Shrimp Toast I
Shrimp Toast I Recipe from France: Delicious and Easy-to-Make
Introduction
Shrimp toast is a popular Chinese appetizer that consists of a savory shrimp paste spread on bread slices and then deep-fried until crispy. This dish is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests.
History
Shrimp toast is believed to have originated in China, where it is a common dish served at dim sum restaurants. The dish has since gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp (2 ml) sugar
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 scallion (spring onion), green and white parts, finely chopped
- 1 narrow loaf french bread (baguette)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- small bunch fresh flat leaf parsley
How to prepare
- Process the shrimp in a food processor or blender until it becomes a paste.
- Add the egg white, cornstarch, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and scallions. Stir well to combine.
- Cut the French bread into slices that are 0.5 inch (1 cm) thick.
- Spread the shrimp paste over one side of each slice.
- Garnish each slice with a whole parsley "petal" by sticking it to the shrimp paste.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan to about 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bread slices, shrimp side down, into the hot oil.
- Fry until the underside is brown, then flip and brown the other side.
- Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Variations
- Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the shrimp paste for added crunch.
- Use sesame oil instead of vegetable oil for a nutty flavor.
- Top each slice with a slice of jalapeno for a spicy kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to devein the shrimp before processing them in a food processor or blender.
- Be careful not to over-process the shrimp, as you want to maintain some texture in the paste.
- Use a narrow loaf baguette for the bread slices, as it will provide the perfect base for the shrimp paste.
- Garnish each slice with a whole parsley "petal" for a decorative touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve shrimp toast with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
Cooking Techniques
Deep-fry the shrimp toast in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chicken or pork instead of shrimp for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the shrimp paste ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the shrimp toast on a platter and garnish with additional parsley leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve shrimp toast with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of shrimp toast contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of shrimp toast contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of shrimp toast contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of shrimp toast contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Shrimp toast is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, and iron.
Alergens
Shrimp toast contains shellfish and gluten allergens.
Summary
Shrimp toast is a flavorful appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a tasty treat without overindulging.
Summary
Shrimp toast is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful shrimp paste, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Shrimp Toast. It was many years ago, in a bustling street market in Hong Kong. I was browsing through the stalls, my senses overwhelmed by the sights and smells of exotic spices and fresh ingredients. As I meandered through the narrow alleyways, I came across a small food stall run by an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile.
She was frying up batch after batch of crispy, golden shrimp toast, and the aroma wafting through the air was irresistible. I couldn't resist the temptation and approached her stall, eager to try this delectable dish for myself. The woman noticed my curiosity and beckoned me over, offering me a piping hot piece of shrimp toast.
As I bit into the crispy exterior, my taste buds were greeted with a burst of flavors - succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a hint of spice. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. I begged the woman to share her recipe with me, and after some cajoling, she finally relented.
She whispered the ingredients and steps into my ear, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of the market. I scribbled down the recipe on a scrap of paper, promising to treasure it forever. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, passed down through generations of my family.
Back home, I set to work recreating the shrimp toast from memory. I gathered the ingredients - fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, and a dash of soy sauce - and set about chopping and blending them into a smooth paste. I spread the mixture onto slices of bread, then deep-fried them until crispy and golden brown.
The first bite brought me back to that bustling street market in Hong Kong, the flavors transporting me to a faraway place. I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure, a recipe that would become a favorite among my family and friends for years to come.
As time passed, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touch with each batch I made. I experimented with different seasonings and garnishes, always striving to elevate the dish to new heights.
Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making shrimp toast from scratch. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of pride and connection to the woman who had first introduced me to it, her legacy living on through my cooking.
Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of shrimp toast for my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter so many years ago. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories and traditions that transcend time and place.
As I take a bite of the crispy, flavorful shrimp toast, I am once again transported back to that bustling street market in Hong Kong, the sights and sounds of the city swirling around me. And in that moment, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous discovery that has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.
Categories
| Cornmeal Recipes | Egg White Recipes | French Bread Recipes | French Recipes | Shallot Recipes | Shrimp Recipes | World Recipes |