Shrimp Toast
Crispy, golden triangles of fried bread topped with a savory, juicy shrimp paste. This classic Chinese-American appetizer is incredibly addictive and surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for parties or a special snack.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Bread
- b.Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the crusts from all 12 slices of sandwich bread.
- c.Cut each crustless slice diagonally in half to create two triangles. You should have 24 triangles in total. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Shrimp Paste
- b.Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a food processor.
- c.Pulse 5-6 times until the shrimp is chopped into a coarse, slightly chunky paste. Be careful not to over-process it into a liquid puree.
- d.Add the egg white, cornstarch, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, and salt to the food processor.
- e.Pulse another 2-3 times, just until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Shrimp Toast
- b.Lay out the bread triangles on a clean work surface.
- c.Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the shrimp paste evenly over one side of each bread triangle, ensuring the paste reaches all the way to the edges.
- d.Sprinkle the shrimp paste layer generously with white sesame seeds and gently press them down to adhere.
- e.Repeat until all bread triangles are topped.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Shrimp Toast
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dipping the tip of a wooden chopstick; if small bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
- c.Working in batches of 4-5 to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the toasts into the hot oil, shrimp-side down.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp side is golden brown and cooked through.
- e.Flip the toasts carefully and fry for another 1-2 minutes until the bread side is crisp and golden.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the fried shrimp toast from the oil.
- c.Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispier than using paper towels.
- d.Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with sweet chili sauce or duck sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use a slightly coarse paste. Over-processing the shrimp can make the topping rubbery.
- 2Spreading the shrimp paste all the way to the edges of the bread prevents the corners from burning during frying.
- 3Always fry the toasts shrimp-side down first. This cooks the shrimp thoroughly and prevents the bread from absorbing too much oil.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature. If it's too low, the toast will be greasy; if it's too high, it will burn before the shrimp is cooked.
- 5For extra crunch and flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of finely minced water chestnuts to the shrimp paste.
- 6Shrimp toast is best served immediately for maximum crispiness. They tend to soften as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Air Fryer Method
For a less oily version, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the assembled toasts with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked.
Baked MethodBaked Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled toasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush or spray lightly with oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
Add insAdd-ins
Incorporate finely chopped scallions, cilantro, or water chestnuts into the shrimp paste for added texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Flavorful Aromatics
Ginger and garlic not only add immense flavor but also contain compounds like gingerol and allicin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of four pieces of classic fried Shrimp Toast contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the size of the bread and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.