1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
1 egg white
2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 scallions, finely sliced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 clove garlic, grated on a microplane grater
8 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed, split into 16 triangles
1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
2 quarts peanut, vegetable, or canola oil
Kosher salt
1. Combine shrimp, egg, soy sauce, scallions, cornstarch, cilantro, sesame oil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until extremely finely minced.
Alternatively, chop shrimp by hand with a knife until extremely finely minced, then fold in remaining ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Spread mixture evenly over one side of each piece of bread. Dip shrimp side into sesame seeds to coat if desired.
3. Heat oil in a wok or dutch oven to 325°F (use a thermometer). Carefully transfer half of toasts to the oil, shrimp side-down. Cook until golden brown,
about 2 minutes, adjusting flame as necessary to maintain heat, then carefully flip toast and cook until second side is golden brown, about 1 minute longer.
Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining toasts. Season with salt and serve immediately.