Vietnamese Shrimp Toast – This Vietnamese toast also known as Bánh Mì Tôm Chiên combines succulent shrimp paste with crispy slices of bread, all fried to golden perfection for a quick appetizer or a dinner party snack.
What Is Vietnamese Shrimp Toast?
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast is a delicious appetizer made from a mixture of shrimp, herbs, and seasonings that’s spread on slices of bread. The bread is then fried until golden brown, creating a crispy base topped with tender shrimp.
The dish has its roots in Vietnamese and Chinese culinary traditions, but its crispiness and bold flavors have made it a popular choice in fusion and modern Asian cuisine. Unlike other versions of shrimp toast, the Vietnamese style often incorporates fish sauce, garlic, and lemongrass, giving it an unmistakably Southeast Asian twist.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Shrimp Toast
Control the heat: Fry over medium-high heat. Too hot, and the bread will burn before the shrimp is fully cooked. Too low, and the bread will absorb too much oil.
Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs less oil during frying, keeping your toast crispy.
Don’t over-process the shrimp: You want a paste-like consistency but with a bit of texture. Avoid making it too smooth or runny.
Fry shrimp-side down first: This ensures that the shrimp gets fully cooked and adheres to the bread.
Variations of Vietnamese Shrimp Toast
While the classic version is delicious as-is, here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Baked Shrimp Toast: For a healthier option, brush the bread with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden.
- Shrimp and Pork Toast: Combine minced pork with the shrimp paste for a heartier, richer flavor.
- Cheesy Shrimp Toast: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the shrimp mixture before frying or baking for an extra indulgent version.
- Spicy Shrimp Toast: Amp up the heat by adding more chili paste or topping the toast with sliced fresh chilies.
How to Serve Vietnamese Shrimp Toast
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
- Appetizer: Serve shrimp toast alongside other small bites like spring rolls or fried wontons at parties or as a starter for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Snack: Shrimp toast makes for a perfect afternoon snack when you’re craving something savory and crispy.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair the toast with dipping sauces like Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chilies) or Sriracha mayo for an extra flavor boost.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Toast
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare because these are so addictive!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
To Store:
- Store leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp toast. Place the toasts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- For refrigerated shrimp toast, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until crispy again.
- For frozen shrimp toast, no need to thaw. Simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make shrimp toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp paste and spread it on the bread up to 24 hours in advance. Store the prepared slices in the refrigerator and fry them just before serving.
Is there a non-frying option for shrimp toast?
Yes, you can bake shrimp toast. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the prepared shrimp toast for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before blending into the paste to avoid excess moisture.
What type of bread is best for shrimp toast?
Day-old French baguette or sandwich bread works best. The key is to use slightly stale bread, which holds up better to frying and doesn’t absorb as much oil.
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Crispy)
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast - This Vietnamese toast also known as Bánh Mì Tôm Chiên combines succulent shrimp paste with crispy slices of bread, all fried to golden perfection for a quick appetizer or a dinner party snack.
Ingredients
- ¾ pounds raw shrimp (about 14), peeled and deveined
- 1 loaf baguette (or 2-3 small baguettes), cut into ½ inch slices
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Green onions for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mince the shrimp using a knife or food processor.
- Sauté the shallots and garlic in a pan with cooking oil for 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until it’s no longer translucent. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix the shrimp with mayonnaise, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture onto each baguette slice.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 289Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 63mgSodium 831mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 14g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast is a crispy, savory delight that combines the bold flavors of Southeast Asia with a crunchy bite. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.
Give this recipe a try at your next gathering or when you simply want to enjoy something delicious at home. With its versatility and easy preparation, you’ll soon find Vietnamese Shrimp Toast becoming one of your go-to recipes!
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