Shrimp toast, also known as prawn toast, is a popular appetizer that originated in Cantonese cuisine. It is a dim sum staple that has influences from Western culture.
Typically, shrimp toast consists of a fresh shrimp paste infused with fragrant garlic, scallions, and sesame seeds.
The sesame seeds give the snack a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. The paste is then slathered on white bread, which is fried to a crisp golden brown. Shrimp toast can now be found on menus in other Asian countries and even across the globe.
TikToker Herman (@hermanathome) is sharing his recipe for shrimp toast inspired by the traditional dish.
Here’s what you need to do to make the delicacy for yourself.
Toast Ingredients:
- 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 scallion
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 8 pieces of white bread
- A dash of white pepper
Spicy Mayo Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of kewpie mayo
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil
- A pinch of salt

Directions:
Start by using a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. Smash the shrimp with the back of a knife and mince finely until you create a paste. You could also use a food processor to chop the shrimp. Next, mince the garlic clove and the green part of the scallion stalk.
In a bowl, add the minced shrimp, scallions, garlic, salt, sugar, white pepper, egg white, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is combined well. The mixture should be moist and easily spreadable.
Afterward, trim the crusts from the bread slices. Apply a quarter of the shrimp paste to a piece of bread, making sure to spread evenly. Cover it with another piece of bread.
You can use a butter knife to smooth the edges of the bread, so the shrimp does not fall out of the sides. Repeat the process with the remaining bread and shrimp paste.
Finally, cook them in an air fryer for six minutes on each side at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The total cooking time should be 12 minutes.
You can also fry them in a large cast-iron or other skillet. In that case, fry them for about two to three minutes on each side. The air fryer just helps make them less oily. Serve with the spicy mayo, and enjoy!
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