Shrimp toast is a delightful fusion dish from Hong Kong, where culinary influences seamlessly blend Chinese and Western flavors. Popularly savored during afternoon tea in Hong Kong, this dish has gained widespread fame in overseas Chinese takeout spots and dim sum eateries.
Despite its unassuming appearance, shrimp toast delivers a harmonious blend of tastes�a natural sweetness from the shrimp, a savory kick from the seasoning, and a delightful nuttiness from the sesame seeds. The texture is a delight, featuring a crispy exterior and a soft, springy interior, offering a truly satisfying eating experience!
Surprisingly easy to prepare at home, the process involves spreading a layer of shrimp paste (minced raw shrimp combined with classic Chinese seasonings) on a slice of toast, topped with sesame seeds. Traditionally deep-fried to a golden brown, it can also be pan-fried or air-fried, providing versatility in today’s recipe and if you are looking for a variety during your tea time and looking for some crunchy options than Fried Zucchini Chips are a good option for you.
What Is Shrimp Toast?
Shrimp toast is making a comeback, now featured in creative versions on restaurant menus, elevating it beyond a simple snack. Typically, shrimp toast begins with a shrimp paste infused with aromatic garlic, scallions, and cilantro.
This flavorful mixture is generously spread on white bread, and fried until it achieves a delightful crispiness on the outside and a light, fluffy interior. While a food processor can swiftly chop the shrimp blend, doing it by hand is also an option.
In this uncomplicated recipe, sesame seeds are added to coat the shrimp toast before frying, providing an extra layer of nutty flavor and a satisfying crunchy texture. Plan ahead by making the shrimp paste a day in advance and refrigerating it until ready to use.
Different Methods to Choose From!
| Aspect | Deep-Fried Version | Air Fryer/Oven Version |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Crispier and lighter | Very crispy, golden brown, and less oily |
| Filling Moisture | Moist filling | Slightly more dry |
| Oil Absorption by Bread | Significant oil absorption by bread | Less oil absorbed by bread |
| Overall Recommendation | Traditional method with a moister filling | Air fryer version for a crispier and less oily result |
Overview: How to Make Shrimp Toast?
Making shrimp toast is a delightful process that results in a crispy and flavorful snack. First, blend scallions, garlic, cilantro, and a portion of shrimp in a food processor.
The mixture, combined with egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil, forms a coarse paste. Chopped remaining shrimp is added, seasoned, and mixed, creating a moist and spreadable blend.
Next, the shrimp mixture is spread onto bread slices, each inverted into sesame seeds for a nutty coating. Cut into triangles, these pieces are ready for the frying pan. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the toast until golden and crispy, flipping to ensure even cooking.
Drain on a paper towel, and repeat the process for a batch of flavorful and satisfying shrimp toasts, perfect for serving warm and if you truly love this recipe and a big shrimp fan than Honey Walnut Shrimp is a must try for you.
Crispy Shrimp Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large Plate
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Medium bowl
- Large Cast-Iron or Heavy Skillet
- Spatula or Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup white sesame seeds
- 2 cups neutral oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend scallions, garlic, and cilantro until finely chopped.
- Add two-thirds of shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil; pulse for a coarse paste.
- Transfer the shrimp paste to a medium bowl.
- Chop remaining shrimp into �-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, and mix.
- Spread shrimp mixture on bread, invert into sesame seeds, and cut into triangles.
- Heat oil in a skillet, fry triangles until golden and crispy, flipping as needed.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Nutrition
Some Secret Tips For This Recipe!
Tips for Making Shrimp Baguette Bites:
- Broiling Tip: Broilers can be unpredictable, so prefer low broiling. Use suggested cooking times as a reference and check the baguette slices frequently.
- Shrimp Quality: Opt for good-quality wild-caught shrimp. Whether fresh or frozen, thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator or in a sealed bag in cold water.
- Peeling Shrimp: To peel shrimp, pull on the legs, and peel away the shell. Make a shallow cut down the center and rinse the black intestine under cool water.
- Preparation Readiness: This recipe moves quickly. Keep everything close, including seasonings, cubed cream cheese, and shaved Fontina and Parmesan cheese, to avoid overcooking.
- Cheese Shaving: If you can’t find shaved Fontina and Parmesan, shave what you need off a block using a vegetable peeler.
What Should Be The Consistency Of Shrimp Paste?
For a good reason, the topping is referred to as shrimp paste, as it is more accurately described as a paste. This will assist the paste in spreading as well as adhering to the bread in a good manner.
There is a shrimp paste used in our recipe, but it has a little bit of texture. It is enjoyable for me to bite into the little triangles and experience some of the texture of the shrimp. The addition of water chestnuts to the paste mixture is another reason why I enjoy doing so.
I really enjoy the water chestnuts and the shrimp because they both have a teeny-tiny texture that is reminiscent of a little bit of a bite. You may certainly use the food processor to pulverize the shrimp combination until it reaches the consistency of a smooth paste if you are more of a purist.
Some Best Serves With Shrimp Toast!
Managing leftovers
- Cool Down: Allow the shrimp toast to cool to room temperature before storing it to avoid condensation.
- Airtight Container: Place the leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate the container promptly. Shrimp is a seafood, and it’s essential to keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
- Enjoy Within 2 Days: Consume the stored shrimp toast within 2 days for the best taste and texture. After this period, it may not be as crispy.
- Reheat for Crispiness: When ready to eat again, consider reheating in an oven or toaster oven to restore the crispiness. This helps maintain the delightful texture of the shrimp toast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:1 What if I can’t find sesame seeds?
A. While sesame seeds add a nice crunch, you can still make delicious shrimp toast without them. The sesame seeds can be omitted if necessary.
Q:2 Can I make the shrimp paste ahead of time?
A. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp paste a few hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and cook the shrimp toast.
Q:3 Can I use different types of bread?
A. Yes, you can experiment with different bread varieties for a unique twist.
Q:4 What do I do if my shrimp mixture is too moist?
A. You can add a bit more sesame seeds or breadcrumbs to adjust the consistency.
Q:5 Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure it is completely thawed before processing.
