Imagine the aroma of toasty bread with a delicious shrimp paste, sprinkled with golden sesame seeds. This is the essence of shrimp toast, a popular Asian appetizer. Combining the flavors of shrimp, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar with a kick of sambal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every kitchen. Sambal, an Indonesian chili sauce, brings a spicy kick to the shrimp toast. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with any hot sauce or chili paste. Rice wine vinegar, used widely in Asian cuisine, adds a tangy flavor. If it's not available, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Lastly, white sesame seeds are used for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. These can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Delicious Shrimp Toast
Shrimps: The star ingredient, offering a sweet, slightly briny flavor.
Egg whites: Helps to bind the shrimp paste together.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the recipe.
Rice wine vinegar: Gives a tangy taste. Substitute with apple cider vinegar if necessary.
Toasted sesame oil: Imparts a nutty flavor.
Sugar: Enhances the other flavors in the dish.
Sambal: Provides heat and spice. Can be replaced with any hot sauce.
Garlic: Adds a robust, savory flavor to the shrimp paste.
Ginger: Gives a spicy, slightly sweet flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Scallions: Gives a light onion flavor and serves as garnish.
White bread: The base for the toast, provides a crunchy texture.
Sesame seeds: Adds a pop of color and a hint of crunch.
One reader, Burt Mize says:
This shrimp toast recipe is a game-changer! The crispy texture and savory shrimp flavor are simply irresistible. It's a hit at every gathering, and my friends always ask for the recipe. I love how easy it is to make, and the taste is out of this world!
Techniques Required for Delicious Shrimp Toast Recipe
How to fry the shrimp toast: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Set a wire rack inside a baking sheet and place it nearby. Add the shrimp toasts, 3 at a time, to the hot oil, shrimp side down. Fry for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the sesame seeds are light golden brown. Flip the toast over and fry on the other side for about 1 minute until the bread is golden. Transfer to the wire rack and let drain for 1 minute.
How to prepare the shrimp paste: In a food processor, combine the shrimp, egg whites, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sambal, garlic, ginger, salt, and scallion whites and pulse until smooth.
How to garnish the shrimp toast: Garnish the shrimp toast with the scallion greens and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
How To Make Shrimp Toast
This shrimp toast takes inspiration from a classic Dimsum dish. Shrimp is ground with soy sauce, sambal, vinegar, and sesame oil then spread on bread.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2qtcanola oil
- 16shrimps,peeled and deveined
- 2large egg whites
- 1tbspsoy sauce,plus more for serving
- 1tbsprice wine vinegar
- 1tsptoasted sesame oil
- 1tspgranulated sugar
- 1½tspsambal
- ½tspgarlic,grated
- ½tspfresh ginger,grated
- ½tspkosher salt
- 2scallions,thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
- 4sliceswhite bread
- ¼cupwhite sesame seeds
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. Set a wire rack inside a baking sheet and place it nearby.
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In a food processor, combine the shrimp, egg whites, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sambal, garlic, ginger, salt, and scallion whites and pulse until smooth.
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Trim the crusts off the bread, then cut diagonally into triangles.
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Spread 2 tablespoons of the shrimp paste evenly over each triangle of bread. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the shrimp paste.
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Add the shrimp toasts, 3 at a time, to the hot oil, shrimp side down. Fry for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the sesame seeds are light golden brown.
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Flip the toast over and fry on the other side for about 1 minute until the bread is golden. Transfer to the wire rack and let drain for 1 minute.
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Garnish the shrimp toast with the scallion greens and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 2014.50kcal
- Fat: 221.42g
- Saturated Fat: 16.60g
- Trans Fat: 0.87g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 139.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 62.83g
- Carbohydrates: 9.29g
- Fiber: 1.24g
- Sugar: 1.57g
- Protein: 5.13g
- Cholesterol: 15.12mg
- Sodium: 390.14mg
- Calcium: 74.14mg
- Potassium: 95.07mg
- Iron: 1.29mg
- Vitamin A: 11.52µg
- Vitamin C: 1.16mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Delicious Shrimp Toast Recipe
When frying the shrimp toasts, it's important to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the bread can burn before the shrimp is fully cooked. Conversely, if the oil is not hot enough, the toasts can become soggy and greasy. Using a thermometer to accurately measure the oil temperature can help achieve the perfect crispy and golden shrimp toast.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shrimp Toast
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Multitask: While one component is cooking, work on preparing the next step to save time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and blenders to speed up the prep work.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and tools.
Prep in bulk: Make larger batches and freeze the extra for future use to save time on meal prep later.
Follow a recipe: Stick to a recipe to avoid wasting time on trial and error.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Toast Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a suitable substitute for canola oil due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for frying.
shrimp - Substitute with chopped lobster meat: Lobster meat can be used as a substitute for shrimp, providing a similar sweet and delicate flavor with a slightly firmer texture.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to form stiff peaks similar to egg whites, making it a suitable vegan substitute in recipes.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a similar rich and savory flavor profile.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice wine vinegar, providing a slightly fruity and tangy flavor to the dish.
toasted sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for toasted sesame oil, offering a nutty flavor and high smoke point suitable for stir-frying.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar, adding a unique floral sweetness to the dish.
sambal - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for sambal, providing a similar spicy and tangy flavor to the recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient and milder garlic flavor to the dish.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, offering a concentrated and warm flavor to the recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, offering a mild onion flavor and a similar green color to the dish.
white bread - Substitute with baguette slices: Slices of baguette can be used as a substitute for white bread, providing a crunchy and sturdy base for the shrimp toast.
white sesame seeds - Substitute with black sesame seeds: Black sesame seeds can be used as a substitute for white sesame seeds, adding a striking visual contrast and a slightly nuttier flavor to the dish.
Presenting Delicious Shrimp Toast
Elevate the plating: Arrange the shrimp toasts in a circular pattern on a sleek, white, rectangular plate. The presentation should be clean and minimalist, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the shrimp toasts with delicate microgreens and edible flowers, such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums, to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the shrimp toasts to be the focal point. The strategic use of empty space will create a visually striking and sophisticated presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and opulent touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf flakes on the shrimp toasts. This will add a touch of extravagance and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate geometric shapes: Consider cutting the shrimp toasts into precise geometric shapes, such as triangles or squares, and arranging them in a visually appealing pattern on the plate to create a modern and artistic presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the shrimp toasts on individual, stylish serving plates or platters, adding a sense of refinement and sophistication to the overall dining experience.
Highlight with vibrant sauces: Drizzle a vibrant, contrasting sauce, such as a bright chili oil or a tangy citrus-infused soy sauce, in an artistic manner around the shrimp toasts to add both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
Incorporate Asian-inspired elements: Introduce traditional Asian serving elements, such as bamboo steamer baskets or ceramic chopstick rests, to infuse the presentation with cultural authenticity and elevate the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Toast
- Large pot: A large, deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or deep-frying.
- Wire rack: A metal rack with a grid pattern used for cooling or draining fried foods.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to perform various food preparation tasks such as chopping, blending, and pureeing.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying and sautéing foods.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting and flipping foods during cooking.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot objects.
- Food thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of foods during cooking.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
How To Reheat Shrimp Toast Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover shrimp toast is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method helps to retain the crunchiness of the sesame seeds and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Another option is to reheat the shrimp toast in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp toast in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method is quick and easy, and it helps to maintain the texture of the shrimp toast.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the shrimp toast in the microwave. Place the shrimp toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that the bread may become slightly soggy, and the sesame seeds may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
For a unique twist, try slicing the leftover shrimp toast into smaller pieces and using them as a topping for a salad or soup. The crispy texture and savory flavor of the shrimp toast can add an interesting dimension to your dish.
If you have a large amount of leftover shrimp toast, consider freezing it for later use. Wrap the shrimp toast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw the shrimp toast in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Interesting Fact About Shrimp Toast
Shrimp toast is a popular Chinese dim sum dish that originated from Guangdong province. It is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the United States in the early 20th century. The dish is typically made by spreading a shrimp paste mixture onto bread and then deep-frying it until crispy. Shrimp toast is often served as an appetizer or snack and is enjoyed for its crunchy texture and savory flavor. It has become a favorite dish in many Chinese restaurants around the world.
Is Making Shrimp Toast at Home Cost-Effective?
This shrimp toast recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. Shrimp can be a pricier ingredient, but the other components are relatively affordable. The use of sesame oil and rice wine vinegar may require an initial investment, but they can be used in various other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the unique flavors and textures it offers.
Is Shrimp Toast Healthy or Unhealthy?
This shrimp toast recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- Deep frying the toast in canola oil adds a significant amount of unhealthy fats and calories.
- White bread lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain options.
- The recipe contains added sugar and salt, which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess.
However, there are some positive aspects, such as the use of lean protein (shrimp) and the inclusion of ginger and garlic, which have potential health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Instead of deep frying, try baking the shrimp toast in the oven until crispy. This will significantly reduce the amount of oil needed.
- Swap white bread for a whole grain variety to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of added sugar and salt in the recipe. The natural flavors of the ingredients should be sufficient.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the shrimp paste, such as finely chopped carrots or bell peppers, to boost the nutritional value.
- Serve the shrimp toast with a side salad or vegetable sticks to balance out the meal.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of shrimp toast while minimizing the negative health impacts.
Editor's Opinion on This Shrimp Toast Recipe
This shrimp toast recipe is a delightful combination of crispy, savory, and flavorful. The shrimp paste is well-seasoned and provides a rich umami taste, while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring that the shrimp toasts turn out perfectly golden and delicious. The use of scallions and soy sauce for garnish and dipping adds a refreshing and complementary touch. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a unique and impressive appetizer or snack.
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Why trust this Shrimp Toast Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. The shrimp is carefully blended with aromatic garlic and ginger, creating a harmonious balance. The addition of sesame oil and soy sauce infuses the dish with rich umami notes, while the sambal adds a subtle kick. The use of white sesame seeds provides a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall sensory appeal. With meticulous attention to detail and a thoughtful combination of ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable appetizer that will impress even the most discerning palates.
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