How to Make Perfect Shrimp Toast Step-by-Step

Shrimp toast is a delicious and popular appetizer found on many Chinese restaurant menus. This crispy snack featuring a shrimp and vegetable filling enveloped in crispy, fried bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will walk through the entire process of making shrimp toast at home, from ingredients to frying, so you can recreate this tasty treat in your own kitchen

Overview of Shrimp Toast

Shrimp toast, sometimes called shrimp crackers or prawn toast, consists of small triangles of bread that have been spread with a paste made from shrimp, aromatics like scallions and ginger, and binders like egg whites and cornstarch. The coated bread triangles are then fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a crunchy outside enveloping a flavorful interior packing the taste of shrimp and complementary seasonings.

This dish likely originated from the fusion of Chinese and American cuisine. The use of a shrimp paste filling represents Chinese flavors while the frying of bread triangles follows more Western culinary traditions. Shrimp toast has become a staple appetizer at many North American Chinese restaurants. Once you learn how to prepare it at home you may never have to order takeout shrimp toast again!

Benefits of Making Your Own

There are several advantages to making your own shrimp toast rather than buying it from a restaurant:

• Control ingredients: By making it yourself, you can control exactly what goes into the filling. This allows you to avoid unwanted ingredients and tweak flavors to your taste.

• Adjust spice level: Tailor the seasoning to your desired level of heat and flavor punch.

• Cost savings: You can prepare shrimp toast for a fraction of takeout prices.

• Freshness: Homemade shrimp toast is piping hot and extra crispy when you fry and eat it fresh.

• Customize shapes: Cut the bread into fun shapes like circles, stars, or rectangles before frying.

• Experiment with bread: Try different types of bread like potato, sourdough, or whole wheat.

• Recipe versatility: The filling can also be used in other appetizers like dumplings or potstickers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect shrimp toast right in your own kitchen:

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 4 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 slices sandwich bread
• 1⁄2 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola oil)

Prepare the Filling

1. If you want a smooth texture, pulse the shrimp in a food processor until it forms a paste, about 1 minute. For a more varied, chunky texture, finely chop the shrimp by hand with a sharp knife.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the processed or chopped shrimp, egg white, soy sauce, scallions, cornstarch, cilantro, sesame oil, and garlic until well-combined.

Prepare the Bread

1. Remove the crusts from the bread and slice each piece of bread into 4 equal triangles.

2. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp filling evenly over one side of each triangle.

3. (Optional) Dip the shrimp-coated side of each piece into the toasted sesame seeds to coat. Gently press them so they adhere.

Fry the Toast

1. Heat 1⁄2 inch of oil in a skillet or wok to 325°F.

2. Working in batches, add the shrimp toast triangles to the hot oil, shrimp-side down. Fry until the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Flip and fry the other side for 1 minute.

4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.

6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Toast

• Cut an even thickness on the bread slices so they cook evenly.

• Use potato or milk bread for superior frying results.

• Add a touch of sugar to the filling to balance flavors.

• Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temp.

• Let oil reheat between batches for best texture.

• Fry just long enough to reach desired crispness without burning.

• Blot fried toast on paper towels to remove excess grease.

• Keep cooked shrimp toast in a warm oven until ready to serve if not eating immediately.

Get Creative with Shrimp Toast

Once you master the classic recipe, get creative by trying fun new variations:

• Use different breads like rye, sourdough, or whole grain.

• Form the filling into patties or balls and fry shrimp cakes.

• Stuff the shrimp mixture into dumplings or potstickers.

• Add other vegetables to the filling like carrot, water chestnut, bamboo shoot, or mushroom.

• Sprinkle with furikake, Old Bay seasoning, or other spice blends.

• Serve with dipping sauces like plum, ponzu, sriracha mayo, or sweet chili.

• Skewer them into colorful shrimp toast pops.

• Make little shrimp toast sandwiches with vegetables.

With a simple list of ingredients and easy frying method, shrimp toast makes an accessible intro to cooking Chinese appetizers at home. This versatile dish also allows for lots of creativity and customization once you master the basics. Impress guests and add some fun fusion flavor to your next meal with homemade shrimp toast.