Shrimp Toast with Pickled Ginger

Shrimp Toast with Pickled Ginger Recipe from China

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

Introduction

Shrimp toast with pickled ginger is a delicious and crispy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of shrimp, ginger, and pickled ginger creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Shrimp toast is a popular Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Guangdong province in southern China, where seafood is a staple in the local cuisine. The addition of pickled ginger adds a tangy and refreshing twist to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

4 shallots
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp minced peeled fresh gingerroot
2 tsp dry sherry
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp beaten egg white
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander plus small leaves for garnish
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 lb (454 g) shrimp (about 24), shelled, de-veined if desired
12 slices of homemade-type white bread, crusts discarded
1 cup fine fresh breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for deep-frying
0.25 cup pickled ginger (available at Asian markets and some specialty foods shops), drained and cut into julienne strips, for garnish

How to prepare

In a food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, gingerroot, sherry, salt, sugar, cornstarch, egg white, chopped coriander, and soy sauce.
Add the shrimp and pulse the motor until the mixture becomes paste-like but not completely smooth.
Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of the shrimp mixture on each slice of bread, rounding off the top.
Dip the coated side of each slice in the bread crumbs, shaking off the excess, and cut each slice into 4 triangles. (The shrimp toasts can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and stored tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.)
In a large heavy skillet, heat 1.5 inches of oil to 360°F (182°C). Fry the shrimp toasts, coated sides down first, in batches for 1 minute on each side or until golden.
Allow the shrimp toasts to drain well on paper towels. Garnish each shrimp toast with pickled ginger and a coriander leaf. Serve the shrimp toasts immediately.

Variations

Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the shrimp mixture for added crunch.
Use different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as chili flakes or sesame oil, to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pulse the shrimp mixture in the food processor until it is paste-like but not completely smooth. This will give the shrimp toast a nice texture.

- Fry the shrimp toast in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the shrimp toast immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp toast with pickled ginger as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a snack for a movie night. Pair it with a dipping sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to blend the shrimp mixture for a smooth and paste-like consistency.

- Deep-fry the shrimp toast in hot oil for a crispy and golden exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the shrimp with ground chicken or pork for a different flavor.

- Use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the shrimp toast up to 1 day in advance and store them tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shrimp toast on a platter and garnish them with pickled ginger strips and fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the shrimp toast with pickled ginger with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until they are crispy and heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of shrimp toast with pickled ginger contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of shrimp toast with pickled ginger contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of shrimp toast with pickled ginger contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of shrimp toast with pickled ginger contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. The pickled ginger adds a boost of vitamin C to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and wheat (bread), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Shrimp toast with pickled ginger is a flavorful appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp toast with pickled ginger is a delicious and crispy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful shrimp mixture spread on slices of bread and deep-fried until golden, this dish is sure to be a hit with your guests. Garnish with pickled ginger and fresh coriander for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village by the sea. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious seafood dishes, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one afternoon. I was so excited to learn from her and to spend time together.

As we worked side by side, my grandmother began to tell me about the shrimp toast with pickled ginger recipe that had been passed down through generations of our family. She explained how the dish was a special treat that was often made for celebrations and feasts.

I watched in awe as she expertly peeled and deveined the shrimp, then chopped them into tiny pieces. She mixed them with a blend of minced garlic, ginger, and scallions, along with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Next, my grandmother showed me how to spread the shrimp mixture onto slices of crusty bread, then fry them in hot oil until they were golden and crispy. The sizzle of the oil, the smell of the shrimp toasting, and the sight of the bread turning a beautiful shade of brown all combined to create a sensory experience that I will never forget.

Once the shrimp toast was cooked, my grandmother carefully arranged them on a platter and garnished each one with a slice of pickled ginger. The sharp tang of the ginger perfectly complemented the savory shrimp, creating a flavor combination that was truly unforgettable.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and how she had learned to make this dish from her own grandmother. She told me about the importance of passing down recipes and traditions from one generation to the next, and how food has the power to connect us to our past and to each other.

That day in the kitchen with my grandmother was a turning point for me. It was the moment when I realized the importance of preserving our family's culinary heritage and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones. From that day on, I made it my mission to learn as many recipes as I could from my grandmother and to continue the tradition of cooking for my own family.

Over the years, I have made shrimp toast with pickled ginger countless times, always following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in her kitchen, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of our shared heritage.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of pride and connection to their roots that I do. And I hope that they will carry on the tradition of making this special dish for generations to come, creating their own happy memories along the way.