Crispy Sesame Shrimp Toast
Golden, crispy Sesame Shrimp Toast loaded with a savory shrimp paste and fried to perfection, this classic Chinese Shrimp Toast Recipe is the easiest way to impress a crowd.
Why This Sesame Shrimp Toast Recipe Never Fails
There is a reason Shrimp Toast shows up on nearly every dim sum cart and Chinese American restaurant appetizer menu. It is crunchy, savory, a little sweet from the shrimp, and endlessly snackable. This version of Cajun Shrimp Toast's more classic cousin, Sesame Shrimp Toast, sticks close to tradition: a bouncy, well seasoned shrimp paste pressed onto bread, coated in sesame seeds, and fried until deeply golden. It sounds fancy, but it comes together with a food processor and a skillet, no special equipment required.
If you have only ever ordered Shrimp Toast Appetizers at a restaurant, get ready to be a little surprised at how simple the technique actually is once you break it down step by step.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good food processor gives you that ideal coarse, springy shrimp texture instead of a mushy puree, and a reliable kitchen thermometer keeps your frying oil at the correct temperature so the toasts crisp up instead of turning greasy.
The Secret to a Bouncy Shrimp Topping
The texture of the shrimp paste is what separates a good Shrimp Toast from a great one. You want it chunky enough to have bite, but sticky enough to hold together and cling to the bread. A quick pulse in the food processor, rather than a long blend, gets you there. Mixing in a bit of cornstarch and egg white also helps the paste stay light and bouncy rather than dense.
Chef's Tip: Chop your shrimp by hand into small pieces first if you do not have a food processor. A knife gives you more control over the texture than a blender, which can quickly turn shrimp into a paste with no bite left at all.
Slightly stale bread is another small detail that makes a big difference. Fresh, soft bread soaks up oil like a sponge, while bread that has dried out a bit for a day holds its structure and fries up wonderfully crisp.
Frying for Maximum Crunch
This Easy Shrimp Toast method relies on one key technique: frying shrimp side down first. This sets and lightly caramelizes the shrimp topping before you flip to crisp up the bread. Keeping your oil steady at 350 degrees F is essential, too hot and the sesame seeds burn before the shrimp cooks through, too cool and the toast turns oily instead of crisp.
Work in small batches so the oil temperature does not drop, and always drain the finished toasts on paper towels to keep that Crispy Shrimp Toast texture intact.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Crispy Sesame Shrimp Toast
Golden, crispy Sesame Shrimp Toast loaded with a savory shrimp paste and fried to perfection, this classic Chinese Shrimp Toast Recipe is the easiest way to impress a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- 6 white bread slices, slightly stale, crusts removed
- 1 large egg white
- 1 scallion, finely minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp white pepper, or black pepper as a substitute
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/8 cup sesame seeds, white, or a mix of white and black
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instruction
In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until it forms a coarse, slightly chunky paste. Avoid pureeing it completely, a little texture is what gives the topping its bite.
Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl and add the egg white, scallion, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and slightly sticky.
Lay the bread slices out on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the shrimp mixture onto each slice, pressing gently so it adheres all the way to the edges.
Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate. Press the shrimp side of each toast into the seeds firmly so they stick in an even layer.
Cut each slice diagonally into two triangles, or into quarters for smaller bite sized pieces.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Fry the toasts shrimp side down first for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden, then flip and fry the bread side for another 1 to 2 minutes until crisp and deep golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with sweet chili sauce or a soy dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Deep skillet or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen thermometer
- Paper towels
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Shrimp Toast is best served hot, straight from the oil, cut into triangles or quarters for easy sharing. A few ways to round out the platter:
- Pair with a sweet chili sauce or a simple soy and rice vinegar dip
- Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or extra scallions for freshness
- Serve alongside other appetizers like dumplings or spring rolls for a full spread
Feeling adventurous? Swap in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend for a fun Cajun Shrimp Toast twist, or fold in a little shredded cheese into the shrimp mixture for a rich Cheesy Shrimp Toast Recipe that leans more indulgent. Some cooks even use puff pastry instead of bread for a flakier, Shrimp Wellington inspired take on the concept.
However you serve it, this Shrimp Toast Recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples and a little patience with the frying oil can turn out something genuinely restaurant quality at home.
