Get ready to fall head over heels for Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast, an irresistible fusion appetizer that blends ultra-crispy bread with juicy, flavorful shrimp. This classic treat is a crunchy golden delight—perfect for parties, snacks, or whenever that fried comfort food craving strikes. Every bite bursts with the unmistakable savor of shrimp, light aromatics, and toasty sesame, making it the showstopper of any spread. Whether you’re new to shrimp toast or reliving fond bites from your favorite Korean Chinese restaurant, this recipe will absolutely win your heart.

Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bringing this dish to life only takes a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a starring role in taste and texture. From sweet, plump shrimp to crisp bread and aromatic seasonings, the magic comes to life with the simplest pantry staples.

White sandwich bread: Go for classic white bread—soft and fluffy to fry up light and crisp, perfect for soaking in all that flavor.
Raw shrimp (½ pound, peeled and deveined): The hero of Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast; use fresh or thawed, high-quality shrimp for sweet, springy bites.
Egg white: This binds the shrimp mixture into a smooth, creamy, spreadable paste.
Green onions, finely chopped: Delivers freshness and a gentle onion kick in every mouthful.
Garlic (minced): A touch of garlic brings subtle depth and makes the aroma irresistible.
Ginger (minced): Fresh ginger lights up the shrimp with warm, peppery zest.
Soy sauce: Adds the necessary layer of umami and salt to balance the filling.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle rounds out the mixture with toasty, nutty notes.
Sugar: A little sweetness heightens every savory and aromatic flavor here.
White pepper: Lends mild, fragrant heat distinct from black pepper.
Cornstarch: Helps bind everything together for the softest, fluffiest texture.
Mayonnaise (optional): A secret for extra creamy shrimp spread if you want to go the indulgent route.
White sesame seeds (for topping): For that authentic finish—these toast up beautifully as they fry!
Oil (for frying): Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut, for crisp results.

How to Make Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

Start by pulsing the raw shrimp in a food processor until you achieve a rough, sticky paste. This is the soul of your Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast—the creamy, springy base that will fry up beautifully. Add the egg white, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic and ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, cornstarch, and mayonnaise if you’re using it. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. You want it to be thick enough to spread generously but not so loose that it’ll slide off your bread.

Step 2: Spread and Top

Lay out your sliced white bread (make sure you’ve removed the crusts for that restaurant-style finish). Using a butter knife or offset spatula, spread a thick, even layer of the shrimp mixture on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle the top generously with white sesame seeds and gently press them in with your fingers—this step is what gives each piece its signature look and a bit of extra crunch.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about half an inch of oil into a deep skillet or pan and heat over medium. To tell when it’s ready, drop in a small breadcrumb—it should sizzle right away. Gently place the bread into the hot oil, shrimp side down. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp topping is just set and golden, then flip and quickly fry the plain bread side for another minute or so. This double-sided cooking guarantees crispness without drying things out. Once beautifully golden, lift the toasts onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

While still warm, slice each shrimp toast into halves or quarters for easy sharing and snacking. They’re at their absolute best straight out of the pan—steaming hot, shatteringly crisp, and begging to be dunked in sauce. Serve with a sweet chili dip or soy vinegar sauce for an epic flavor pop!

How to Serve Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast

Garnishes

Dress up your Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast with a sprinkle of extra green onions, cilantro, or a little fresh chili for color and brightness. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a fresh zing that cuts through the richness—just a quick squeeze wakes up every flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these crunchy treats with light, refreshing side dishes like simple cucumber salad, pickled radishes, or an Asian slaw. A bowl of hot-and-sour soup or a cool glass noodle salad transforms shrimp toast into a full meal with tons of texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow-factor, arrange your toasts on a platter with dipping sauces in tiny bowls. Stack slices in a fan shape around a colorful garnish centerpiece, or skewer smaller triangles for cocktail-party bites. If you want to lean into the fusion theme, serve right alongside Korean fried chicken for an unforgettable starter course!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast (it’s rare, but it does happen!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to maintain some crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze shrimp toast either before or after frying. For best results, arrange the uncooked, shrimp-topped bread slices on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time. Leftovers that have been cooked can also be frozen, but won’t be quite as crispy when reheated.

Reheating

To revive your Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until piping hot and re-crisped. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and the shrimp chewy.

FAQs

Can I make Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast ahead of time?

Absolutely! The shrimp paste can be prepared and chilled a day in advance, and the assembled toasts can be sliced and frozen before frying. This makes it even easier to fry up fresh, crisp snacks whenever you’re ready to serve.

What kind of bread is best?

Soft white sandwich bread is traditional for Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast because it fries up exceptionally light and airy, but you can play around with milk bread or even bakery-style pullman loaves for an extra touch of richness.

Is there a substitute for egg white?

If you need to skip the egg white, try a tablespoon of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a binding substitute. It won’t alter the taste, and you’ll still have a wonderfully smooth paste.

Can I bake rather than fry my shrimp toast?

Yes, you can bake the assembled toasts in a 400°F (200°C) oven on a wire rack for 12–15 minutes until crisp and golden. They won’t be quite as shatteringly crisp as the fried version but will still satisfy that craving for Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast flavor.

What dipping sauces go well with shrimp toast?

Sweet chili sauce is a classic partner for Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast, but you can also try a soy-and-vinegar dip, spicy Sriracha mayo, or a tangy citrus ponzu. Each brings a different personality to your plate!

Final Thoughts

Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast is one of those magical appetizers that draws everyone to the table—simple to make, endlessly shareable, and mouthwateringly good. Whether you’re serving them for a celebration or just treating yourself, these crispy shrimp bites will always deliver. Go ahead, fry up a platter and watch them disappear!