CHEF JOHN'S SHRIMP TOAST

Chef John's Shrimp Toast image

While virtually unknown compared to most other popular fried party snacks, these shrimp toasts are easy to make and every bit as delicious, and addictive, as those Buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Canapes and Crostini Recipes

Time 1h24m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 212.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.6 g, Cholesterol 87.1 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 714.2 mg, Sugar 2.6 g