Baked Shrimp Toast Recipe

Shrimp toast is one of those appetizers that sounds fancy, tastes restaurant-worthy, and yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’ve had it at a dim sum brunch, an Asian-fusion bistro, or a tapas-style dinner, shrimp toast is always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ No deep frying required

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• ✅ Crispy, creamy, savory, and satisfying

• ✅ Comes together in 30 minutes or less

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• ✅ Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight snacks

• ✅ Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

Whether you’re serving this as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick lunch with a salad, this shrimp toast will wow everyone who tries it.

What Is Shrimp Toast?

Shrimp toast (or prawn toast) is traditionally a Cantonese appetizer made by spreading a shrimp paste over bread, then deep frying it until golden and crispy. It’s crunchy on the outside, creamy and savory inside—a texture and flavor bomb.

In this version, we’re updating the classic with:

• A quick shrimp spread made in a food processor

• Toasted bread for crunch without frying

• Optional cheese for fusion flair

• Baking, not frying—for a lighter, easier version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor or blender

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or foil

• Spatula or butter knife

• Optional: cookie cutter or knife for shaping the toast

How to Make Baked Shrimp Toast

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lightly grease it or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Remove the crusts from the bread slices if you’re using sandwich bread, or slice your baguette into ½-inch thick rounds.

💡 Pro tip: Want bite-sized appetizers? Cut sandwich bread diagonally into triangles or squares before topping.

Step 2: Make the Shrimp Mixture

In a food processor, add:

• Raw shrimp

• Mayonnaise

• Soy sauce

• Sesame oil

• Garlic

• Green onion

• Ginger

• Pepper

• Sugar

• (Optional) egg white

Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and slightly sticky but not pureed into a paste. It should be spreadable but still a little chunky for texture.

Don’t have a food processor? You can finely chop everything by hand—just takes a bit more elbow grease.

Step 3: Assemble the Toasts

Spread a generous spoonful of the shrimp mixture onto each bread slice. Make sure it’s evenly coated and pressed into the bread so it adheres well.

If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle a little over each one. Add sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.

Place the assembled toasts shrimp-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked (it will turn opaque and firm) and the tops are lightly browned. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly.

Want extra crisp edges? Switch on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a tiny squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Serve warm and crispy—preferably with a cold drink and people who will rave about your cooking.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Toast

• Use fresh shrimp: Frozen shrimp is fine too—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before blending.

• Avoid soggy toast: Don’t overload the bread with the mixture, and toast them shrimp-side up only.

• Use crusty bread for crunch: French baguette or ciabatta works beautifully.

• Add a kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeño or chili paste for spicy shrimp toast.

• Batch it out: This recipe doubles easily for parties and gatherings.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable depending on your mood or pantry.

🧀 Cheesy Shrimp Toast

Add shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack to the shrimp mix or top before baking. The cheese gets bubbly and golden—perfect for fans of comfort food.

🌿 Herb & Lemon Twist

Add chopped dill, parsley, or basil to the mix. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the toast before serving for a fresh Mediterranean touch.

🌶 Spicy Thai Style

Mix in a spoonful of Thai sweet chili sauce or sriracha into the shrimp mixture. Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

🧄 Garlic Butter Toast

Brush bread slices with garlic butter before topping with shrimp for an extra punch of flavor.

Serving Ideas

Shrimp toast is endlessly versatile. Serve it as:

• A party appetizer with a spicy dipping sauce

• A starter for an Asian-inspired dinner

• A fun lunch with a salad and iced tea

• A snack board addition with dumplings, spring rolls, and pickled veggies

You can also cut them into mini bites for elegant canapé-style servings.

Dipping Sauces to Try

Take your shrimp toast to the next level with one of these sauces:

• Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayo + sriracha + lime juice

• Garlic Soy Sauce Dip: Soy sauce + rice vinegar + garlic + sesame oil

• Sweet Chili Sauce: A classic pairing that adds both sweetness and heat

• Wasabi Mayo: A little wasabi paste + mayo for a zingy finish

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead Tips

• The shrimp mixture can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

• Assemble the toasts and keep them on a tray in the fridge until ready to bake.

Leftovers

• Store baked shrimp toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked assembled shrimp toasts on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.

• To bake from frozen: Add 3–5 extra minutes to baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use cooked shrimp?

You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Raw shrimp blends into a smoother, fluffier paste and holds together better on toast.

❓ Can I air fry shrimp toast?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden. Don’t overcrowd the basket.

❓ Can I use another protein?

Absolutely! Try this with canned crab, minced chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

❓ What if I don’t have mayo?

You can sub with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp toast may sound like something you can only get at a fancy brunch or tucked-away dim sum joint, but once you try this baked version, you’ll realize how easy and accessible it is to recreate at home.