Chinese toast, also known as "Hong Kong-style French toast," is a popular breakfast dish consisting of two slices of bread filled with a sweet and savory egg custard filling. This crispy and indulgent treat is a staple in many Hong Kong-style cafes and is loved by people all over the world. In this article, we will explore the history of Chinese toast, its key ingredients, and easy steps to recreate this delicious dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Egg, Salt, Scallions, Crusts, Bread Crumbs, Oil
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you've probably come across shrimp toast on the appetizer menu. This crispy, savory dish is made with a mixture of shrimp, garlic, and seasonings spread onto slices of bread before being deep-fried to perfection. It's the perfect combination of crunchy and flavorful, making it a go-to choice for many. But did you know that there are countless variations of this dish? In fact, we've rounded up the top 20 shrimp toast recipes for you to try at home.
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Daddy's Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Yellow Onion, Water Chestnuts, Chopped Celery
This first recipe is a classic take on daddy's shrimp toast, a dish that has been passed down for generations in many families. It starts with a simple mixture of shrimp, seasonings, and bread, but the secret ingredient is the addition of oyster sauce. This adds a depth of umami flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Serve it up with some sweet and sour sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
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Sesame Shrimp Toast (prawn Toast)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Prawns, Ground Pork, Pork Mince, White Bread
If you're looking for a shrimp toast recipe with a little twist, try this sesame shrimp toast version. The shrimp mixture is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine for an extra punch of Asian flavors. And of course, the bread is coated with sesame seeds before being fried for a crunchy, nutty taste. It's a simple yet delicious dish that will have you coming back for more.
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Crispy Chinese Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, French Toast, Salt, White Pepper, Sugar, Sesame
If you're a fan of crispy textures, then you'll love this crispy Chinese shrimp toast recipe. The secret to its crunchiness lies in the coating, which is made with cornstarch and egg whites. This creates a light and airy batter that perfectly complements the rich and flavorful shrimp mixture. Serve it up with some spicy mustard for a kick of heat.
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Baked Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Oil, Soy Sauce, Parsley, Minced Garlic, Ginger
For those looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried shrimp toast, this baked shrimp toast recipe is the perfect option. Instead of frying, the bread is brushed with melted butter before being baked in the oven. This creates a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy this classic dish.
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Easy Baked Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimps, Mayonnaise, Butter, Garlic, Scallions, Black
If you're short on time, this easy baked shrimp toast recipe is the perfect solution. It uses pre-cooked shrimp, making the preparation process a breeze. Simply mix the shrimp with mayonnaise, green onions, and soy sauce before spreading it onto slices of bread and baking in the oven. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
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Air Fryer Chinese Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, White Sandwich Bread, Large Egg, Mayonnaise
The air fryer is a great tool for creating crispy and healthy dishes, and this air fryer Chinese shrimp toast recipe is no exception. The shrimp mixture is made with garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory taste. The bread is then air-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy and flavorful dish that will have you reaching for seconds.
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Cajun Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Medium Shrimp, Olive Oil, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Freshly
If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, this Cajun shrimp toast recipe is a must-try. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, giving it a fiery kick. It's then spread onto slices of French bread and baked in the oven for a crispy and flavorful appetizer. Serve it up with some remoulade sauce for a traditional Cajun touch.
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Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Nướng Tôm)
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Chopped Cilantro, Scallion, Shredded Cheese
This next recipe takes inspiration from Vietnamese cuisine, resulting in a unique and delicious Vietnamese shrimp toast. The shrimp mixture is flavored with fish sauce, lemongrass, and sriracha for a burst of Southeast Asian flavors. It's then topped with pickled carrots and cilantro, adding a refreshing and tangy element.
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Shrimp Toast with Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Chinese Black Vinegar
If you're a fan of contrasting flavors, this shrimp toast with sweet and spicy dipping sauce recipe is the perfect choice. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with chili paste, brown sugar, and rice vinegar for a balance of sweet and spicy. Dip the crispy shrimp toast into the sauce for a burst of flavors in every bite.
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Shrimp Toast with Kabayaki Sauce and Yuzu Flavor Pearls
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Egg Whites, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Batter
This next recipe is a fusion of Japanese and Chinese flavors, resulting in a shrimp toast with kabayaki sauce and yuzu flavor pearls. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with soy sauce and mirin before being topped with a drizzle of kabayaki sauce and yuzu flavor pearls. It's a unique and elegant dish that will impress your guests.
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Chef John's Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Water Chestnuts, Cilantro Leaves, Sliced Green
If you're a fan of Food Network, you've probably come across Chef John's recipes. This Chef John's shrimp toast recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cooking challenge. It uses a combination of shrimp, scallops, and lobster for a luxurious and flavorful filling. It's then topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty and crunchy finish.
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Avocado Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Deveined Shrimp, Sourdough Baguette, Cilantro
This next recipe is a twist on the traditional shrimp toast, using avocado as the star ingredient. The mashed avocado is mixed with shrimp, green onions, and lime juice before being spread onto slices of bread and baked in the oven. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any avocado lover.
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Shrimp Toast Nuggets
Main Ingredients: Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Tiger Shrimp, Cilantro, Water
If you're looking for a fun and bite-sized version of shrimp toast, these shrimp toast nuggets are the way to go. The shrimp mixture is formed into small balls and coated with panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to perfection. Serve them up with some sweet chili sauce for a tasty and addictive appetizer.
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Spicy Aleppo Pepper Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sourdough Bread, Neutral Cooking Oil, Yellow
This next recipe is perfect for those who love a good kick of heat. The spicy Aleppo pepper shrimp toast is made with a blend of shrimp, garlic, and Aleppo pepper. This Middle Eastern spice adds a unique and bold flavor to the dish. Top it off with some mint and lemon zest for a refreshing finish.
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Dim Sum Shrimp Toast with Water Chestnuts
Main Ingredients: White Bread, Peeled Deveined Shrimp, Lard, Water
Dim sum lovers, this one's for you. This dim sum shrimp toast with water chestnuts recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves this classic Chinese dish. The shrimp mixture is mixed with water chestnuts for a crunchy and refreshing texture. It's then topped with black sesame seeds for a visually appealing touch.
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Toast Skagen (Swedish Shrimp Toast)
Main Ingredients: Dill, Medium Red Onion, Shrimp, Lemon, Mayonnaise
This next recipe takes inspiration from Scandinavian cuisine, resulting in a unique and flavorful toast Skagen. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with dill, lemon juice, and mayonnaise for a refreshing and tangy taste. It's then topped with caviar for an extra touch of luxury.
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Appetizer - Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Bread, Butter, Thyme, Shrimp, Colby Cheese, Monterey
This simple and straightforward shrimp toast recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy this dish as an appetizer. The shrimp mixture is flavored with garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a delicious and savory filling. Simply spread it onto slices of bread and bake in the oven for a quick and easy appetizer.
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Shrimp Toast with Sweet Chile Sauce
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Ginger, Minced Garlic, Salt, White Pepper
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, this shrimp toast with sweet chili sauce recipe is a must-try. The shrimp mixture is mixed with sweet chili sauce and green onions for a burst of Asian flavors. Top it off with some cilantro for a refreshing and herbaceous touch.
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Spicy Shrimp Toast
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Granulated Sugar, Chile Sauce
Last but not least, this spicy shrimp toast recipe is perfect for those who love a good kick of heat. The shrimp mixture is flavored with sriracha and red pepper flakes for a fiery and flavorful filling. Dip it in some sweet and sour sauce for a balance of flavors and enjoy the spicy goodness.
The History of Chinese Toast
Chinese toast originated in Hong Kong in the 1950s and was heavily influenced by Western-style French toast. However, unlike traditional French toast, Chinese toast is prepared with a unique twist. Instead of simply dipping the bread in egg and frying it, Chinese toast is filled with a rich egg custard and coated in a crispy layer of breadcrumbs before being fried. This technique gives the toast a crunchy exterior and a creamy, custardy center.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for Chinese toast are bread, eggs, milk, and sugar. However, there are many variations of this dish and additional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor. Some popular additions include condensed milk, peanut butter, and coconut milk. For a savory twist, some people also add luncheon meat or ham to the egg custard filling.
One important ingredient to highlight is the type of bread used for Chinese toast. In Hong Kong, a thick and fluffy bread called "Hong Kong-style toast" is typically used. This bread has a slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture, making it perfect for soaking up the egg custard. If you cannot find this type of bread, you can use any thick-sliced bread such as brioche or challah.
How to Make Chinese Toast
Making Chinese toast at home is easier than you may think. The first step is to make the egg custard filling by whisking together eggs, milk, and sugar. Then, cut two slices of bread and spread a layer of your desired filling on one slice. Sandwich the two slices together and dip the entire sandwich into the egg custard mixture. Be sure to coat the bread evenly on both sides to ensure a crispy exterior.
Next, coat the bread in breadcrumbs and fry it in a pan until it turns golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove the toast from the pan and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into halves or quarters. Serve your Chinese toast hot with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
In conclusion, Chinese toast is a delicious and unique twist on traditional French toast. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this popular breakfast dish at home. So why not give it a try and add a touch of Chinese flavor to your breakfast routine?