Description
Discover the irresistible charm of Shrimp Toast, a crispy and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines minced shrimp with aromatic herbs and seasonings, spread over toasted bread, and then fried to golden perfection. The delightful contrast of crunchy texture and savory filling makes it a new favorite appetizer that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Mixture
- 1/2 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Pork Fat (optional for richness)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro (can substitute with parsley)
- 2 Scallions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (binds the mixture)
- 1 Egg White (acts as a binder)
Other Ingredients
- 4 slices White Sandwich Bread (alternative: croutons or crusts)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Vegetable Oil (enough for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: Finely chop the peeled and deveined shrimp, or pulse in a food processor until coarsely ground. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with pork fat (if using), chopped cilantro, finely chopped scallions, grated ginger, sesame oil, sugar, salt, cornstarch, and egg white. Mix thoroughly until well combined and sticky enough to hold its shape.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Trim the crusts from the white sandwich bread if desired, then cut the slices into halves or quarters to create 4 to 8 pieces. Lightly toast the bread pieces or leave them untoasted based on preference.
- Assemble Shrimp Toasts: Spread a generous layer of the shrimp mixture onto one side of each bread piece, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Press the toasted sesame seeds onto the shrimp topping to coat it thoroughly for added texture and flavor.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of bread sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the Shrimp Toasts: Carefully place the shrimp-topped bread pieces, shrimp side down, into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp coating turns golden brown and crisp. Then flip and fry the bread side for another 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the shrimp toast warm as an appetizer or party snack. It pairs well with dipping sauces like soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a tangy vinegar-based dip.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Pork fat adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- You can substitute cilantro with parsley if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially salt and sugar balance.
- Make sure oil is hot enough to prevent the shrimp toast from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispiness; leftovers can be reheated in an oven to regain crunch.
