The first time I savored the delightful crunch of Sesame Shrimp Toast, I was hooked. Picture this: soft bread enveloped in a crispy, golden shell that, upon the first bite, reveals a savory shrimp filling bursting with flavor. This dish often graces family gatherings and dim sum outings, carrying the essence of warmth and togetherness in every mouthful.
By embracing the air fryer, I’ve transformed this iconic Hong Kong favorite into a healthier rendition that doesn’t sacrifice any of its beloved crispiness. Imagine enjoying this time-honored delicacy right at home, effortlessly whipping it up with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a surprise treat for guests, these crispy delights will become your go-to recipe as you pave the way towards home-cooked goodness that beats fast food any day. Let’s dive in and bring a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine to your table!
Why is Sesame Shrimp Toast a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: This air-fried version of the classic dish captures all the beloved savory notes while staying light and crispy.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll be whipping these up in no time, impressing family and friends effortlessly.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Say goodbye to greasy deep-frying; air-frying gives you all the crunch without the excess oil!
Versatile Twist: Adjust the filling to your taste; substitute shrimp with crab or create a vegetarian delight for any gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual dinner or special occasion, these tasty toasts are sure to garner compliments and requests for seconds!
Sesame Shrimp Toast Ingredients
For the Filling
• Shrimp – Use peeled, deveined shrimp for ease in creating that luscious filling.
• Salt – A pinch enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust for your palate.
• White Pepper – Offers a subtle heat; can be swapped for black pepper if needed.
• Sugar – Balances the savory and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Garlic – Freshly minced adds aromatic depth; steer clear of garlic powder for best results.
• Scallion – Finely minced green parts lend a refreshing crunch to the mix.
• Sesame Seeds – These provide a delightful texture and nutty flavor; poppy seeds make a tasty alternative.
• Egg White – Acts as a binding agent, ensuring your shrimp mixture holds together beautifully.
• Corn Starch – Essential for achieving that irresistible crispy texture; arrowroot powder works as a substitute.
For the Base
• White Bread – Trimmed crusts ensure a soft, tender base for your toast.
• Oil – Used for brushing or spraying to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
For the Dipping Sauce
• Kewpie Mayo – This richer mayonnaise base elevates your dipping experience.
• Sriracha Sauce – Adjust heat levels to your liking in this zesty dipping sauce.
• Lemon Juice – A splash of acidity brightens the mayo and balances the flavors.
• Sesame Oil – Adding this gives a depth that perfectly complements the shrimp toast.
With these Sesame Shrimp Toast ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a scrumptious home-cooked delight that will surely impress!
How to Make Sesame Shrimp Toast
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Prep Shrimp Paste: Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, smash and mince the shrimp into a fine paste, ensuring its delicious flavor shines through.
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Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the shrimp paste with salt, white pepper, sugar, minced garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, egg white, and corn starch. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.
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Assemble Toast: Trim the crusts from the slices of bread. Spread ¼ of the shrimp mixture on one slice, place another slice on top, and press the edges to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled sandwiches in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip them over, and air fry for another 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Enjoy your Sesame Shrimp Toast immediately while they’re hot and crispy, preferably paired with your homemade spicy mayo or another dipping sauce of your choice.
Optional: Garnish with extra sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sesame Shrimp Toast
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Shrimp Quality: Choose fresh and high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp works too; just make sure to thaw properly before use.
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Avoid Too Much Filling: Don’t overstuff the shrimp mixture; a thin layer allows for even cooking and keeps the toast crispy.
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Air Fryer Capacity: Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches leads to better airflow and crispy texture for your sesame shrimp toast.
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Flavor Adjustment: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add herbs or spices like ginger or chili flakes in the shrimp mixture for a personal twist.
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Serve Immediately: For the best experience, enjoy the sesame shrimp toast fresh out of the air fryer. If storing, reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
What to Serve with Sesame Shrimp Toast?
Looking to create a well-rounded meal to complement the crispy, savory delight of your sesame shrimp toast?
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Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side, with its crisp and cool texture, perfectly balances the crunchiness of the toast and brings a lightness to your plate. A zesty dressing enhances the flavors beautifully.
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Pickled Vegetables: Adding a tangy crunch, pickled veggies offer a delightful contrast to the richness of the shrimp filling. Their acidity cleanses the palate, making each bite of toast even more enjoyable.
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Steamed Broccoli: This simple and nutritious side provides a vibrant pop of color and textures, along with a mild earthiness that complements the shrimp toast well. Drizzle it with a little sesame oil for extra flavor.
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Fried Rice: A plate of fluffy fried rice pairs delightfully with sesame shrimp toast, enhancing the meal with heartiness and savory notes. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
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Wonton Soup: A warm bowl of wonton soup adds comforting flavors and a soothing broth, creating a satisfying meal combo. The gentle savory notes in the soup harmonize with the crunchy toast perfectly.
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Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce: Don’t forget to serve with more of that zesty spicy mayo for dipping! It’s an incredible flavor enhancer that elevates the toast and invites indulgence with every bite.
How to Store and Freeze Sesame Shrimp Toast
Fridge: Keep any leftover Sesame Shrimp Toast in an airtight container for up to 1 day. To maintain crispiness, it’s best to eat them fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, uncooked sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen toast in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring they crisp back up beautifully.
Cooking in Batches: If you have leftover cooked toast, reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to retain that delightful crunch.
Sesame Shrimp Toast Variations
Feel free to customize this delightful dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Crab Substitute: Replace shrimp with finely chopped crab or lobster for a luxurious, ocean-inspired twist.
The sweet, delicate flavors of crab elevate the toast, making it a true seafood lover’s delight. -
Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for finely minced mushrooms and tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
These ingredients offer an earthy flavor and satisfying texture that everyone can enjoy. -
Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the shrimp paste for an aromatic lift.
The vibrant herbaceous notes create a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. -
Heat Boost: Add a dash of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chilies to the shrimp mixture for an extra kick.
Spicy lovers will appreciate this fiery enhancement, making each bite sizzle with flavor. -
Different Breads: Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, to switch up the taste.
Each bread variety brings its unique texture and flavor to this classic dish. -
Nutty Twist: Incorporate crushed peanuts or cashews into the shrimp filling for added crunch and nuttiness.
This delightful addition not only enhances flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast. -
Cheesy Indulgence: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before adding the shrimp paste for creaminess.
This decadent addition provides a rich, creamy element that makes the toast even more irresistible. -
Citrus Zing: Mix a splash of lime or orange juice into the dip for a refreshing citrus kick.
Paired with the savory toast, it amplifies the flavors and brightens the overall dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Sesame Shrimp Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the shrimp filling up to 24 hours in advance by combining the shrimp mixture (including salt, white pepper, sugar, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, egg white, and corn starch) in an airtight container and refrigerating it. Additionally, you can assemble the entire shrimp toast sandwiches, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, simply pop them in the air fryer directly from the fridge when you’re ready to cook, air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 6 minutes on each side. This way, you’ll have restaurant-quality snacks with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Sesame Shrimp Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the best flavor in my Sesame Shrimp Toast?
I recommend using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the most delicious results. If using frozen shrimp, ensure you thaw it completely and pat it dry before making your paste. This guarantees a flavorful filling without excess moisture that could affect the crispiness.
How should I store leftover Sesame Shrimp Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For the best texture, I suggest enjoying them fresh. If you do have to store them, reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to help restore their crispy exterior.
Can you freeze uncooked Sesame Shrimp Toast? How?
Absolutely! Wrap each assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 weeks in the freezer. When you’re ready to cook them, just pop them straight into the air fryer without thawing and cook for about 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
How can I troubleshoot if my Sesame Shrimp Toast is not crispy enough?
If your toast isn’t coming out as crispy as you’d like, check whether you’ve overcrowded the air fryer basket; this can trap steam and hinder crispiness. Also, make sure you’re using enough corn starch in your shrimp mixture, as it plays a key role in achieving that delightful crunch. Flip the toast halfway through the cooking process for even cooking as well.
Is there a way to adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread instead of traditional white bread. If you need a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp with finely minced mushrooms and tofu. Make sure the dipping sauce ingredients are also aligned with any dietary restrictions you might have.
How long does cooked Sesame Shrimp Toast last in the fridge?
Cooked Sesame Shrimp Toast is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just keep them in an airtight container, but remember, they might lose some of that beautiful crunch! Reheat in the air fryer to regain some crispness.
Crispy Sesame Shrimp Toast You Can Air-Fry at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, smash and mince the shrimp into a fine paste, ensuring its delicious flavor shines through.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp paste with salt, white pepper, sugar, minced garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, egg white, and corn starch. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.
- Trim the crusts from the slices of bread. Spread ¼ of the shrimp mixture on one slice, place another slice on top, and press the edges to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled sandwiches in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip them over, and air fry for another 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Enjoy your Sesame Shrimp Toast immediately while they're hot and crispy, preferably paired with your homemade spicy mayo or another dipping sauce of your choice.