If you have ever dreamt of a crispy, savory snack that bursts with umami and a hint of sweetness, then this Shrimp Toast Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden triangles boast a perfectly spiced shrimp paste atop crunchy bread, fried to crispy perfection. It’s the kind of appetizer that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious bite at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the wonderful texture and flavor of this dish. From the fresh shrimp that provides tenderness to the aromatics like garlic and ginger that offer a punch of zest, every component is essential.
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp create a juicy, tender base that’s the star of the dish.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and a splash of green color.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant sharpness that balances the seafood nicely.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated: Introduces warmth and a subtle spice punch.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Offers a salty depth and enhances the umami flavor.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that rounds out the shrimp paste.
- 1 egg white: Helps bind the shrimp mixture so it sticks well to the bread.
- 4 slices white bread, crusts removed: The crispy canvas that crunches under the succulent shrimp topping.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Provides the perfect medium for getting that golden, crispy texture.
How to Make Shrimp Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by combining the shrimp, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg white in a food processor. Pulse just until you get a coarse paste that still has some texture. This keeps the shrimp mixture fresh and slightly chunky, giving you the perfect bite every time.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Lay out your bread slices and evenly spread the shrimp mixture over one side of each slice. Be generous but keep it even; this layer is what transforms a simple piece of bread into a culinary delight.
Step 3: Cut into Triangles
Once spread, cut each bread slice into four triangles. This makes for perfectly sized, bite-friendly pieces that are easy to fry and eat.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it hits about 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature ensures the shrimp toast cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil and getting greasy.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp Toast
Place the shrimp toast triangles shrimp-side down in the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the shrimp is cooked through. The sizzling sound is your cue that deliciousness is happening!
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to paper towels to drain any extra oil. This step keeps each piece crispy and light rather than oily.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your shrimp toast warm alongside sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for an irresistible dipping experience that amplifies the flavors to perfection.
How to Serve Shrimp Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds an extra layer of fragrance and crunch, while a few fresh cilantro leaves can brighten each bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
This shrimp toast pairs wonderfully with crisp Asian slaws, light cucumber salad, or steamed jasmine rice to balance the richness and bring fresh texture to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the triangles on a slate board lined with banana leaves, or stack them in a pyramid for a striking appetizer presentation. Adding small dipping bowls of sauces around makes it interactive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shrimp toast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep their crunch, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked shrimp toast (before frying) by arranging the prepared triangles on a baking sheet, freezing them until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to one month. Fry directly from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that crispy texture, pop the shrimp toast in a hot oven or toaster oven for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. This keeps the bread crunchy and the shrimp moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work fine if fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the mixture which could affect the texture.
Is white bread the best choice for shrimp toast?
White bread is preferred because of its neutral flavor and ability to crisp nicely, but you can experiment with other breads as long as they’re soft and not too dense.
Can I bake the shrimp toast instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispy texture and flavor, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just brush lightly with oil to help crisp the bread.
What sauces pair well with shrimp toast?
Sweet chili sauce and soy sauce are classic companions, but you can also try a tangy plum sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo for a creative twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the regular bread for gluten-free bread and choose tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. The shrimp mixture and frying process stay the same.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Toast Recipe is a total game-changer for your snack and appetizer repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and absolutely delightful to eat—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this simple dish can elevate your next gathering or cozy night at home.
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Shrimp Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (32 pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy and flavorful Shrimp Toast featuring a savory shrimp paste spread over toasted bread triangles, fried to golden perfection. This appetizer combines fresh shrimp, aromatic ginger, garlic, and green onions, making it a delicious and popular snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp Paste
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 egg white
Bread
- 4 slices white bread, crusts removed
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp paste: In a food processor, combine the shrimp, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg white. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, ensuring the mixture is well blended but still has some texture.
- Spread the shrimp mixture: Evenly spread the shrimp paste over one side of each slice of white bread.
- Cut into triangles: Cut each bread slice into 4 equal triangles, making 16 triangles in total.
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C), enough to shallow fry.
- Fry the shrimp toast: Carefully place the triangles shrimp-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the shrimp toast from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp toast warm with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-process the shrimp paste; keep some texture for best taste.
- Maintain oil temperature to ensure crispy toast without absorbing too much oil.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Can be served as an appetizer or party snack.
- Adjust seasoning in the shrimp paste as per your taste preference.
