Shrimp toast is a popular appetizer or snack that originated in China and has since become popular in many other countries around the world. It is made by spreading a mixture of minced shrimp and seasonings on a slice of bread, which is then coated with breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. The resulting dish is a savory, crunchy treat that is often served as a portion of finger food or as part of a larger meal.
There are many variations of shrimp toast, and the exact ingredients used can vary depending on the recipe and the region where it is being made. Some versions may include additional spices or herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, while others may include other ingredients such as diced vegetables or chopped nuts. The shrimp mixture can be spread on the bread either before or after it is cut into small, bite-sized squares or triangles, and the breadcrumbs used can be either plain or flavored with additional seasonings.
Shrimp toast is often served as a starter or appetizer at restaurants, and it is also a common snack at parties and other social gatherings. It can be served either hot or cold, and it is often accompanied by dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy chili sauce. Shrimp toast is easy to make at home and can be a fun and tasty way to add variety to a meal or snack time.
Here is a simple recipe for making shrimp toast at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound cooked and peeled medium shrimp
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices white bread
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, mayonnaise, cilantro, green onions, salt, and pepper.
Spread a spoonful of the shrimp mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
Cut the bread into small squares or triangles.
Dip the bread into the beaten egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot, carefully add the bread to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Remove the shrimp toast from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
Serve the shrimp toast hot, with dipping sauces if desired.
Note: If you prefer, you can also bake the shrimp toast instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 425°F, place the bread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the shrimp mixture is heated through.
Here are a few additional things you might want to know about shrimp toast:
Shrimp toast is often served as a dim sum dish in Chinese cuisine. Dim sum refers to a style of dining that involves small, bite-sized dishes served on small plates or in steamer baskets. Shrimp toast is just one of many dishes that may be served as part of a dim sum meal.
In addition to being a popular appetizer, shrimp toast is also often served as a snack or a light meal. It can be made in advance and served at room temperature, making it a convenient option for picnics, potlucks, or other casual gatherings.
While the traditional recipe calls for white bread, there are many variations that use different types of bread or other bases. For example, you can use whole grain bread, pita bread, or even wonton wrappers as the base for your shrimp toast.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the fried version of shrimp toast, you can try baking the toast instead. Simply follow the instructions for baking in the recipe above, and you’ll have a crispy and delicious shrimp toast that is lower in fat and calories.
In addition to the dipping sauces mentioned in the recipe above, there are many other options for serving shrimp toast. For example, you could serve it with a simple lemon wedge or a spicy sriracha mayonnaise. You could also top the toast with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking it, or serve it with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!
