Imagine Chinese Crispy Shrimp Toast topped with a savory shrimp mixture, fried to golden perfection. It’s crunchy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside. The best part? It’s super easy to make!
What makes this recipe unique is its incredible combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce, giving it a savory punch that’s truly irresistible. The crispy toast base adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a texture sensation.
I love how this recipe brings together the best of Chinese and Latin American cuisine. The shrimp toast has a delicate, umami-rich flavor from the shrimp and seasonings, while the frying technique gives it a golden, crispy finish that I adore in many Latin dishes. This fusion of techniques and flavors makes it stand out from your typical appetizers.
This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s also about presentation. The golden-brown shrimp toast slices look impressive on any platter, making them perfect for parties and gatherings. They are bite-sized and easy to eat, which is always a hit with guests.
Let’s get cooking and bring some fiery, bold flavors to your kitchen with this Chinese Crispy Shrimp Toast! Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for more. Happy cooking!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Crispy Shrimp Toast
- Even Spreading: Make sure the shrimp mixture is spread evenly across the bread slices to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the shrimp mixture for about 10-15 minutes before spreading it on the bread. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F). Too hot, and the bread will burn before the shrimp cooks. Too cool, and the toast will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Test Frying: Fry one piece first to check the seasoning and texture. Adjust the seasoning or thickness of the shrimp mixture as needed before frying the rest.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp toasts are best served hot and crispy. Prepare them just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, soy sauce, or a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar for added flavor.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a lighter version, bake the shrimp toasts in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Crispy Shrimp Toast
4
servings25
minutes5
minutes250
kcal30
minutesDive into the nostalgic flavors of Chinese takeout with this Crispy Shrimp Toast recipe! A delightful blend of ground shrimp spread on bread and pan-fried to perfection, this appetizer is sure to impress at any gathering. Perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor, these shrimp toasts are a must-try for any home cook looking to recreate a classic dish with ease.
Ingredients
- Shrimp Mixture
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
1 ounce optional pork fat
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 finely chopped scallions
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon aromatic sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 egg white
- For Assembly
4 slices white sandwich bread
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- For Frying
Vegetable oil
- Alternative Ingredients:
Pork fat substitute: Use an additional 1/2 ounce of shrimp or omit entirely for a lighter version.
Cilantro substitute: Use parsley if you dislike cilantro.
Egg white substitute: Use aquafaba chickpea water for a vegan option.
White sandwich bread substitute: Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread.
Directions
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture – If using pork fat, blend it in a food processor until smooth. Add shrimp, cilantro, scallions, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined (about 2-3 minutes).
- Assemble Toasts – Evenly spread the shrimp mixture onto the slices of bread, ensuring it reaches the edges. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and gently press them into the mixture. Cut each slice into quarters diagonally to form triangles.
- Fry Toasts – Heat about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (approximately 3-4 minutes). Place the bread triangles shrimp-side down in the skillet and fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Carefully flip and fry the other side for an additional minute.
- Drain and Serve – Transfer the fried toasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- nonstick pan
- Cast Iron Skillet
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- spatula
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ – Crispy Shrimp Toast
How do I know if the shrimp mixture is properly blended?
Ensure the shrimp mixture is smooth with no large chunks. It should have a paste-like consistency, which helps it adhere well to the bread.
Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp mixture up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
What type of bread works best for shrimp toast?
White sandwich bread is ideal due to its soft texture and ability to crisp up nicely. However, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free bread as substitutes.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add finely chopped chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes to the shrimp mixture for an added kick.
Is there a healthier way to cook shrimp toast?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp toast in the oven instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
