Chef John’s Shrimp Toast is a crispy and delicious appetizer made with shrimp, garlic, and seasonings, topped on a piece of bread, then fried to golden perfection. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy as a starter for any meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup sesame seeds (for coating)
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Begin by chopping the shrimp into small pieces.
In a food processor, combine the shrimp, softened butter, mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, cilantro, ginger, and chili flakes. Blend until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the shrimp mixture evenly on both slices of bread.
Cut each slice of bread into quarters.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Coat the shrimp-covered side of each bread piece with sesame seeds.
Fry each piece of shrimp toast until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes on each side.
Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrients

Calories: 330 per serving
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 170mg

History and Origins of Shrimp Toast

Shrimp toast, also known as he tao gao in Cantonese, has its roots in Chinese cuisine, particularly in dim sum restaurants, where small bite-sized dishes are served. It’s a well-loved snack in Chinese households and has spread to other parts of Asia, especially in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Traditionally, shrimp toast was made by spreading a shrimp paste mixture onto slices of bread, coating it with sesame seeds, and frying it until crispy.

While the classic recipe can be traced back to ancient Chinese cuisine, its popularity has led to several variations across the globe. In the U.S., especially in Chinese-American restaurants, shrimp toast is often served as a fried appetizer, while other regions may bake the bread or use different types of bread to complement the shrimp mixture. Chef John’s recipe, with its particular focus on fresh ingredients and detailed seasoning, modernizes this dish by bringing new depth and flavor to the shrimp toast experience.

The Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The core ingredients of Chef John’s shrimp toast play a vital role in defining the flavor and texture of the dish. Let’s take a closer look at the elements that bring the recipe to life:

Shrimp: The shrimp serves as the main protein in the dish, providing a sweet, savory flavor and a firm texture. The shrimp are finely chopped and blended with other ingredients to create a smooth, creamy paste that is spread onto the bread. Shrimp also gives the dish its signature ocean-fresh taste.
Bread: The white bread serves as a base for the shrimp mixture. The bread, preferably with the crusts removed, absorbs the flavor from the shrimp paste and crisps up beautifully when fried. While traditional recipes use white bread, some variations include whole-grain bread or even baguettes for a twist on texture.
Butter and Mayonnaise: These ingredients bring creaminess to the shrimp mixture. The butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together, while the mayonnaise contributes a mild tanginess that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: These ingredients are key to infusing the shrimp toast with savory umami flavors. Soy sauce adds saltiness, and sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth. Together, they give the dish a satisfying depth of flavor.
Garlic, Ginger, and Cilantro: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are used to enhance the flavor profile with a zing of spice and aromatic complexity. The cilantro provides a fresh, herbal note that contrasts with the richness of the shrimp.
Sesame Seeds: The sesame seeds coat the shrimp mixture on the bread, adding both texture and a nutty flavor to each bite. The seeds toast as the bread fries, becoming golden brown and providing an extra crunch that elevates the dish.

Why Chef John’s Shrimp Toast Stands Out

Chef John’s Shrimp Toast recipe stands out for several reasons. First, his emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that each bite delivers the best possible taste. The balance of creamy shrimp paste and crispy bread is expertly crafted, making it an indulgent yet light appetizer. The addition of garlic, ginger, and cilantro provides depth and complexity that distinguishes Chef John’s version from the more traditional recipes.

Another standout feature of Chef John’s recipe is the technique used to prepare the shrimp paste. Instead of simply mashing the shrimp, Chef John blends the shrimp and other ingredients in a food processor, creating a smooth and velvety texture. This results in a shrimp mixture that is both rich and easy to spread on the bread. It’s a method that not only enhances the texture but also ensures an even distribution of flavor across each piece of toast.

Perfect Pairings for Shrimp Toast

Shrimp toast can be enjoyed in many ways, depending on the occasion or meal you’re planning. It pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and sides, including:

Dips and Sauces: While shrimp toast is already flavorful on its own, serving it with a dipping sauce can elevate the dish further. A sweet chili sauce, soy-based dipping sauce, or even a tangy lime mayo makes for great companions.
Beverages: This dish pairs well with a range of drinks, from light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to refreshing iced teas or even light beer. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, a lemon-lime soda or sparkling water works wonderfully.
Side Dishes: Serve the shrimp toast alongside a simple salad or a vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal. A fresh cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the crispy, savory flavors of the toast without overpowering it.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Toast

Despite being a fried dish, Chef John’s Shrimp Toast offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its main ingredient—shrimp. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that provides a variety of important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium. These nutrients are known to contribute to heart health, support the immune system, and improve overall well-being.

However, it’s important to note that the dish is fried in oil, which adds fat and calories. While this helps achieve the crispy texture that makes shrimp toast so enjoyable, it’s best to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Toast

Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Avoid using frozen shrimp that has been thawed multiple times, as this can affect the texture and taste of the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the shrimp toast, make sure there’s enough space between each piece so that they cook evenly and become crisp. Overcrowding the pan can result in soggy toast.
Adjust the Seasonings: The seasonings in the shrimp paste are customizable to suit your taste. If you like a spicier kick, add more chili flakes. For a more savory flavor, consider adding more soy sauce or sesame oil.
Toast the Bread First: For extra crunch, lightly toast the bread slices before applying the shrimp mixture. This will prevent the bread from becoming soggy after frying.

Conclusion

Chef John’s Shrimp Toast is a delightful appetizer that can easily become a favorite in any household or at a dinner party. Its perfect balance of creamy shrimp paste, crispy bread, and nutty sesame seeds makes it a dish worth sharing. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply enjoying it as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

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