Crispy Shrimp Toast Recipe

Shrimp Toast is the perfect way to turn leftover sandwich bread into something crispy, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Originating in Hong Kong, this East-meets-West fusion dish pairs Cantonese-style shrimp paste with Western-style sandwich bread. It’s a popular item at dim sum and afternoon tea restaurants and is easy to recreate at home with this step-by-step recipe.

Shrimp Toast Recipe

Serving: 12
Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 10 minutes

For the sweet and sour dipping sauce:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
5 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

For the shrimp paste:
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 egg whites
½ teaspoon minced ginger
5 tablespoons cilantro stems

For the bread:
6 slices sandwich bread
2 egg yolks, whisked
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
4 cups avocado oil, for frying

Shrimp Toast Instructions

1. Make the dipping sauce:

1. 1. • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
      • Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
      • Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the shrimp paste:

1. 1. • In a mixing bowl, add the minced shrimp, salt, white pepper, sesame oil, cornstarch, egg whites, ginger, and cilantro stems.
      • Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste forms.

3. Assemble the shrimp toast:

1. 1. • Trim the crusts off the sandwich bread slices. Cut each slice diagonally into two triangles.
      • Spread a generous layer of shrimp paste onto one side of each bread triangle.
      • Brush both sides of the toast with whisked egg yolk.
      • Press both sides into breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

4. Fry the shrimp toast:

1. 1. • Heat the avocado oil in a deep pan over high heat to 325°F (163°C).
      • Carefully add the shrimp toast, shrimp-side down first, and fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
      • Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Serve:

1. 1. • Serve hot with the sweet and sour dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & notes

1. 1. • Oil temperature: Use a thermometer for accurate frying. Too hot and the toast will brown before the shrimp cooks; too cool and it’ll turn greasy.
      • Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the shrimp toasts ahead of time and freeze them. Fry straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time.
      • Serving idea: Shrimp toast pairs beautifully with tea or cocktails for a party snack or appetizer.