions or extra sesame seeds right before serving makes Shrimp Toast pop visually and adds fresh flavor. Don’t forget a side of sweet chili sauce or an easy soy-vinegar dip for a zippy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair Shrimp Toast with bright Asian slaw, a delicate bowl of steamed edamame, or even a cool cucumber salad. These sides offer refreshing contrast and turn your appetizer into a small meal with satisfying variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Shrimp Toast the life of the party by serving on a wooden board with dipping sauces in mini bowls, or stack them high in a basket lined with parchment. For playful bite-sized snacks, use a round cookie cutter before frying to create adorable little medallions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Shrimp Toast remaining (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or next-day appetizer.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze assembled but uncooked Shrimp Toast on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can fry or air fry straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To recapture that signature crunch, reheat Shrimp Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes until crisp and bubbly. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread tough instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Toast without a food processor?
Absolutely! Just chop the shrimp as finely as you possibly can with a sharp knife. It takes a bit more time, but the texture is just as satisfying and those little bits add character.
Is it possible to make Shrimp Toast in the air fryer?
Yes, Shrimp Toast crisps up beautifully in an air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, checking for golden brown edges and a sizzling filling.
Can I substitute the shrimp for something else?
You can easily swap the shrimp for firm tofu to make a vegetarian version. Simply press and crumble the tofu before mixing with the rest of the filling ingredients.
What bread works best for Shrimp Toast?
Classic white sandwich bread works perfectly due to its soft texture and neutral flavor, but you could try brioche or even gluten-free bread if that’s your preference.
How do I prevent my Shrimp Toast from soaking up too much oil?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this helps the bread crisp quickly instead of absorbing excess oil. Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan so the temperature stays steady.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Shrimp Toast deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup. Its delightful crunch and vibrant flavors never fail to win over a crowd—so go ahead, give this classic a try and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Shrimp Toast, a classic Chinese appetizer that features a crispy exterior and a flavorful shrimp filling.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Paste:
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Paste: Finely chop or pulse the shrimp in a food processor. Combine with egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and mayonnaise.
- Assemble the Toasts: Spread shrimp mixture on bread slices, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Fry the Toasts: Heat oil in a skillet, fry the toasts shrimp-side down until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy dipping sauce.
- For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes.
- Substitute shrimp with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
