Description
Sesame Shrimp Toast is a popular dim sum appetizer featuring a savory shrimp paste spread over bite-sized pieces of bread, coated in crunchy sesame seeds, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. This flavorful dish combines tender shrimp with aromatic ginger and green onion, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for serving as a party snack or appetizer.
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
Toast & Coating
- 8 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 1/2–3/4 cup sesame seeds (white or mix of white & black)
For Frying
- Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola), about 1/2 inch depth
Instructions
- Make the shrimp paste: Pulse the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor until finely chopped but not entirely smooth. Add the egg white, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and finely chopped green onion, then pulse again to combine into a cohesive paste.
- Prepare the bread: Remove crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice diagonally into triangles or squares for smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Spread & coat: Spread a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch thick) of the shrimp paste onto one side of each bread piece. Then, press the shrimp-covered side into the sesame seeds thoroughly so they adhere well, forming a crunchy coating.
- Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of neutral oil (vegetable or canola) in a skillet over medium heat. Place the bread pieces shrimp-side down first and fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is golden and cooked through. Flip and fry the other side for another 1-2 minutes until the bread is crisp and golden brown.
- Drain & serve: Remove the toasted shrimp from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with optional dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar and a few drops of sesame oil, or chili crisp with a splash of honey.
Notes
- Spread shrimp paste to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure proper cooking and crispiness without sogginess.
- Maintain moderate heat during frying to cook the shrimp thoroughly without burning the sesame seeds.
- For a lighter alternative, air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, lightly spraying pieces with oil before cooking.
- Dipping sauces complement the toast—try sweet chili sauce or soy sauce blends.
- Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying to avoid overpowering flavors.
