Shrimp Toast

Method8 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: In a food processor, combine the 1/2 lb peeled raw shrimp, 1 egg, drained and chopped half-can water chestnuts (1/2 can), all 5 chopped green-onion stalks, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tsp soy sauce and 2 tsp sesame oil. Process to a fairly smooth paste.

   Uses 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled · 1 egg · 1/2 can water chestnuts (about 8 pieces), drained and chopped · 5 stalks green onions, chopped, for the shrimp paste · 3 garlic cloves · 2 tsp soy sauce · 2 tsp sesame oil, for the shrimp paste

2. 2

   Step 2: Cover the raw shrimp paste and refrigerate it for 15 minutes.

   Chill shrimp paste · 15 minUses Raw shrimp, egg and aromatic paste

3. 3

   Step 3: Trim the crusts from the 5 dense white-bread slices if desired and cut each slice into four triangles, giving 20 triangles. Divide the chilled shrimp paste evenly between those 20 pieces.

   Uses 5 slices dense white bread · Chilled shrimp paste for twenty triangles

4. 4

   Step 4: Spread each portion of the prepared shrimp paste evenly to all the edges and corners of its bread triangle. Assemble promptly so the bread does not become soggy.

   Uses Twenty bread triangles with divided chilled shrimp paste

5. 5

   Step 5: If using the optional 3 tbsp sesame seeds, put them on a small plate and press the shrimp side of any or all prepared toasts into them, or sprinkle them lightly. The source also permits leaving some or all toasts plain.

   Uses Twenty assembled raw shrimp toasts · 3 tbsp sesame seeds, optional coating

6. 6

   Step 6: Add separate frying oil to a sauté pan to a depth of 1 inch and heat over medium-high heat. In uncrowded batches, fry the assembled toasts shrimp-side down for about 2–3 minutes, until golden.

   Fry shrimp side · 3 minUses Actual assembled plain or sesame-coated toasts to fry · Frying oil, enough for a 1-inch depth in the actual sauté pan

7. 7

   Step 7: Carefully turn the same batch over and fry bread-side down for another 1–2 minutes until golden. Check the minced shrimp-and-egg paste reaches at least 155°F (68°C) and stays there for 17 seconds; continue gently if needed for the center to cook.

   Fry bread side · 2 minUses Same shrimp-toast batch after shrimp-side frying

8. 8

   Step 8: Transfer the cooked batch to a paper-towel-lined plate and let it cool just enough to handle, a few minutes. Repeat the two frying stages with the remaining assembled toasts, then serve hot. Optional chopped green onions and chili peppers can finish the served toasts.

   Uses Fully cooked golden shrimp-toast batch · Any remaining assembled toasts for repeated batches · Chopped green onions, optional garnish · A few chopped chili peppers, optional garnish