This Texas shrimp toast combines the vibrant flavors of the South. It offers a unique and satisfying crunch with tomatillo, sweet cornmeal fried shrimp, and tangy cilantro tartar sauce. These elements make it an instant standout. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

FEATURED STANDOUT

Shrimp 

The cornerstone of this dish, the shrimp is meticulously coated in cornmeal, a classic Southern technique that guarantees an incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior. This ensures a delightful contrast to the succulent interior of the shrimp, elevating each bite.

Texas Toast 

The choice of Texas Toast is no accident. Its substantial thickness and inherent buttery flavor provide the ideal foundation for holding the generous toppings without becoming soggy. It’s designed to be a sturdy yet delicious vehicle for the shrimp and sauce.

Cilantro Tartar Sauce 

This homemade tartar sauce isn’t your average condiment. Infused with fresh cilantro, it offers a vibrant, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the shrimp and toast. Its creamy texture and bright, tangy notes tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Tomatillo

A unique addition, the tomatillo brings a layer of complex flavor. The tomatillo mimics a juicy tomato it provide ripe freshness. That surprisingly tart and sweet.

Cayenne

Just a touch of cayenne pepper provides a gentle warmth that permeates the entire dish without overpowering it. This subtle heat acts as a harmonizing element, enhancing the other flavors and leaving a pleasant lingering sensation.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST TEXAS SHRIMP TOAST

Use Fresh Shrimp for Optimal Texture

While convenient, frozen shrimp can release excess water during cooking, leading to a soggy coating. Opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible to ensure that signature crisp texture that makes this dish so special.

Pre-Toast the Bread to Prevent Softening

Toasting the Texas Toast lightly before adding the toppings creates a protective barrier, preventing it from absorbing too much moisture from the shrimp and sauce. This crucial step guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Adjust the Cayenne to Your Preference

The beauty of homemade dishes lies in their adaptability. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to match your desired heat level. Start with a small amount and add more as you go, tasting along the way.

Make Extra Cilantro Tartar – It’s Versatile!

 This delightful sauce is too good to limit to just shrimp toast. Prepare a larger batch and enjoy it as a zesty dip for a variety of sides, from crispy fries to other seafood dishes. It’s a flavor booster you’ll want to have on hand.

Serve Immediately for Peak Crunch

For the ultimate textural experience, serve your Texas Shrimp Toast straight from the pan. The heat ensures the toast remains crisp, and the flavors are at their most vibrant, offering a truly unforgettable culinary moment.

Inclusive Adaptations

This recipe is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, with thoughtful adaptations to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences:

Gluten-Free Options

For those avoiding gluten, simply swap out traditional Texas Toast for a gluten-free bread alternative and ensure the cornmeal used for coating the shrimp is certified gluten-free.

Shellfish-Free Alternatives

To make this dish suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies or those following plant-based diets, replace the shrimp with finely chopped hearts of palm or jackfruit. These ingredients offer a similar texture and absorb flavors wonderfully.

Healthier Cooking Method: Air Frying

For a lighter option with less oil, consider air frying the shrimp toast instead of pan-frying. This method still achieves a fantastic crispness with reduced fat and often makes for easier cleanup.

Accessibility for Limited Mobility

To simplify the preparation process for individuals with limited mobility, consider pre-chopping and portioning all ingredients in advance. This streamlines the cooking experience, making it more enjoyable and less strenuous.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Mixing bowls

Knife

Cutting board

Frying pan or air fryer

Sheet pan

Spatula

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

THAI CHILI + GARLIC FRIED SHRIMP

GRILLED SHRIMP W/ CAJUN BUTTER

SHRIMP BOIL STUFFED RUSSETS

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

SPRING SALAD + CARROT & SAFFLOWER VINAIGRETTE

CHOPPED CHERRY & SPINACH SALAD

PAN AU CHOCOLAT BREAD PUDDING

RECIPE

Marissa Bolden

Texas Shrimp Toast

This recipe for Texas Shrimp Toast brings together the vibrant flavors of the South with a unique, satisfying crunch, making it an instant standout. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the Tomatillo Pico:
• 2 tomatillos diced
• 1 Roma tomato diced
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Garlic Butter Texas Toast:
• 6 slices thick-cut bread
• 1 stick 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• For the Fried Shrimp:
• 1/2 – 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs whisked
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 Tbsp seasoned salt
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying e.g., vegetable, canola
• For Serving:
• Cilantro chopped
• Tartar sauce
• 1 lime segmented

Method

 

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Make the Texas Toast: Smear the garlic butter generously on both sides of each slice of thick-cut bread, covering edge to edge. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Prepare the Tomatillo Pico: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatillos, diced Roma tomato, lime juice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss gently and set aside.
4. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
5. Season the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, toss the marinated shrimp with seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
6. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
7. Bread the Shrimp: Toss the seasoned shrimp in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess breading.
8. Fry the Shrimp: Preheat frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or fryer. Carefully add the breaded shrimp and fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the oil and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
9. Assemble the Shrimp Toast: Place a piece of golden Texas toast on a serving plate. Top with a spoonful of tomatillo pico, then a generous portion of fried shrimp. Garnish with a lime segment and a drizzle of cilantro tartar sauce. Serve immediately.

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