If you have a craving for a crispy, savory snack that bursts with bright, fresh flavors, you are going to love this Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe. This beloved dim sum classic transforms simple ingredients into a golden, crunchy delight topped with a luscious shrimp mixture that’s both juicy and aromatic. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will quickly make it a staple in your appetizer rotation, impressing friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential, coming together to create that irresistible blend of texture, flavor, and color that defines Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe. Each element plays a distinct role: from the fresh shrimp that carry the main flavor to the aromatics and the crisp bread that provide contrast and balance.
- 8 ounces raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp offer a fresh, sweet seafood base that’s perfectly tender when cooked.
- 4 scallions: Thinly sliced scallions add a mild oniony sharpness and a pop of green color.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic infuses the mixture with a warm, fragrant depth that accentuates the shrimp.
- 1 egg white: Acts as a binder, holding the shrimp mixture firmly together while helping it crisp up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Brings a zesty, bright spice that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the shrimp mixture and contributes to a crunchy texture.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma, enriching every bite with subtle complexity.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances natural sweetness.
- 6 slices white sandwich bread: The crisp crust is removed for tenderness, and triangles are perfect for frying and dipping.
- ½ cup sesame seeds (optional): Coating the shrimp side in seeds adds a beautiful crunch and nutty flavor twist.
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil: For frying, creating that golden, crispy exterior you crave.
- Thai sweet chili sauce (optional): The perfect sweet and spicy companion for dipping if you want an extra flavor kick.
How to Make Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by combining your shrimp, scallions, garlic, egg white, soy sauce, ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and salt in a food processor. Pulse just enough so the shrimp is finely chopped but not pureed, maintaining a nice texture that will get wonderfully juicy when cooked. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry—mince the shrimp finely by hand and mix everything thoroughly in a bowl. This step ensures your shrimp toasts will have that perfect balance of freshness and stickiness to hold onto the bread.
Step 2: Spread and Coat the Bread
Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice, right to the edges, ensuring every bite is filled with that delicious topping. If you want to take it up a notch, dip the shrimp-covered side into sesame seeds to coat. This adds a beautiful crunch and a touch of nuttiness, but it’s also lovely without to suit all tastes.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Getting your oil to the right temperature is key for that crisp outer crust without burning.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp Toast Triangles
Carefully place the shrimp-side down triangles in the hot oil in batches. Fry until the bottom and edges turn a glorious golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. If you notice them getting too dark too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Flip each triangle over and cook for an additional minute to crisp up the bread side. This makes sure every side is perfectly cooked and crunchy.
Step 5: Drain and Serve Warm
Once cooked, transfer the toasts to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining triangles, adding more oil as needed. Serve your Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe warm, accompanied by Thai sweet chili sauce if you enjoy a sweet-spicy contrast.
How to Serve Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your shrimp toast with thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal note and an inviting color contrast. A dash of toasted sesame seeds on top can boost both crunch and visual appeal, elevating an already exceptional appetizer.
Side Dishes
Pairing Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe with light Asian-inspired sides like a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables balances the rich, fried texture. Steamed greens or a bowl of hot miso soup can turn your snack into a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these as mini sliders with a dab of spicy mayo or avocado spread underneath the shrimp mixture before frying. Another lively idea is skewering multiple triangles on bamboo sticks, making them perfect bite-sized party treats that guests can enjoy on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, place parchment paper between layers and avoid stacking too many pieces to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, flash freeze the uncooked shrimp-covered bread triangles on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. This way, you can fry fresh batches anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness without drying out the shrimp topping. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw for Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe?
It’s best to use raw shrimp because they blend better into the mixture, giving a fresher texture and flavor after frying. Cooked shrimp might result in a denser, less cohesive topping.
What bread works best for this recipe?
White sandwich bread with the crusts removed is traditional because it crisps up nicely and provides a neutral backdrop that highlights the shrimp topping. You can experiment with other soft breads but avoid dense or crusty types that won’t crisp evenly.
Is it necessary to use a food processor?
While a food processor makes quick work of chopping shrimp and mixing ingredients evenly, finely mincing by hand works just as well. It might take more time but offers excellent control over texture.
Can I bake Shrimp Toast instead of frying?
Baking is a healthier option, but it won’t achieve quite the same golden crispiness. If baking, consider brushing the toasts with a bit of oil and baking at a high temperature to mimic the fried texture.
What dipping sauces pair well with Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe?
Thai sweet chili sauce is a classic choice that complements the savory shrimp beautifully. You can also try soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy ponzu for an exciting flavor punch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe at home. It’s a dish that invites conversation, delight, and a little bit of indulgence with every crispy, flavorful bite. Whether you’re serving it as a stunning appetizer or a fun snack, this recipe is sure to brighten any gathering. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create one of the most satisfying, golden bites in your culinary repertoire!
PrintShrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) Recipe
Shrimp Toast (Haa Dō Si 蝦多士) is a popular Asian appetizer featuring a savory shrimp mixture layered on crispy fried bread triangles. This recipe combines fresh shrimp, aromatic scallions, ginger, and garlic, bound with egg white and flavored with soy sauce and sesame oil, then fried to golden perfection. Served with optional Thai sweet chili sauce, these shrimp toasts deliver a delightful crispy texture and rich umami flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 8 ounces raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, preferably wild shrimp)
- 4 scallions (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Toast and Coating
- 6 slices white sandwich bread (crusts removed, cut diagonally into 12 triangles)
- ½ cup sesame seeds (optional)
For Frying
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil (or as needed)
Serving
- Thai sweet chili sauce (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture: Combine shrimp, scallions, garlic, egg white, soy sauce, ginger, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse about 10 to 15 times until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. Scrape down the sides as needed. If a food processor is not available, mince shrimp finely with a knife and mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Assemble Shrimp Toasts: Evenly spread the shrimp mixture over one side of each bread slice, covering all the way to the edges. If desired, dip the shrimp-coated side into sesame seeds to create a coated layer. You may choose to coat half the toasts with sesame seeds for variety.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottom nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the Shrimp Toasts: Carefully place the bread triangles shrimp-side down in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom and edges turn golden brown. If browning occurs too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Flip each toast and fry the other side for approximately 1 minute until golden and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried shrimp toasts and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat frying with remaining toasts, adding more oil to the skillet if needed. Serve warm, accompanied by Thai sweet chili sauce if desired.
Notes
- Using wild shrimp enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the dish.
- Removing crusts from the bread helps achieve an even frying and tender bite.
- The egg white acts as a binder, ensuring the shrimp mixture adheres well to the bread.
- For a healthier version, consider shallow frying to reduce oil absorption.
- Thai sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and spicy contrast, but the toasts are delicious on their own.
- If you prefer, you can mix half the shrimp toasts with sesame seeds and half without for texture variety.
