Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal

Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal is a delicious and flavorful appetizer that combines crispy baguette slices, creamy avocado, grilled shrimp, and a tangy 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 California avocado cream for a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

36 slices of baguette (cut on diagonal)
As needed - vegetable oil
Recipe follows for california avocado cream
36 large (21 to 23 count) - Grilled shrimp*
Recipe follows for Tropical Sambal

How to prepare

TROPICAL SAMBAL:
Combine 2 cups of diced mango, 1 cup of diced kiwi, 0.5 cup of diced onion, 2 tbsp of finely chopped red Fresno chile, 0.5 cup of molasses, 0.5 cup of white wine vinegar, 0.25 cup of sauce or soy sauce, 2 tbsp of sesame oil, 2 tbsp of finely chopped lemon grass, 2 tbsp of finely chopped ginger root, 2 tbsp of finely chopped garlic, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
Simmer the ingredients until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. Reserve. Yield: 1.5 cups.
CALIFORNIA AVOCADO CREAM:
Puree 2 California avocados (1 lb (454 g)), 0.5 cup of sour cream, 3 tbsp of whipping cream, 2 tbsp of finely chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp of lime juice, 0.25 tsp of chopped garlic, and 0.25 tsp of salt. Reserve. Yield: 0.5 cups.
METHOD:
Fry baguette slices in hot oil until brown; drain well. Reserve.
Per ORDER:
Spread 1 tbsp of California avocado cream onto toast. Top each toast with 1 shrimp. Garnish with 2 tbsp of Tropical Sambal.

Variations

Substitute the grilled shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add sliced jalapenos to the Tropical Sambal for an extra kick of heat.

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.

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

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

- Frying the baguette slices until brown and crispy gives them a delicious crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular avocado if California avocados are not available.

- Substitute the baguette slices with gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The California 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 ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail like a mojito.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover California avocado cream and Tropical Sambal in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the baguette slices in the oven before assembling the toast.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal contains approximately 6 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, and vitamin E from the avocado in the California avocado cream.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and gluten (baguette). It may also contain soy (soy sauce) and dairy (sour cream, whipping cream).

Summary

Shrimp Toast with California 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

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Shrimp Toast with California Avocado Cream and Tropical Sambal. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lydia in her beautiful home in California. Lydia was an incredible cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. She had prepared a feast for us that day, and one of the dishes that caught my eye was the shrimp toast with avocado cream and sambal.

As I watched Lydia effortlessly prepare the dish, I was mesmerized by her skill and creativity in the kitchen. She explained to me that the recipe was a fusion of different cuisines, combining the flavors of Southeast Asia with the fresh ingredients of California. The shrimp toast was crispy and flavorful, topped with a creamy avocado sauce and a spicy tropical sambal that added a kick to every bite.

I couldn't wait to try it, and when I finally did, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crunch of the shrimp toast, the smoothness of the avocado cream, and the heat of the sambal all came together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Lydia graciously shared her recipe with me, and I eagerly took notes as she walked me through each step. She explained that the key to making the dish successfully was in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation. She stressed the importance of using fresh shrimp, ripe avocados, and a good quality sambal to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

After my visit with Lydia, I returned home and set to work in my own kitchen, determined to recreate the shrimp toast with avocado cream and sambal. I gathered all the ingredients and got to work, following Lydia's instructions to the letter. As I cooked, I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step, reminding me to season generously and taste as I went along.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't believe how closely it resembled the one Lydia had made for me. The shrimp toast was crispy and golden brown, the avocado cream was smooth and creamy, and the sambal added just the right amount of heat. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that transported me back to that sunny day in California.

From that moment on, shrimp toast with avocado cream and sambal became one of my signature dishes. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and whenever I wanted to impress my guests with a unique and delicious appetizer. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think of Lydia and the day she introduced me to this culinary masterpiece.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making shrimp toast with avocado cream and sambal to the next generation. I have added my own twists and variations to the dish, making it my own while still paying homage to Lydia and the inspiration she provided.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in California, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with others. And thanks to Lydia and her delicious recipe, I have a culinary masterpiece that will always hold a special place in my heart.