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Shrimp Toast

These iconic Chinese American appetizers are easy to make at home by shallow frying triangles of white bread topped with sesame-seed-studded shrimp paste. They have a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, shrimpy center.

Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 16 toasts
Calories: 123 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

For the shrimp toast
  • 3 scallions roughly chopped, more for serving
  • 10 sprigs cilantro more for serving
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger peeled
  • 10 ounces Shrimp roughly shopped
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine optional
  • 4 slices white sandwich bread
  • 1/2 cup white sesame seeds or a mix of white and black sesame seeds
For frying
  • 2 cups neutral oil such as vegetable or canola
For serving
  • Sweet and sour sauce or sweet chilli sauce whichever you prefer

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the scallions, cilantro, garlic, and ginger in a blender or mini-chop and blitz until finely chopped.
  2. Add the shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine, if using, to the mini-chop and blitz until a paste forms.
  3. Scoop the mixture into a medium bowl.
  4. Spread 1/4 of the shrimp paste over each slice of bread. Make sure to spread the paste right to the edges to seal the toast. Carefully cut each slice into quarters on the diagonal.
  5. Pour the sesame seeds onto a small plate. Gingerly press the shrimp side of the bread into the seeds, making sure the sauce is completely covered.
  6. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (176°C) on a thermometer.
  7. Using a spatula, carefully lower several triangles of shrimp toast into the oil, shrimp side down. Fry for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, flip, and cook on the other side until golden brown, 1 minute more. Transfer the shrimp toast to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Transfer to a rack.
  8. Repeat with the remaining shrimp toast, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches.
  9. Serve the shrimp toast with thinly sliced scallions, a few springs of cilantro, and your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Easier cleanup--Soak or rinse your blender or mini-chop immediately after using. The mixture is very sticky and difficult to clean once it begins to dry.
  • Make ahead of time--To make these ahead of time, prepare the shrimp toast recipe through step 5, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to fry.
  • Removing the crusts--If you choose to cut off the crust, do so before spreading on the prawn paste.
  • Storage and reheating--These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1toast Calories 123kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0.03g Cholesterol 22mg (7%) Sodium 207mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 0.4g (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16toasts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 123

% Daily Value*

Serving 1toast
Calories 123kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 207mg 9%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 0.4g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.