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Chef John's Shrimp Toast

Chef John's Shrimp Toast is a delectable appetizer that is sure to delight seafood enthusiasts and food lovers alike. This dish is a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, combining the rich flavors of shrimp with the crispy texture of toast. Chef John has perfected the art of creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish, making it a favorite among his patrons.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

4 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 24 mins

Servings:

Yield:

16 shrimp toasts

Ingredients

½ pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

¼ cup diced water chestnuts

¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves

½ cup finely sliced green onions, plus more for garnish if desired

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root

1 anchovy filet

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste

1 egg white

½ teaspoon white sugar

½ teaspoon paprika

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 pinch salt

4 thick slices white bread

1 teaspoon Sesame seeds

1 cup vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

Step 1

Place shrimp, water chestnuts, cilantro leaves, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, anchovy filet, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, egg white, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times; scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until mixture is well blended and reaches a paste consistency, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to blend the flavors, about 1 hour.

Step 2

Very lightly toast bread slices. Trim crusts from bread. Spread shrimp paste onto bread in an equal thickness as the bread. Cut slices in half and then diagonally into diamond shapes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 3

Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When oil is hot, add bread slices, paste-side down, and fry until crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or warm garnished with additional sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

212

Calories

Fat

20g

Carbs

14g

Protein

Complement

The key to the success of Chef John's Shrimp Toast lies in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation process. The shrimp are finely minced and seasoned with a blend of traditional Asian spices, then spread onto slices of bread and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a mouthwatering combination of savory and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness from the shrimp. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal, Chef John's Shrimp Toast is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the East in a unique and delicious way.