Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Topical Sambal

Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Topical Sambal Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal is a delicious and unique appetizer that combines crispy baguette slices with creamy avocado, grilled shrimp, and a flavorful tropical sambal. This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or as a special treat for yourself.

History

Shrimp toast is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, typically made with minced shrimp spread on bread and deep-fried. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic dish by using grilled shrimp and adding avocado cream and tropical sambal for a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

36 baguette slices (cut on diagonal)
vegetable oil - as needed
avocado cream - recipe follows
36 grilled shrimp, large (21 to 33 count) [1]
tropical sambal - recipe follows

Avocado cream

2 california avocados (1 lb (454 g))
0.5 cup sour cream
3 tbsp whipping cream
2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
0.25 tsp chopped garlic
0.25 tsp salt

Tropical sambal

2 cup diced mango
1 cup diced kiwi
0.5 cup diced onion
2 tbsp finely chopped red Fresno chile
0.5 cup molasses
0.5 cup white wine vinegar
0.25 cup fish sauce or soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp finely chopped lemon grass
2 tsp finely chopped ginger root
2 tsp finely chopped garlic
0.5 tsp salt

How to prepare

Fry baguette slices in hot oil until they turn brown; make sure to drain them well.
Set aside.

Per order

Spread 1 tbsp of avocado cream onto each of the 3 baguette toasts.
Top each toast with 1 shrimp.
Garnish with 2 tbsp of tropical sambal.

Avocado cream

Blend avocados, sour cream, whipping cream, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
Set aside.

Tropical sambal

Combine diced mango, kiwi, onion, Fresno chile, molasses, white wine vinegar, fish sauce or soy sauce, sesame oil, lemongrass, ginger root, garlic, and salt.
Simmer all ingredients until almost all the liquid evaporates, approximately 10 minutes.
Set aside.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add sliced jalapenos to the avocado cream for an extra kick of heat.
Use pineapple or papaya in place of mango in the tropical sambal for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the fried baguette slices well to remove excess oil.

- Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also pan-sear or bake the shrimp if preferred.

- The avocado cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- The tropical sambal can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

- Frying the baguette slices until crispy ensures a crunchy base for the toppings.

- Simmering the tropical sambal allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter avocado cream.

- Substitute honey for molasses in the tropical sambal for a sweeter flavor.

- Use gluten-free bread or crackers for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The avocado cream and tropical sambal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- The baguette slices can be fried in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced red chilies for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the shrimp and avocado.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 18 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the mango and kiwi in the tropical sambal.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (sour cream, whipping cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp Toast with Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal is a flavorful and unique appetizer that combines crispy baguette slices with creamy avocado, grilled shrimp, and a tangy tropical sambal. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for yourself.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand. I was wandering through the vibrant markets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.

As I meandered through the stalls, I came across a small food cart with a line of people eagerly waiting to place their orders. Intrigued, I decided to join the queue and see what all the fuss was about.

When I reached the front of the line, I saw the vendor grilling slices of bread topped with a delicious-looking mixture of shrimp and avocado cream. The aroma wafting from the grill was absolutely intoxicating, and I knew I had to try it.

I ordered a plate of the shrimp toast and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crispy bread, the creamy avocado, and the spicy sambal all combined to create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. I was hooked.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, who graciously shared the recipe with me. She explained that the dish was a popular street food in Thailand, known for its bold flavors and unique combination of ingredients. I thanked her profusely and made a mental note to recreate the dish at home.

When I returned to my kitchen in the States, I set to work perfecting the recipe. I sourced the freshest ingredients I could find, from plump shrimp to ripe avocados to fiery red chilies. I experimented with different ratios and techniques, determined to capture the essence of that unforgettable dish I had tried in Bangkok.

After several attempts, I finally nailed it. The shrimp toast with avocado cream and tropical sambal was a masterpiece. I proudly served it to my family and friends, who couldn't get enough of it. They marveled at the complex flavors and textures, and begged me to make it again and again.

Over the years, I have continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I'll top the shrimp toast with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. Other times, I'll experiment with different types of bread or garnishes.

I've shared the recipe with countless people, passing it down from one generation to the next. My grandchildren have grown up watching me cook in the kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of my delicious creations. They know that every dish I make has a story behind it, a memory attached to it.

And that's what I love most about cooking - the ability to transport people to far-off places with just a bite of food. Every recipe I make is a small window into a different culture, a different time. It's a way for me to connect with the world and share a piece of myself with others.

So the next time you bite into a piece of shrimp toast with avocado cream and tropical sambal, remember the story behind it. Remember the bustling streets of Bangkok, the friendly vendor who shared her recipe with a stranger, and the grandmother who lovingly recreated it in her own kitchen. And most of all, remember the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love.