30-Minute Crispy Shrimp Toast with Sesame Seeds
Golden-fried bread triangles topped with a smooth shrimp paste and toasted sesame seeds. This Chinese-inspired appetizer delivers contrasting textures: crispy exterior, tender bread interior, and a savory shrimp filling with bright notes of cilantro and ginger. Serve at parties, dim sum meals, or casual gatherings as a showstopping starter. This version achieves maximum crispness through double-sided frying and even sesame seed coverage.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 whole green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 whole egg white
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 slices white bread, crusts removed
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Combine shrimp, green onions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt in a food processor.
- 2
Puree until mixture forms a smooth paste.
- 3
Spread shrimp paste over each bread slice, extending to all edges.
- 4
Sprinkle sesame seeds over paste, patting firmly so they adhere.
- 5
Heat oil to 350 F.
- 6
Working in batches, fry bread plain-side down for 2 minutes.
- 7
Flip and fry shrimp-side down for 2 minutes.
- 8
Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- 9
Slice each piece diagonally.
- 10
Serve with soy sauce or condiments.
Tips
Pat shrimp paste smooth with a wet spatula or knife for even coverage and better sesame seed adhesion.
Maintain oil temperature at 350 F with a thermometer; too hot burns seeds, too cool yields soggy bread.
Freeze assembled shrimp toast up to 2 hours before frying for cleaner, more intact pieces.
Good to Know
Refrigerate uncooked shrimp toast covered for up to 4 hours before frying. Store cooked toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days; reheat in a 350 F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
Assemble shrimp toast and refrigerate on a parchment-lined baking sheet up to 8 hours ahead. Fry just before serving for maximum crispness.
Arrange on a platter with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or sriracha mayo for dipping. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Common Mistakes
Do not overfill the pan when frying to avoid temperature drop and uneven cooking.
Do not skip the paper towel draining step to avoid greasy, soggy toast.
Do not press sesame seeds too hard or they will sink into soft paste; pat gently instead.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make the shrimp paste ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the puree up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Spread on bread and assemble with sesame seeds no more than 8 hours before frying for best texture.
What if I don't have a food processor?
Mince shrimp very finely with a knife, then combine with other ingredients and mash with a fork or the back of a spoon until a spreadable paste forms. Results are slightly grainier but still delicious.
How long will cooked shrimp toast keep?
Eat immediately for peak crispness. Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350 F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness; microwaving will soften them.