Description
Savory Shrimp Toast is a beloved Chinese takeout classic made easy at home. This recipe features a flavorful shrimp paste spread on sandwich bread, generously topped with toasted sesame seeds, then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Ready in just 25 minutes, these crispy shrimp triangles make a perfect appetizer or snack that combines fresh herbs, aromatic ginger, and toasted sesame oil for a delightful bite every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Paste
- 2 tablespoons Pork Fat (optional for a lighter version)
- 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (or parsley for a milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons Scallions (or chives as alternative)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (fresh ginger preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted for stronger flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (can replace with honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (or flour as substitute)
- 1 large Egg White (flax egg for vegan option)
Bread & Topping
- 4 slices Sandwich Bread (fresh white, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds (or pumpkin seeds as substitute)
Cooking
- Vegetable Oil (about 1/8 inch for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp paste: In a food processor, blend the pork fat (if using) until smooth. Add the shrimp, cilantro, scallions, ginger, toasted sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Process the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Assemble the shrimp toast: Spread the shrimp paste evenly on each of the 4 slices of fresh sandwich bread. Then sprinkle the tops generously with toasted sesame seeds, pressing them gently into the paste to ensure they stick well.
- Slice the bread: Carefully slice each piece diagonally into quarters, creating small triangular shrimp toasts that are perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers.
- Heat for frying: In a large skillet, pour about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the shrimp toasts: Place the shrimp toast triangles shrimp-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and crispy. Flip each piece and cook the other side for about 1 minute to warm through and crisp up the bread.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked shrimp toasts from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy these crispy shrimp toasts hot for the best flavor and texture, perfect as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Pork fat adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Parsley can substitute cilantro for a milder herbal flavor.
- Chives work as an alternative to scallions for a subtle onion taste.
- Use flax egg as a vegan substitute for egg white.
- To reduce oil absorption, maintain medium heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Gluten-free bread can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- If sesame seeds are unavailable, pumpkin seeds make a good crunchy substitute.
