Crafting these shrimp toasts is a delightful journey from mixing a fragrant garlic and ginger-infused shrimp paste to frying it to crispy perfection. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the contrast between the rich, savory topping and the crunchy bread, making it a hit at any gathering or just as a treat for yourself.
I take great pleasure in making shrimp toast, which turns out as a delicious, crunchy variety. Its tender shrimp filling means that this toast can pack a wallop of flavor.
I sandwich between two slices of crusty bread a mixture of shrimp and finely chopped herbs—lots of green onion, a little garlic, and some fresh ginger—that is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. I use egg whites to help bind the mixture and to give the toast a nice shine after frying.
Topped with sesame seeds, this toast is golden and gorgeous.
Shrimp Toast Recipe Ingredients
- Shrimp: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health.
- Garlic: Offers immune-boosting properties and adds a pungent, savory aroma to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor; a source of sodium and rich, Asian-inspired taste.
- Sesame Oil: Rich in healthy fats and adds a nutty aroma, enhancing depth of flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a spicy warmth and is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Egg White: Low-calorie protein source that helps bind ingredients together.
Shrimp Toast Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
How to Make this Shrimp Toast Recipe
1. In a food processor, combine the shrimp, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, egg white, and cornstarch. Process until the mixture is smooth and forms a paste.
A food processor is a good cooking tool for making pastes. Its width and height give it the means to process large batches while its serrated blade gives it the necessary power to quickly chop and grind. Its capabilities and size make it a perfect cooking tool choice for using when making pastes.
2. Ensure that the shrimp paste is spread evenly onto each slice of white bread, so that it covers the entire surface.
3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet, up to about 1/2 inch deep, and heat over medium heat until hot.
4. Place each slice of bread, coated with shrimp, carefully in the heated oil, with the shrimp side down. Fry until they turn a golden brown color, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
5. Toast the bread on one side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip the bread and toast the other side until just as brown, also about 2 minutes.
6. Take the shrimp toasts out of the skillet and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
7. Garnish the toasted bread slices with the green onion and sesame seeds.
8. Let cool a bit, then cut each piece into triangles or squares for serving.
9. Display the shrimp toast in an attractive manner on the platter.
10. Serve right away while it is hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Shrimp Toast Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Food processor
2. Large skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Plate lined with paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Platter for serving
FAQ
- Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Yes, but make sure they are completely thawed and dry before you use them. Any moisture will lead to too wet or too much moisture in the food.
- Q: What can I substitute for white bread?A: Any soft bread will work—brioche or sandwich bread—but the crust must be off.
- Q: Is it possible to bake instead of fry?Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown, but frying gives them that classic texture.
- Q: Can I add other ingredients to the shrimp mixture?Of course! Think about including finely chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers for an added crunch.
- Q: How do I ensure the shrimp mixture sticks to the toast?A: Press the mixture firmly onto the bread and ensure it’s spread evenly to avoid falling off while frying.
- Q: What dipping sauce pairs well with shrimp toast?A simple, soy sauce-based dip or sweet chili sauce complements shrimp toast nicely.
Shrimp Toast Recipe Substitutions and Variations
1 tablespoon tamari (gluten-free soy sauce alternative)
1 teaspoon olive oil (using olive oil instead of sesame oil results in a more neutral flavor)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for convenience, in place of minced garlic)
1 teaspoon ground ginger (if fresh grated ginger isn’t available)
Four slices of whole wheat bread (as a substitute for white bread for increased fiber)
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Shrimp Mixture: Before spreading the shrimp paste on the bread, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will help firm up the mixture, making it easier to spread, and it will also enhance the flavors.
2. Use Day-Old Bread: For better texture and to prevent the bread from becoming soggy, use day-old bread. It will absorb less oil and will stay crisp longer when fried.
3. Control Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp toast will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Maintain a medium heat to ensure even cooking.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the toasts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy shrimp toasts. This will also make flipping and removing toasts easier.
5. Experiment with Garnishes: Besides green onions and sesame seeds, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or a squeeze of lime juice on top for an extra kick and a hint of freshness.
Shrimp Toast Recipe
My favorite Shrimp Toast Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Food processor
2. Large skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Plate lined with paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Platter for serving
Ingredients:
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the shrimp, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, egg white, and cornstarch. Process until the mixture is smooth and forms a paste.
A food processor is a good cooking tool for making pastes. Its width and height give it the means to process large batches while its serrated blade gives it the necessary power to quickly chop and grind. Its capabilities and size make it a perfect cooking tool choice for using when making pastes.
2. Ensure that the shrimp paste is spread evenly onto each slice of white bread, so that it covers the entire surface.
3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet, up to about 1/2 inch deep, and heat over medium heat until hot.
4. Place each slice of bread, coated with shrimp, carefully in the heated oil, with the shrimp side down. Fry until they turn a golden brown color, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
5. Toast the bread on one side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip the bread and toast the other side until just as brown, also about 2 minutes.
6. Take the shrimp toasts out of the skillet and put them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
7. Garnish the toasted bread slices with the green onion and sesame seeds.
8. Let cool a bit, then cut each piece into triangles or squares for serving.
9. Display the shrimp toast in an attractive manner on the platter.
10. Serve right away while it is hot and crispy for the best taste and texture.
