Description
Sesame Shrimp Toast is a beloved dim sum appetizer featuring a savory shrimp paste spread on crisp white bread, coated in crunchy sesame seeds, and pan-fried to a golden perfection. This recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Paste
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Bread and Coating
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1/2–3/4 cup sesame seeds (white or a mix of white & black)
- Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Make the shrimp paste: Pulse the raw shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped but not completely smooth. Add the egg white, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and chopped green onion, then pulse again until everything is well combined into a smooth mixture.
- Prepare the bread: Remove crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice diagonally into triangles or into squares if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
- Spread & coat: Spread a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch thick) of the shrimp mixture on one side of each bread piece. Press the shrimp-covered side firmly into the sesame seeds to coat the surface well.
- Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each bread piece shrimp-side down first and fry for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp coating turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for about 1–2 minutes until the bread is crisp and the shrimp is cooked through.
- Drain & serve: Remove the shrimp toast from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with rice vinegar and sesame oil, or chili crisp mixed with honey.
Notes
- Spread the shrimp paste thinly, about 1/4 inch thickness, to ensure even cooking and avoid it being too dense.
- Maintain moderate heat when frying so the shrimp cooks thoroughly without burning the sesame seeds.
- Can be air-fried at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, lightly sprayed with oil first as a healthier alternative to pan-frying.
- Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- For serving, try dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, or chili crisp with honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
