• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Spoon Fork BaconSpoon Fork Bacon
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
  • What’s for Dinner?
  • Recipes By Category
  • Most Recent
  • Contact
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes By Category
  • Most Recent
  • What’s for Dinner?
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
  • ×

    Home > Blog > Appetizers > Shrimp Toast

    Shrimp Toast

    by Teri Lyn Fisher · Published: Mar 18, 2022 · Modified: Apr 1, 2022

    Jump to Recipe
    The BEST Shrimp Toast recipe you'll ever taste! Our simple, savory shrimp paste mixture is smeared over slices of bread and pan-fried until soft on top and crisp on the bottom! We serve ours with a sweet-chile sauce for absolute shrimp toast perfection!
    Shrimp toast on a platter with dipping sauce.
    Shrimp toast close up on a platter.
    Shrimp toast freshly pan fried.
    Shrimp toast on a platter with a sweet chili sauce.
    Shrimp toast on a platter with some on a plate.
    Shrimp toast recipe on a platter with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

    Is it just us or is Shrimp Toast highly underrated? Seriously. Why isn’t everyone screaming about the deliciousness of Chinese Shrimp Toast?? It’s probably one of our favorite appetizers and snacks. We know we say that a lot, but you guys, these little bites are truly IT!

    A delicious shrimp paste is smeared over some soft bread and pan-fried to perfection! Pair the little triangles with a sweet-chile sauce and you have yourself a flavor party in your mouth! Our easy shrimp toast recipe highlights the delicious sweet flavor of shrimp and is very addicting!!

    Where Does Shrimp Toast Come From?

    The exact origins of shrimp toast (also called prawn toast) is a little up for debate. Some say it comes from the city of Guangzhou while others say Hong Kong. Throughout the years it has become a staple in Hong Kong as well as western Chinese cuisine, most notably the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

    How to Make Our Recipe for Shrimp Toast

    Process

    SWEET-CHILI SAUCE

    Sweet Chili Sauce ingredients all laid out.
    1. Combine 6 tablespoons water, rice vinegar and sugar into a small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
    2. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and sambal and stir together. Simmer.
    Making sweet chili sauce in a pot.
    Sweet chili sauce in a pot.
    1. In a small bowl, combine remaining water and cornstarch.
    2. Whisk together.
    Cornstarch and water in a bowl to make a slurry for sweet chili sauce.
    Cornstarch and water in a bowl.
    1. Pour slurry into simmering vinegar mixture and stir together. Simmer for 1 minute, until sauce thickens and resembles a thin glaze. Remove from heat and cool.
    Sweet chili sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon.

    SHRIMP TOAST

    Shrimp toast ingredients on a kitchen counter.
    1. Add shrimp paste ingredients into the well of a food processor.
    2. Pulse 6 to 8 times. Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for about 30 seconds. Until a coarse paste has formed.
    Ingredients for shrimp toast in a food processor.
    Shrimp toast paste in a food processor to make shrimp toast.
    1. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture onto each triangle of bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
    2. Repeat until all bread squares have been smeared with shrimp paste.
    Shrimp paste on toast points.
    Shrimp toast ready to be pan fried.
    1. Pour oil into a large pan and place over medium heat. Carefully place half of the triangles of bread, shrimp-side down, and fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
    2. Flip toasts over and fry for an additional 2 minutes.
    Shrimp toast in a skillet pan frying.
    Shrimp toast in a skillet.
    1. Drain on cooling rack or paper towels, before transferring to a platter and serving with sweet-chili sauce.
    Shrimp toast triangles on a drying rack.
    YouTube video

    Watch how easy it is to make our Shrimp Toast Recipe!

    Tools You Will Need

    • cutting board
    • knife
    • measuring spoons
    • dry measuring cups
    • liquid measuring cups
    • food processor
    • small spoon
    • large sauté pan
    • tongs

    Best Texture for the Shrimp Paste

    The topping is called shrimp paste for a reason, as it should really be a paste. This will help the paste spread and adhere onto the bread nicely.

    Our version uses a shrimp paste, but with a bit of texture. I like biting into the little triangles and feeling some of the shrimp texture. This is also why I like adding water chestnuts to the paste mixture. I really like the tiny bits of texture you get from the water chestnuts as well as the bits of shrimp.

    If you’re more of a purest you can definitely blitz the shrimp mixture in the food processor until it is indeed a smooth paste!

    Should the Crust be On or Off?

    Many recipes call for the crust to be removed from the bread before adding the paste, including ours! I really like the evenness of the bread with the crusts removed when toasted and often find leaving the crust on, makes the dish slightly more about the bread than the shrimp, which I don’t like.

    This mostly comes down to personal preference though, so you can either remove the crust or leave them on. It doesn’t make much of a difference, but we all have our preferences. Some people leave it on because it’s a waste of bread to cut it off, but I always turn the crust scraps into homemade breadcrumbs for a lager use – so problem solved there!

    Shrimp toast recipe on a platter with green onions and sesame seeds.

    Common Cooking Methods

    Shrimp Toast is usually deep fried or baked. I don’t love either options and think pan-frying (almost shallow frying) is the way to go. You still get the cooking evenness from pan-frying that you would with deep frying, but with less oil!

    You can also definitely use the air fryer for these with delicious, crispy results! Just set your air fryer to 350˚F, generously spray the bottom of the fryer basket with cooking spray, as well as the top and bottom of each piece of shrimp toast, and air-fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until bread has toasted and shrimp mixture has just cooked through. **If your bread is very soft, leave slices out to air dry for 1 to 3 hours before spreading with shrimp mixture.**

    Should You Use Shrimp or Prawns?

    As I mentioned above shrimp toast is also called prawn toast and was originally made with prawns. They are totally interchangeable in this recipe, so use whichever is more ready available at your local market.

    Also, if you’re curious about the differences between shrimp and prawns I found this great article that breaks down the differences.

    Best Dipping Sauce

    I love our shrimp toast recipe with sweet-chili sauce. I think the sauce perfectly compliments the sweetness of the shrimp, while providing a slight bit of heat that balances all the flavors out. You can easily also serve the shrimp toast with a ponzu sauce or even just some soy sauce on the side. You can also enjoy the shrimp toast with no sauce and it’s still very good.

    Shrimp toast being served as an appetizer.

    More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You Will Love

    • Shrimp Shumai
    • Coconut Shrimp
    • Pork and Shrimp Dumplings
    • Shrimp Scampi Recipe

    Hungry for more?

    Subscribe to never miss a recipe.

    EmailPinTweetShareYummly
    Shrimp toast close up on the platter.

    Shrimp Toast

    5 from 3 votes
    PRINT RECIPE Pin Recipe
    The BEST Shrimp Toast recipe you'll ever taste! Our simple, savory shrimp paste mixture is smeared over slices of bread and pan-fried until soft on top and crisp on the bottom! We serve ours with a sweet-chile sauce for absolute shrimp toast perfection!
    RECIPE BY Teri & Jenny
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 25 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Servings: 5

      INGREDIENTS  

    sweet-chile sauce

    • 1/2 cup water, divided
    • 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 2 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek
    • 1 minced garlic clove
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

    shrimp tost

    • 2 teaspoons peeled and minced ginger
    • 2 minced garlic cloves
    • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and roughly chopped
    • 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
    • 1/3 cup diced water chestnuts
    • 1 egg white
    • 1 thinly sliced green onion
    • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
    • 10 slices milk bread (or white bread) crusts removed and each piece cut into 2 triangles
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
    • 1/2 cup neutral oil

      INSTRUCTIONS  

    sweet chile sauce

    • Place 6 tablespoons water, rice vinegar and sugar into a small pot and bring to a boil, over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and sambal and stir together.
    • In a small bowl combine cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water. Whisk together.
    • Pour cornstarch slurry into pot and stir together. Simmer for 1 minute, until sauce thickens and resembles a thin glaze(sauce will thicken further as it cools). Remove from heat and set aside.

    shrimp toast

    • Add shrimp paste ingredients into the well of a food processor.Pulse 6 to 8 times. Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for about 30 seconds. Until a coarse paste has formed.
    • Pulse 6 to 8 times. Scrape down sides of the bowl and blend for about 30 seconds. Until a coarse paste has formed.
    • Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture onto each triangle of bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
    • Repeat until all bread squares have been smeared with shrimp paste.
    • Pour oil into a large pan and place over medium heat. Carefully place half of the triangles of bread, shrimp-side down, and fry for 3 to 4 minutes.Flip toasts over and fry for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Flip toasts over and fry for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Drain on cooling rack or paper towels, before transferring to a platter and serving with sweet-chili sauce.

      NOTES  

    **4 pieces = 1 serving**
    **Nutritional Information Does Not Include Sauce**
    Best Texture for the Shrimp Paste
    The topping is called shrimp paste for a reason, as it should really be a paste. This will help the paste spread and adhere onto the bread nicely. Our version uses a shrimp paste, but with a bit of texture. I like biting into the little triangles and feeling some of the shrimp texture. This is also why I like adding water chestnuts to the paste mixture. I really like the tiny bits of texture you get from the water chestnuts as well as the bits of shrimp. If you’re more of a purest you can definitely blitz the shrimp mixture in the food processor until it is indeed a smooth paste!
    Common Cooking Methods
    Shrimp Toast is usually deep fried or baked. I don’t love either options and think pan-frying (almost shallow frying) is the way to go. You still get the cooking evenness from pan-frying that you would with deep frying, but with less oil!
    You can also definitely use the air fryer for these with delicious, crispy results! Just set your air fryer to 350˚F, generously spray the bottom of the fryer basket with cooking spray, as well as the top and bottom of each piece of shrimp toast, and air-fry for 4 to 5 minutes or until bread has toasted and shrimp mixture has just cooked through. **If your bread is very soft, leave slices out to air dry for 1 to 3 hours before spreading with shrimp mixture.**
     
    Calories: 405kcal Carbohydrates: 29g Protein: 12g Fat: 27g Saturated Fat: 2g Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g Monounsaturated Fat: 15g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 57mg Sodium: 741mg Potassium: 178mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 3g Vitamin A: 117IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 167mg Iron: 3mg
    CUISINE: Chinese
    KEYWORD: asian appetizers, shrimp toast, sweet chile sauce
    COURSE: Appetizer, Snack

    You Might Also Love...

    • Hawaiian style crispy garlic butter shrimp over white rice.Hawaiian Style Crispy Garlic-Butter Shrimp
    • A platter of shrimp taquitos with lime wedges and creamy chipotle sauce on the side.Shrimp Taquitos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
    • Bowls of shrimp over cheesy corn grits with spoons.Hot Shrimp Over Cheesy Corn Grits

    March 18, 2022 / 28 Comments

    About Teri Lyn Fisher

    Teri Lyn Fisher is half of Spoon Fork Bacon. She is also a food and cosmetics photographer. She is a big fan of hot dogs. #sfbTERI

    Previous Post: < Previous Post Potstickers
    Next Post: Chickpea Salad Sandwich Next Post >

    Reader Interactions

    March 18, 2022 / 28 Comments

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      Did you make this recipe? We want to see!

      tag @SpoonForkBacon and #SpoonForkBacon on Instagram

    1. Brigitte

      June 22, 2022 at 10:34 am

      The shrimp toast look marvelous and I can’t wait to make them! Please tell me what is Sambal Oelek and where I might find it? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        June 22, 2022 at 9:57 pm

        Hi! It’s an Indonesian chili paste. It can be found at most Asian grocery stores as well as most standard grocery stores (in the Asian food section). If you can’t find it, harissa or Chinese chili sauce are good substitutes!

        Reply
    2. Julie

      March 18, 2022 at 10:47 am

      Could you use cooked shrimp?

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        March 18, 2022 at 12:21 pm

        No, I don’t recommend it, as the texture will be tough and rubbery

        Reply
    3. Karingwiz

      July 16, 2012 at 7:14 am

      ok I made these last night and we gobbled them all up so fast. I served with a wonderful mango chilli sause, wow, I need to make this again today!

      I doubled the freshly chopped green onion/scallions and added them to the mix after being pulsed. I left out the cilantro since I didnt have any. Also used white bread which was lightly toasted before going in the oil so that it does not soak up so much oil.

      I assume you can make this with just about any ground meat and a mix of spices as long as the ingrediens are fresh, it will be awesome. Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference!

      I saw another recipe where a toast is also put on the top of the shrimp paste so you end up with a pocket of good stuff which is nice too, but does not present as well.

      Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Amanda

      May 30, 2012 at 4:22 pm

      Thank you!! I’m SO excited!! Can you tell? :) Ever since I tasted that Son of a Gun deliciousness, I’ve been wanting more. And now I can make it at home. You rock. Seriously.

      loveandmoss.blogspot.com

      Reply
    5. Kevin (Closet Cooking)

      May 09, 2012 at 7:01 pm

      I have been wanting to try shrimp toast for so long and it looks so good!

      Reply
    6. Frances @ The Foodess Files

      May 08, 2012 at 9:43 am

      Oh! And also, have you tried the Shrimp Pimp Truck?

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        May 08, 2012 at 9:48 am

        Yes!!! I really like their shrimp ceviche lettuce wraps!

        Reply
    7. Frances @ The Foodess Files

      May 08, 2012 at 9:43 am

      I LOVE Son of a Gun!! Had the best meal there on Christmas Eve, I can’t wait to try these for myself. Any ideas on how to make the Alligator Schnitzel…? ;)

      Reply
    8. Christina

      May 07, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      Goodness gracious, I need this ASAP!

      Reply
    9. Emily (New York, NY)

      April 30, 2012 at 9:01 am

      I have never even heard of shrimp toast but these look so tasty! I like all of the ingredients, so why not give it a try?! Thanks for sharing :)

      Reply
    10. erinn johnson

      April 30, 2012 at 5:10 am

      These look really good. I have to give them a try for an upcoming dinner party.

      Reply
    11. Robin

      April 29, 2012 at 6:17 pm

      Oh my does that look good! What beautiful photography and such delicious recipes. My new go-to blog. Thank you!

      Reply
    12. Chef Connie

      April 29, 2012 at 8:31 am

      I have always loved shrimp toast. I am going to have to make these because I am sure they are much better than in a restaurant.

      Reply
    13. Lea @ iCooklea

      April 28, 2012 at 11:34 pm

      Soooo cute – def trying it as an appetizer for my next party. But what are water chestnuts, and where can i find them?

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        April 29, 2012 at 8:22 am

        You can find water chestnuts in the Asian aisle at most local grocery stores in a small can!

        Reply
    14. Joanne

      April 28, 2012 at 6:47 pm

      Sitting around on a Saturday night watching Willy Wonka with the kids and my 7–yr-old son saw the picture of the shrimp toasts and yelled, “I WANT THOSE! WILL YOU MAKE THEM?” Guess I have to now. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    15. L

      April 28, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      I love these! I’m Vietnamese, and my mother used to occasionally make them. She used to make them for parties at work or with the neighbors, and they would be gone in a minute. I like the idea of adding sesame seeds. Now, I’m craving for some…

      Reply
    16. betronica

      April 28, 2012 at 9:17 am

      These look similar to some dim sum we used to always order when I was kid. Yum.

      Reply
    17. thelittleloaf

      April 28, 2012 at 2:18 am

      I was vegetarian for nearly 10 years and the thing that swayed me back was shrimp toast! I never knew it was so easy to make yourself…this looks absolutely delicious :-)

      Reply
    18. LePetitBohemian

      April 28, 2012 at 12:34 am

      These look amazing. Much better than I remember traditional Chinese restaurant Shrimp Toasts.

      Reply
    19. Katie

      April 27, 2012 at 5:36 pm

      Shrimp Toast Nuggets! YUM! These sound absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to make these for a dinner party.

      Reply
    20. Aaron from The Amused Bouche Blog

      April 27, 2012 at 1:54 pm

      totally weird, and yet totally awesome

      Reply
    21. Averie @ Averie Cooks

      April 27, 2012 at 12:13 pm

      These remind me of something I used to eat at a local Chinese restaurant as a kid…oh the memories. They look delish!

      Reply
    22. Jordan - Queen of LA

      April 27, 2012 at 12:06 pm

      i LOVE the shrimp toast at son of a gun! have you had the chicken sandwich and the lobster rolls there? so delicious.

      im intimidated by frying anything, but these look so good i might need to make them for a dinner shindig!

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        April 27, 2012 at 12:34 pm

        Yes and yes! Both the chicken sandwich and lobster roll are SO good!

        Even if you’re intimidated by frying you should totally make these…super easy! :)

        Reply
    23. Lucy Collins

      April 27, 2012 at 9:50 am

      sounds too good !!!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    HI! WE ARE GLAD YOU'RE HERE!

    Teri and Jenny of Spoon Fork Bacon

    We hope you find something you love in
    our little corner of the internet.
    XOXOXO, Teri + Jenny

    ABOUT US

    As Featured On

    A complication of logos showcasing where Spoon Fork Bacon has been featured. Including delish, today show, cosmopolitan, good morning america, domino, good housekeeping, william sonoma, and country living.

    Asian Inspired

    BBQ

    PORK

    DESSERT

    For Dinner Tonight

    • Cashew chicken recipe in a skillet with rice on the side. Cashew Chicken
    • Air fryer salmon on a platter with lemon. Air Fryer Salmon
    • A collage of our best healthy dinner ideas. The BEST Healthy Dinner Ideas
    • Air fryer chicken tenders with a variety of sauces. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Easy Roast beef recipe, a Christmas Dinner Idea. Easy Roast Beef
    • Creamy gochujang noodles in a bowl. Gochujang Noodles

    Popular Now

    • Chicken and gnocchi soup in a bowl with bread on the side. Chicken Gnocchi Soup
    • Cashew chicken recipe in a skillet with rice on the side. Cashew Chicken
    • Air fryer chicken tenders with a variety of sauces. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Easy crunchy homemade granola recipe on a baking sheet with a spoon. Homemade Granola
    • Turkish eggs or cilibir eggs recipe with a piece of bread in it. Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)
    • Air fryer buffalo wings on a platter being served. Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

    Footer

    As Featured On
    As featured on graphic.

    GET NEW RECIPES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • Twitter
    • TikTok

    All content including images © 2011-2022 Teri Lyn Fisher & Jenny Park. Stealing is bad karma.

    Spoon Fork Bacon contains paid advertising banners and occasionally affiliate links, and sponsored posts.
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sponsored posts are indicated at the start of such posts. All of our opinions are always our own.
    Thank you for supporting our sponsors. It helps us pay to run this site and bring you unique and original recipes.

    Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!