Shrimp Toast
Shrimp toast is both a popular dim sum item and Chinese take-out appetizer. Essentially, it's a well seasoned shrimp sandwich with really crispy bread. They are traditionally deep fried but we're also sharing an air fried alternative to make it healthier and easier to make. Shrimp toasts make perfect appetizers for gatherings along with egg rolls and crab rangoons!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 8 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 8 ounces shrimps (peeled and deveined)
- 1 ounce pork fat (minced)
- 2 stalks green onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon msg (optional)
- 4 slices white bread (regular or Texas toast)
- Oil for frying (or oil spray for air frying)
Instructions
- 1
Make the filling:Mince up the shrimps by first smacking it with the flat side of a cleaver. Once all the shrimps are flattened, chop up the shrimps. Then add the minced pork fat chop and chop everything back and forth until the shrimps are minced and starts to look kind of pasty. Fold the mixture a couple of times so that it's well incorporated.You can also complete this step using a food processor. If using a food processor, cut the pork fat into smaller chunks first then blend it in the processor until minced. Next, add the shrimps and pulse it until a minced, pasty mixture forms. You may need to scrape down the sides occasionally.
- 2
To the shrimp mixture, add the sliced green onions and all the seasonings. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is pasty and tacky.
- 3
Assemble:Divide the shrimp filling evenly and spread it onto a slice of white bread. We recommend using something with a straight edge, like the back of a butterknife or an offset spatula. Place another slice of bread on top and press down gently but firmly to adhere.If air frying, cut the bread into quarters before spreading the shrimp filling. Feel free to cut them into squares or diagonally into triangles.
- 4
Fry method:To fry, preheat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (176°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp toast into the oil. Fry the shrimp toast for about 4 minutes on each side. The bread should be a nice even brown and the filling in the center should register at least 140°F (60°C). Remove the shrimp toast and let it drain on a wire rack, standing up. Repeat with remaining.*Make sure to maintain the oil temperature between 325°F (162°C) and 350°F (176°C). If the oil is too hot, the bread will become too dark too fast.*
- 5
Air fryer method:To air fry, spray both sides of the shrimp toasts and arrange them in the air fryer, making sure they are in a single layer, no overcrowding, and have at least a finger size gap between each other. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping midway through, until the bread is golden brown and the filling inside registers at least 140°F (60°C)
- 6
Enjoy:For the fried shrimp toasts, cut them into halves or into quarters. Let the shrimp toast cool a moment and enjoy as is or with a side of sweet chili sauce.