When the sun dips low and the evening beckons, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of crispy shrimp toast filling the air. I discovered this delightful appetizer on a culinary adventure through Hong Kong, where it’s a staple at tea time. Each bite bursts with perfectly seasoned shrimp, enveloped in a golden, crunchy shell adorned with sesame seeds that add a nutty crunch.
What’s truly magical about making this crispy shrimp toast at home is its effortless charm—you can easily impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether deep-fried, pan-fried, or air-fried, you’ll enjoy a satisfying snack that bridges Eastern flavors with Western comfort. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Ready to dive into the delightful world of shrimp toast? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this Crispy Shrimp Toast a must-try?
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delectable bites at home.
Flavorsome Experience: The combination of juicy shrimp and fragrant seasonings delivers an explosion of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer deep-frying, pan-frying, or air-frying, this recipe allows you to tailor it to your cooking style.
Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and speckled sesame seeds create a beautiful appetizer that will wow your guests at any gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at parties, as a snack, or even during a cozy evening at home—these toasts are versatile enough for any setting!
Dive into the delicious world of shrimp toast and impress your loved ones with this delightful easy Chinese shrimp toast recipe.
Crispy Shrimp Toast Ingredients
For the Shrimp Mixture
- Large Shrimp – Main ingredient providing protein and flavor; use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best results.
- Garlic Cloves – Adds depth of flavor; feel free to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Scallions – Enhances freshness with a mild onion flavor; you can substitute with green onions if needed.
- Cilantro – Contributes a lovely herbal note; omit if you’re not a fan!
- Egg White – Binds the shrimp paste together; aquafaba is a great vegan substitute.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – Brings umami and moisture to the mix; tamari works for a gluten-free option.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall taste and seasoning.
For the Toast
- White Sandwich Bread – The perfect base for the shrimp paste; whole grain or gluten-free options can work too.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – Imparts a delicious nutty aroma; you can replace it with regular vegetable oil if necessary.
- White Sesame Seeds – Adds visual appeal and crunch; black sesame seeds can be a fun substitute for contrast.
- Neutral Oil – Ideal for frying to a crispy finish; any high-smoke-point oil like canola will do the trick.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re one step closer to creating the crispy shrimp toast that’ll have your friends asking for more!
How to Make Crispy Shrimp Toast
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Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine scallions, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until finely chopped for a fresh flavor base. You want just enough texture to keep things interesting!
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Make Shrimp Paste: Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, low-sodium soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, about 20 seconds.
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Mix and Season: Transfer the shrimp paste to a medium bowl. Chop the remaining shrimp into ¼-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, and fold them into the paste to maintain that delightful chunkiness.
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Prepare the Bread: Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over slices of white sandwich bread. Invert the slices into a plate of white sesame seeds so they stick, giving a lovely crunchy coating.
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Fry the Toasts: In a skillet, heat neutral oil over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp toasts until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally to achieve uniform coloring, about 3-4 minutes each side.
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Drain and Serve: Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like sweet chili sauce, for that extra zing!
Optional: Garnish with sliced scallions or a sprinkle of cilantro before serving for added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crispy Shrimp Toast Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe, adding your personal touch to every bite!
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Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts to the shrimp mixture for extra crunch and texture. The fresh flavors will elevate your toast!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate minced chili peppers into the shrimp paste for a zesty heat. This spicy version will invigorate your taste buds with each delightful morsel.
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Herb Blend: Swap the cilantro for fresh basil or parsley if you prefer a different herbal profile. Each herb brings its unique aroma, creating a fresh take on the classic.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in grated cheese like Monterey Jack or parmesan into the shrimp paste for a rich, savory flavor. Who can resist a cheesy enhancement?
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Whole Grain Goodness: Use whole-grain or seeded bread for a nutty twist. This variation not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional value for a heartier option.
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Asian Fusion: Top the toast with a drizzle of Sriracha or hoisin sauce post-frying for a savory finish. This addition brings a nice contrast of spicy and sweet flavors.
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Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the shrimp mixture before spreading on the bread. This simple addition brings brightness that beautifully complements the savoriness.
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Sesame Variation: Instead of white sesame seeds, use a mix of white and black sesame seeds for an eye-catching color contrast. This variation adds a unique flair to your presentation!
What to Serve with Crispy Shrimp Toast?
When it comes to enjoying crispy shrimp toast, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience into something truly special.
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Fresh Herb Salad: A light salad with fresh herbs and citrus vinaigrette complements the rich shrimp flavors, adding brightness to each bite. It’s a refreshing counterpoint that brings a wonderful balance and keeps the meal light.
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Sweet Chili Sauce: Serve alongside this zesty dipping sauce for an unexpected burst of sweetness that highlights the savory notes of the shrimp toast. It’s the perfect combination, making every bite an adventurous taste experience.
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Asian-Inspired Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in sesame oil adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast. This side brings a satisfying crunch that marries beautifully with the crispy shrimp toast.
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Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice can provide a creamy, slightly sweet backdrop that harmonizes with the crispy shrimp. The coconut’s mild flavor enhances the overall dining experience, creating a comforting and flavorful base.
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Hot & Sour Soup: This classic soup adds warmth and a tangy kick that complements the shrimp toast perfectly. The contrasting temperatures and textures create an inviting dining atmosphere.
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Iced Green Tea: A refreshing glass of iced green tea with a hint of lemon not only cleanses the palate but also enhances the Asian culinary experience. It’s a light, invigorating drink that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the meal.
With these delightful pairings, your crispy shrimp toast will shine as the star of the evening, ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone!
Storage Tips for Crispy Shrimp Toast
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Room Temperature: Crispy shrimp toast is best enjoyed fresh. If served at room temperature, consume within 1-2 hours to keep them crispy and delicious.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, reheat before serving, as refrigeration can soften the crust.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked shrimp mixture on bread slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen for great results.
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Reheating: To reheat and restore crispiness, place the shrimp toasts in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp 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. Simply blend the chopped scallions, garlic, cilantro, shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil into a paste and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain the quality, store the bread separately and avoid spreading the shrimp mixture until you’re ready to fry. When it’s time to serve, just spread the mixture on the bread, coat with sesame seeds, and fry until golden and crispy. This ensures you’ll have delicious, fresh shrimp toast with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings!
Expert Tips for Crispy Shrimp Toast
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Preheat Your Oil: Before frying, ensure the oil is hot enough. This prevents the toasts from absorbing too much oil and keeps them crispy.
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Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Frying in batches allows each toast to form a perfect, golden crust.
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Adjust Texture: For a smoother shrimp paste, blend longer; for a chunkier mixture, pulse less. Balance your desired texture for the best shrimp toast experience.
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Healthy Alternatives: For a lighter option, consider air-frying instead of deep-frying. Adjust oil amounts and cooking times to suit.
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Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances the flavor of your crispy shrimp toast. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch—just ensure they are thoroughly thawed!
Crispy Shrimp Toast Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select fresh shrimp for my crispy shrimp toast?
When choosing shrimp, look for ones that are firm to the touch, with a shiny, translucent appearance. Avoid any that have a strong fishy smell or that feel mushy. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and not freezer burned before adding them to your recipe.
How should I store leftovers of crispy shrimp toast?
For the best texture, enjoy your crispy shrimp toast fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they are warm and crisp again.
Can I freeze crispy shrimp toast, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the uncooked shrimp mixture spread on bread, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen by frying until golden brown.
What can I do if my shrimp paste is too watery?
If your shrimp paste is too watery, try adding a bit more egg white or breadcrumbs to help bind it together. Alternatively, you can reduce the wet ingredients, like soy sauce, to achieve a thicker consistency. Letting the mixture sit for a few minutes can also help as it allows some moisture to evaporate.
Are there any dietary considerations for making crispy shrimp toast?
Yes! If you or your guests have seafood allergies, it’s best to avoid shrimp entirely. Instead, you could use crab meat or even a plant-based alternative for a different twist. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure that the bread and soy sauce are labeled gluten-free. Plus, you can opt for aquafaba as a vegan substitute for egg whites.
How can I achieve the perfect crispiness when frying my shrimp toast?
To achieve that golden and crispy exterior, ensure your oil is preheated before adding the toasts. Fry in small batches to prevent crowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Aim for a frying time of about 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully until they reach a beautiful, crunchy finish. Give it a little love, and you’ll impress everyone with your crispy shrimp toast!
Crispy Shrimp Toast: A Simple Delight You’ll Crave!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, combine scallions, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add two-thirds of the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the food processor. Pulse until a coarse paste forms.
- Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl. Chop the remaining shrimp into ¼-inch pieces and fold them into the paste.
- Spread the shrimp mixture over slices of bread and invert into a plate of sesame seeds to coat.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the toasts until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes each side.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with dipping sauces.