Sesame Shrimp Toast Squares

Sesame shrimp toast squares are my answer to party cravings and weeknight appetizer requests. They are crispy, full of savory flavor, and never last more than a few minutes around my table. The creamy shrimp filling and golden sesame coating make for a bite that is both nostalgic and irresistible. These toasts come together much faster than you might think and they disappear even quicker.

I remember the first time I made these shrimp toasts for my book club. Everyone ended up asking for the recipe and debated who could take the last piece. Now I double the batch every single time.

Ingredients

• White sandwich bread: This forms a soft yet crisp base and fries up beautifully. Use fresh or day-old bread without large holes.
• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen both work, just be sure to thaw if frozen. The shrimp should smell clean and ocean-fresh for best flavor.
• Green onion: Adds mild sweetness and color to the filling. Choose firm, bright green stalks.
• Egg white: Binds the shrimp mixture together for a silky texture. Use fresh eggs for thicker whites.
• Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic brings sharpness and aroma.
• Soy sauce: Salty depth and umami. Just a touch is all you need. Look for naturally brewed varieties without extra sweeteners.
• Sesame oil: Adds nutty warmth to the filling. Toasted sesame oil brings the best flavor. Pick one that smells rich and fragrant.
• Fresh ginger: Sharpens flavors and brightens the mixture. Grate just what you need for optimal freshness.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors. Opt for fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Sesame seeds: Create the signature crunch and nutty finish. Use hulled sesame seeds for a more even coat.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oils like canola or sunflower give you a crisp crust without competing flavors.
• Optional chopped chives: For garnish and a hit of freshness. Snip right before serving for best green color.

Instructions

Make the Shrimp Mixture:

Pulse shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg white, salt, and pepper in a food processor until mostly smooth with a little bit of texture left. Small pieces of shrimp make every bite juicy. You want a thick, spreadable paste starting to form, but do not overprocess into a purée.

Spread and Stack:

Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the shrimp mixture over five of the slices, reaching all the way to the edges. Top each with a second slice of bread and press gently for a snug sandwich. These will hold their shape better when frying.

Cut and Coat:

Cut each sandwich into four equal squares. Use a sharp chef’s knife to avoid pressing too hard. Brush the tops lightly with water to help sesame seeds stick. Dip each top into a plate of sesame seeds and press down so you get a dense, even coating that will fry up perfectly.

Fry Until Golden:

Pour about one inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet. Heat over medium until shimmering but not smoking. Test by dropping in a small bread corner; it should sizzle. Fry your toast squares sesame side down in batches, about two minutes per side. Use tongs to flip when the bottom turns deep golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and let cool slightly.

Serve with a Dip:

Arrange the shrimp toasts on a serving plate. Sprinkle with chives or extra green onion. Serve alongside a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar. Serve piping hot for best texture and flavor.

I always look forward to the moment when I sprinkle on the sesame seeds. The aroma as they hit the hot oil brings back memories of late-night Chinatown takeout runs with friends. The sesame topping makes this more than just another shrimp toast — it is the signature crunch everyone fights over.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp toasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain crisp for a day, but reheat them in a 350 degree oven for about ten minutes to get them really crunchy again. Avoid microwaving since it softens the coating too much. If you want to make them ahead, prep through the sandwich step then fry only when you are ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not eat shrimp, try chopped scallops or even white fish like cod. For vegetarians, mashed chickpeas seasoned well can make a surprisingly tasty filling. Gluten free bread or whole grain bread can be used; just adjust frying time since crusts may brown faster.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these as an app at cocktail parties, cut into triangles or sticks for a twist. Pair them with a big green salad or a simple cucumber salad and make a fun finger food dinner. My kids like them with ketchup but I prefer the zing of sweet chili sauce.

Cultural and Historical Context

Shrimp toast is a Hong Kong dim sum classic that has become beloved in Chinese restaurants worldwide. Its crunch and comfort are perfect for gatherings and are often found in Asian inspired party spreads. The American party version typically uses white bread for its soft bite and quick frying time. You will often see regional versions that use spices from Southeast Asia or even mayonnaise in the filling.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to lighten the filling. During the holidays, put a pinch of Chinese five spice in the shrimp paste for a festive twist. To make it heartier, layer in a thin slice of avocado under the shrimp paste before stacking.

Success Stories

This is the appetizer my family requests most for birthdays and game nights. Even my pickiest nephew asks for extra helpings every single time. You know something works when the only complaint is that you did not make enough.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze assembled uncooked shrimp sandwiches for up to a month. Just wrap tightly in plastic and place in a zip top bag. When ready to fry, let them thaw slightly, coat with sesame seeds, and fry as usual. They turn out as crisp and savory as fresh and come in handy for last minute parties.

Sesame shrimp toast squares never disappoint. Their golden crunch and nutty aroma are sure to bring smiles to any gathering.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve an ultra-crispy toast?

Ensuring the bread is coated with sesame seeds and frying sesame side down first at the right temperature helps achieve a crispy, golden texture.

→ Can you use different types of bread?

White sandwich bread is traditional, but brioche or sourdough can also be used for a unique twist and additional flavor.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, or soy-vinegar dips complement the savory shrimp filling perfectly.

→ Are other seafood options suitable?

Peeled, deveined shrimp provide classic flavor, but finely chopped crab or fish can be a creative variation.

→ Best serving time for shrimp toast squares?

Serve immediately after frying for maximum crispness and bold, fresh flavors.