Shrimp Toast (Mandarin)
Description
This classic Chinese dim sum favorite features a delightful contrast of textures: a crunchy, deep-fried bread base topped with a tender, savory shrimp paste. The mixture of fresh shrimp and pork fat creates a rich, gelatinous texture that holds together beautifully when fried. Aromatic ginger and rice wine enhance the seafood flavor, while black sesame seeds add a nutty finish and visual appeal. Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a quick snack, these shrimp toasts are crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. They serve as an excellent introduction to Chinese home-style cooking, offering big flavor in bite-sized portions that are easy to assemble and fry.Ingredients
Directions
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Devein the shrimp, rinse them thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
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Flatten each shrimp with the broad side of a cleaver or knife to make chopping easier.
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Finely chop the shrimp and pork fat together until they form a fine, cohesive paste.
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Place the shrimp paste in a medium bowl.
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Mix the shrimp paste with egg white, rice wine, salt, minced ginger, and cornstarch until well combined.
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Remove the crusts from the white bread slices.
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Cut each bread slice into 4 equal squares.
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Mound 1 rounded teaspoon of the shrimp paste onto each bread square and press gently to adhere.
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Garnish each toast with a pinch of black sesame seeds.
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Heat 6 cups of oil in a wok or deep pot over high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
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Reduce heat to medium to maintain steady temperature.
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Carefully lower the bread squares, shrimp-side down, into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
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Deep-fry 4 or 5 toasts at a time until the edges of the bread turn golden brown, about 1 minute.
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Flip each toast and cook the other side for 30 seconds.
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Remove the toasts from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Repeat the frying process with the remaining bread squares.
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Serve the shrimp toasts hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 20
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 745.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 74.4g115%
- Saturated Fat 11.5g58%
- Cholesterol 25.6mg9%
- Sodium 661.8mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.8g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
- Sugars 1.3g
- Protein 7.5g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For added flavor, sprinkle with white pepper or salt after frying.
If minced ham is available, it can be added to the shrimp paste mixture for extra savory depth.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the toasts to prevent the bread from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy.
White bread works best for this recipe; avoid thick-cut or hearty breads as they may not fry evenly.