Shrimp toast is a crispy and savory appetizer that fuses golden-fried bread with a flavorful shrimp paste. Originally a Chinese dim sum dish, shrimp toast has gained global popularity for its unbeatable crunch and rich, umami-packed taste. Whether you’re preparing it as a party appetizer, snack, or fusion-style brunch item, this recipe is sure to impress.
Easy to make yet full of restaurant-quality flavor, shrimp toast is a must-try for seafood lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Crispy and Crunchy – Every bite delivers satisfying texture.
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Full of Flavor – The shrimp mixture is savory, aromatic, and delicious.
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Perfect for Parties – Bite-sized, crowd-pleasing, and easy to serve.
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Customizable – Add spices or herbs to make it your own.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and fry just before serving.
What Is Shrimp Toast?
Shrimp toast, also known as “prawn toast,” is a traditional Chinese appetizer that has found its way into Western cuisine through dim sum menus and Asian-fusion restaurants. It involves spreading a seasoned shrimp mixture onto bread slices, then frying or baking until crispy and golden.
The result? A crunchy, savory toast that’s flavorful, fragrant, and irresistible.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to make classic fried shrimp toast:
For the Shrimp Paste:
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8 oz (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 green onion, finely chopped
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1 egg white
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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½ teaspoon grated ginger
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¼ teaspoon white pepper
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Toast:
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4–6 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
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Sesame seeds (optional, for coating)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Garnishes:
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Thinly sliced scallions
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Chili flakes or chili oil
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Dipping sauce (sweet chili, soy, or ponzu)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer
Step-by-Step Instructions for Shrimp Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Paste
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Place shrimp, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, egg white, sesame oil, ginger, pepper, and cornstarch into a food processor.
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Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth, sticky paste.
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Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes (optional, for easier spreading).
Step 2: Prep the Bread
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Trim the crusts off each slice of bread.
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Cut each slice into quarters (triangles or squares work well).
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Lightly toast the bread if you want extra firmness.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
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Spread a generous layer of shrimp paste on one side of each bread piece.
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Press gently to secure the paste.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds over the shrimp side for extra crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Fry or Bake
To Fry:
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Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Carefully place the toast shrimp-side down.
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Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Remove and drain on paper towels.
To Bake:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place toast on a baking sheet, shrimp-side up.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until shrimp is fully cooked and toast is crispy.
Step 5: Serve
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Slice into smaller pieces if needed and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Best Bread for Shrimp Toast
Bread choice matters—it must be sturdy enough to hold the paste and crisp up nicely:
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White sandwich bread – Traditional and easy to work with.
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Brioche or milk bread – For a softer, slightly sweet contrast.
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Sourdough or French bread – For added flavor and crunch.
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Gluten-free bread – Works well if firm and slightly dry.
Avoid breads that are too airy or soft—they can become soggy during cooking.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Shrimp toast pairs well with a variety of sauces. Try:
Sweet Chili Sauce
A sweet and mildly spicy dip that’s perfect for shrimp.
Ponzu Sauce
A citrusy soy-based sauce that balances the richness of fried toast.
Garlic Soy Dipping Sauce
Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil.
Spicy Mayo
Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or chili paste for a creamy, spicy kick.
Variations to Try
Thai-Inspired Shrimp Toast
Add fish sauce, lemongrass, and Thai basil to the shrimp mixture.
Baked Shrimp Toast
For a healthier version, skip the frying and bake in the oven.
Shrimp & Crab Toast
Mix crab meat into the shrimp paste for a more luxurious spread.
Cheese-Topped Shrimp Toast
Add a small sprinkle of shredded mozzarella before baking for a fusion twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead
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You can prepare the shrimp paste 1 day ahead and store it in the fridge.
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Assembled (unfried) toast can be stored in an airtight container for several hours before frying.
Storage
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Cooked shrimp toast should be eaten fresh for best texture.
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You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
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Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
Air Fryer Shrimp Toast
Yes, you can air fry shrimp toast for a healthier version!
How to Do It:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Spray both sides of assembled toast lightly with oil.
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Place shrimp-side up in the air fryer basket.
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Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
It’s a great option for reducing oil while still getting that crisp finish.
Tips for Success
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Use raw shrimp only – Pre-cooked shrimp won’t blend properly.
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Pulse, don’t over-process – You want a paste, not soup.
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Don’t overload the bread – About 1 tablespoon per piece is enough.
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Fry at medium heat – Too hot and it will burn outside while raw inside.
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Drain on paper towels – Keeps the toast from being greasy.
Is Shrimp Toast Healthy?
It depends on how it’s prepared. Here’s a comparison:
Method Calories (per piece) Fat Protein Deep Fried 150–180 High Medium Air Fried 100–120 Low Medium Baked 110–130 Medium Medium
While shrimp toast isn’t exactly low-calorie, it can be part of a balanced meal—especially when baked or air-fried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp toast as:
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Appetizers at parties or holidays
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Dim sum alongside dumplings and bao
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Lunch or light dinner with a cucumber salad
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Brunch dish paired with mimosas or tea
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Cocktail bites at your next gathering
They’re excellent for dipping and sharing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and dry thoroughly before blending.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies to the shrimp paste.
How do I know the shrimp is fully cooked?
The paste turns from translucent to opaque white and becomes firm when fully cooked.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
Finely chop the shrimp with a knife and mix with other ingredients by hand.
Can I use other seafood?
Yes—try combining shrimp with scallops, crab, or even salmon.
Conclusion
Shrimp toast is the perfect fusion of simplicity and indulgence. Crispy, savory, and endlessly versatile, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it. From traditional dim sum trays to modern party platters, this dish deserves a spot in your cooking routine.