Shrimp Toast
Shrimp toast, also referred to as prawn toast, is a renowned Cantonese dish that merges Chinese traditions with Western influences. Initially originating from the Guangdong Province in China, it has spread across various Asian countries and around the world. Recently, the dish has seen a resurgence, with contemporary versions popping up in restaurants, transforming it from a traditional snack into a trendy appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 scallions chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
- ½ pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup white sesame seeds
- 4 slices of white sandwich bread
- 1½ to 2 cups neutral oil such as canola or vegetable, for shallow frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Paste
- Begin by placing the scallions, garlic, and cilantro into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add about two-thirds of the shrimp, along with the egg white, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Continue pulsing until a coarse paste forms, ensuring everything is well combined. Transfer the paste to a medium-sized bowl. Chop the remaining shrimp into small, ¼-inch pieces, and mix them into the paste. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring it remains moist and spreadable.
- Prepare the Bread
- Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over each slice of bread, making sure to cover the surface completely. Once the bread is coated, place sesame seeds on a flat plate. Gently press each slice of bread, shrimp-side down, into the sesame seeds, ensuring that the seeds adhere well. Transfer the bread to a cutting board, sesame side up, and cut each slice diagonally into four triangles.
- Fry the Toasts
- In a large skillet, preferably cast-iron, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium heat until it shimmers. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is properly heated. Working in batches, place the bread triangles shrimp-side down into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and crispy underneath. Flip each toast and continue frying for an additional 1½ to 2 minutes, until the shrimp is fully cooked and the bread is crisp. Once done, transfer the toasts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Repeat the frying process for the remaining shrimp toasts. Serve the toasts warm for the best flavor and texture.