Chef John's Shrimp Toast

These savory shrimp toasts are a fantastic appetizer for a cocktail party. While virtually unknown compared to most other popular fried party snacks, they're easy to make and every bit as delicious, and addictive, as those Buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 mins
• Total Time: 24 mins
• Calories: 212 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 egg white
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 anchovy filet
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste
• ½ pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup diced water chestnuts
• ½ cup finely sliced green onions, plus more for garnish if desired
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
• 4 thick slices white bread

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place shrimp, water chestnuts, cilantro leaves, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, anchovy filet, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, egg white, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times; scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until mixture is well blended and reaches a paste consistency, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to blend the flavors, about 1 hour.

Step 2

Very lightly toast bread slices. Trim crusts from bread. Spread shrimp paste onto bread in an equal thickness as the bread. Cut slices in half and then diagonally into diamond shapes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 3

Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When oil is hot, add bread slices, paste-side down, and fry until crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or warm garnished with additional sliced green onions.