Sesame Shrimp Toast (also known as Prawn Toast) is more than just a dish for me—it’s a taste of home and a deep connection to my heritage, lovingly passed down from my parents.
Growing up, this was a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that always brought smiles to the table. It's famous in Hong Kong, where it's cherished for its perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Each bite is full of crispy goodness from the toasted bread and so flavorful from the shrimp paste filling.
While this dish is typically deep-fried, I prefer air frying because you get the same crispiness but without all the oil. Regardless, you will enjoy this dish no matter what!
Why You've Love This Sesame Shrimp Toast Recipe
What I love most about shrimp toast is the contrast between the crispy, golden bread and the rich, savory shrimp filling. The shrimp is delicately seasoned with hints of garlic, sesame oil, and scallions, creating a flavor that is comforting and satisfying.
When air-fried to perfection, the toast becomes this incredible, crunchy bite that holds onto the shrimp’s savory juices without losing its crispiness.
Ingredients
For the Sesame Shrimp Toast:
- Shrimp: Tender and sweet, they make the perfect filling. Make sure to clean, peel, and de-vein the shrimp.
- Salt & White Pepper: Enhances flavor with a subtle kick.
- Sugar: Helps balances the savory and sweet notes.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the shrimp filling.
- Scallion: Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor to the shrimp filling
- Sesame Seed: Adds a nutty crunch.
- Egg White: Helps bind the shrimp filling together.
- Corn Starch: Ensures a perfect texture.
- White Bread: Crisps up beautifully and serves as the perfect exterior. I like to cut off the crust so you just get the white bread for this toast.
For the Spicy Mayo:
- Kewpie Mayo: I prefer the Japanese version of the mayo because it is creamy with a touch of sweetness.
- Sriracha: Adds a bit of spice and kick to the mayo. Feel free to adjust to your spice level.
- Sugar: Helps balance the heat and tang.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma to the sauce.
How to Make Sesame Shrimp Toast
Prepare the shrimp paste
Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Smash with the back of a knife, then mince until it forms a paste. (Alternatively, pulse in a food processor until smooth.)
Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp paste, salt, white pepper, sugar, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, egg white, and corn starch.
Mix well until fully incorporated.
Assemble the sandwiches
Trim the crusts from all bread slices. Spread about ¼ of the shrimp mixture onto one slice of bread and top with another slice to form a sandwich.
Use a butter knife to smooth and seal the edges. Repeat with remaining bread and filling.
Air fry the toast
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place shrimp sandwiches in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
Air fry for 6 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve
Serve hot with spicy mayo or dipping sauce of your choice.
Storage
I recommend eating this sesame shrimp toast right away but it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day or frozen for up to 2 weeks.
When reheating, toast in the oven or air fryer for a few mins.
Sesame Shrimp Toast
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Shrimp Toast
- 1 pound peeled deveined shrimp
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 green onions green part only, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 8 pieces white bread
- Oil liquid or spray
Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup kewpie mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce adjust to your taste
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Smash shrimp with the back of your knife and mince finely until you get a paste. (Or use a food processor to whip the shrimp).
- In a bowl, add minced shrimp, salt, white pepper, sugar, garlic, scallions, sesame seeds, egg white, and corn starch and mix until well incorporated.
- Trim all the crust from white bread. Add one fourth of the shrimp paste to the bread and spread evenly. Cover with another piece of white bread. Use a butter knife to smooth the edges so shrimp doesn’t fall out. Repeat with remaining bread and shrimp paste.
- Brush or spray the top and bottom pieces of bread with oil. Air Fry at 375F for 6 mins on each side (12 mins total) without overcrowding (batch cook if needed). Serve with spicy mayo sauce. If deep frying, fry on each side for 2-3 mins until golden brown and shrimp is cooked through.
Susan says
I couldn’t believe how amazing this recipe turned out. My kids love it!
Herman says
so glad you and the kids loved it, thank you!