There’s a certain thrill that comes with discovering a classic dish that has the power to transport you back in time. The first bite of crispy shrimp toast reminds me of the bustling Chinese takeout spots of my childhood, where the delightful aroma of frying shrimp hung in the air, mingling with laughter and chatter. This savory appetizer marries the sweetness of fresh shrimp with the lively crunch of scallions and cilantro, all atop a slice of golden-browned bread—perfection on a plate!
Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or simply looking for a satisfying snack, this crispy shrimp toast recipe is a fantastic easy-to-make solution that will dazzle your guests and your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it belongs in a fancy restaurant, yet feels inviting enough for a casual dinner at home. Let’s break down how to make this delicious, retro treat that’s both a nod to tradition and a feast for the senses!
Why is Shrimp Toast the perfect appetizer?
Crispy, golden perfection: This shrimp toast delivers that satisfying crunch you crave, making it a standout starter.
Easy to prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and quick frying, you can whip up this classic dish in no time.
Flavor explosion: The blend of fresh shrimp, scallions, and cilantro creates a taste that’s both savory and delightful.
Versatile crowd-pleaser: Whether for a special occasion or a casual snack, it appeals to all palates, fitting perfectly into any gathering.
Healthy option: At approximately 58 calories per piece, this dish allows you to indulge while keeping it light.
For even more inspiring ideas, check out our tips on serving suggestions.
Shrimp Toast Ingredients
• To create the best shrimp toast, gather these essential ingredients.
For the Shrimp Mixture
- Pork Fat – Adds richness and flavor; can be omitted for a leaner, lighter shrimp toast.
- Shrimp (½ pound) – The heart of the dish, providing fresh seafood flavor; ensuring you use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp yields the finest texture.
- Chopped Cilantro (¼ cup) – Introduces brightness and herbal notes; parsley can be a suitable substitute if you’re out of cilantro.
- Scallions (2, finely chopped) – Adds sharpness and freshness to the mix.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated) – Contributes warmth and spice, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Sesame Oil (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances the nutty flavor profile of the shrimp toast.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon) – Balances the flavors beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Essential for proper seasoning.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons) – Helps bind the shrimp mixture, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Egg White (1) – Acts as a binder, providing necessary structure to the shrimp blend.
For the Base
- White Sandwich Bread (4 slices) – Serves as the perfect foundation for the shrimp topping; croutons can also be a fun alternative or use crusts to add texture.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor on top of the shrimp toast.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil – Necessary for frying; ensure there’s enough to cover the bottom of the pan for an even cook.
By combining these ingredients thoughtfully, you’ll create shrimp toast that’s a nostalgic, irresistible favorite.
How to Make Shrimp Toast
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Blend the Pork Fat: If using, add pork fat to a food processor and blend until smooth, creating a rich base for your shrimp mixture.
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Add the Shrimp & Aromatics: Toss in the fresh shrimp, chopped cilantro, scallions, grated ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Process until everything is combined into a smooth, thick paste.
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Spread the Mixture: Take the mixture and evenly spread it on each slice of white sandwich bread, making sure to cover each piece generously.
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Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Evenly distribute the toasted sesame seeds over the shrimp mixture and lightly press them into the topping for added texture.
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Cut the Bread: Carefully cut each slice into quarter triangles diagonally, ensuring they’re ready for frying.
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Heat the Oil: In a nonstick or cast iron skillet, heat ⅛ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers, ready for frying.
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Fry the Toast: Place the triangles shrimp-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute until both sides are crispy.
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Drain & Serve: Once fried, transfer the shrimp toast to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Optional: Serve with sweet chili sauce or a vinegar-soy sauce mix for a delicious dip!
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 by blending the shrimp, cilantro, scallions, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white in your food processor. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can slice the bread and prepare the sesame seeds ahead of time as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the chilled shrimp mixture on the bread, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and fry them until crispy. This way, you enjoy a quick, delicious appetizer with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Toast
Room Temperature: Enjoy shrimp toast immediately for the best texture, but if you need to keep it for a brief period, it can stay out for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container for up to 1 day. To maintain crispiness, consider reheating in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze shrimp toast before frying. Place the assembled, uncooked pieces on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen shrimp toast, fry them directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious appetizer. Cook for a bit longer until golden and crispy.
Shrimp Toast Variations
Feel free to transform your shrimp toast experience with these fun and tasty twists!
- Crab or Lobster: Replace the shrimp with crab or lobster for an indulgent, seafood-rich version. The sweet flavors of these crustaceans elevate your appetizer.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat bread instead of white for a fiber boost while enjoying the same delightful crunch. It’s a wholesome makeover!
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or mint for a refreshing flavor twist. Each herbal note adds an unexpected depth, making every bite exciting.
- Creamy Avocado: Spread a thin layer of ripe avocado on the bread before adding the shrimp mixture for a creamy contrast. It brings a lovely richness that complements the crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into the shrimp mixture for a heat-infused version. Perfect for those who crave a little spice!
- Sesame Alternative: Swap toasted sesame seeds for crushed peanuts to introduce a different texture and nutty flavor. It’s a delightful surprise that enhances each bite.
- Vegan Option: Use a mix of firm tofu and seaweed for a plant-based take on shrimp toast. The subtle ocean flavor will provide surprising authenticity.
- Cheesy Delight: Top your shrimp toast with a sprinkle of grated cheese before frying for a melty, cheesy crust. It’s a comforting addition that will please cheese lovers!
Embrace these variations and let your kitchen creativity shine!
What to Serve with Shrimp Toast?
Elevate your shrimp toast experience with thoughtfully chosen pairings that enhance this delightful dish.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This dipping sauce brings a sweet and spicy kick, perfect for contrasting the savory shrimp flavor.
- Soy Sauce with Vinegar: A classic combination that adds depth, offering a savory balance to each crispy bite.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy appetizers mirror the texture of shrimp toast, making for a delightful appetizer duo.
- Garlic Fried Rice: A fragrant rice dish that complements the seafood richness, allowing the shrimp toast to shine.
- Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing, it introduces a contrast of flavors, refreshing your palate between bites.
- Szechuan Noodles: The spicy kick of Szechuan noodles adds heat and excitement, balancing the shrimp’s delicate flavors.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy and crunchy, pickled veggies provide a refreshing contrast, brightening the meal experience.
Serve these sides to create a harmonious and memorable meal that will delight your guests!
Expert Tips for Shrimp Toast
- Quality Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can lead to a watery filling.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This crucial ingredient helps bind the shrimp mixture, preventing it from falling apart when frying.
- Frying Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too hot can burn the toast, while too low can make it greasy.
- Crust Matters: Keep the bread crust for extra sturdiness during frying; removing it can result in soggy pieces.
- Garnish Options: Experiment with different toppings like chopped peanuts or chili flakes to elevate your shrimp toast.
Embrace these helpful tips for a delicious shrimp toast experience!
Shrimp Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for shrimp toast?
Absolutely! I recommend using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, opt for high-quality frozen shrimp, but be cautious with frozen varieties, as they can sometimes lead to a watery filling due to excess moisture.
How should I store leftover shrimp toast?
After making shrimp toast, it’s best to enjoy it fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To maintain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze shrimp toast?
Very! You can freeze shrimp toast before frying for a quick meal later. Here’s how:
- Assemble the shrimp toast on the bread without frying.
- Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen pieces into a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and store for up to 1 month.
When ready to enjoy, fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re golden and crispy.
Why does my shrimp toast fall apart when frying?
If your shrimp toast is falling apart, it may be due to the absence of cornstarch, which helps bind the mixture. Make sure to include it in your shrimp mixture. Also, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the toast; too cold an oil can cause sogginess and prevent proper adhesion.
Is shrimp toast safe for people with shellfish allergies?
No, shrimp toast is not safe for individuals with shellfish allergies, as the primary ingredient is shrimp. It’s vital to choose alternative appetizers that are allergy-friendly, such as vegetable spring rolls or calamari, depending on individual restrictions.
How can I make shrimp toast healthier?
To create a lighter version of shrimp toast, you can use whole wheat bread instead of white. Additionally, consider omitting the pork fat for a leaner option, and use less oil while frying or opt to bake them in the oven for a healthier cooking method.
Irresistible Shrimp Toast: Your New Favorite Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend the Pork Fat: If using, add pork fat to a food processor and blend until smooth, creating a rich base for your shrimp mixture.
- Add the Shrimp & Aromatics: Toss in the fresh shrimp, chopped cilantro, scallions, grated ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Process until everything is combined into a smooth, thick paste.
- Spread the Mixture: Take the mixture and evenly spread it on each slice of white sandwich bread, making sure to cover each piece generously.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Evenly distribute the toasted sesame seeds over the shrimp mixture and lightly press them into the topping for added texture.
- Cut the Bread: Carefully cut each slice into quarter triangles diagonally, ensuring they’re ready for frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a nonstick or cast iron skillet, heat 1/8 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it shimmers, ready for frying.
- Fry the Toast: Place the triangles shrimp-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute until both sides are crispy.
- Drain & Serve: Once fried, transfer the shrimp toast to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
