Jun 21

VIETNAMESE SHRIMP TOAST

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

This easy Vietnamese shrimp toast recipe is one of my all-time favorite finger foods. What's not to love? A crispy, fluffy baguette topped with a vibrant homemade fresh shrimp paste that's loaded with flavor.

Depending on what source you get your information from, there are a few possible ways to make Vietnamese shrimp toast (bánh mì chiên tôm). Some versions call for mayonnaise and shredded cheese, while other versions are more simplistic containing ingredients more toward the style of Western Chinese cuisine.

In addition to the ingredient variations, some recipes call for the toast to be baked in the oven while other versions cook them on the stovetop in a frying pan.

Lucky for you, I made both versions using both cooking techniques.

Shrimp Toast 1 (Oven Cooking Method With Cheese)

This version seems to be the most popular and for good reason. For starters, it's simply easier to make. You cook the toast in the oven, which in turn makes for less fuss and less time standing over the stove. It also contains shredded cheese and mayonnaise. Which when baked, transforms into gooey cheesy shrimp goodness.
By baking these in the oven you're able to make thicker shrimp toast. I like to spread the shrimp paste onto the bread to around a half-inch thickness. Having a thick layer of shrimp paste on the bread allows the center to remain moist after baking.
For added color and texture you can carefully broil the toast in your oven or toaster oven for a minute or so.
One of the main reasons that I don't recommend cooking this style in a skillet, is because it tends to stick to the bottom of the pan. This is because of the cheese. You could very well try to make these in a non-stick skillet, but I think the results would be subpar.

Shrimp Toast 2 (Frying Pan Cooking Method Without Cheese)

When cooking this version I recommend using a large heavy-bottomed skillet such as a cast iron pan for best results. This will give you a cooking surface with an even layer of heat. This will in turn give you a nice uniform crust. Thin-bottomed pans tend to have hot and cold spots in them. This can cause areas of your food to burn while the others are undercooked.
The frying pan method works best with a layer of shrimp paste that is around 1/4 inch in thickness. Any less and you risk drying the shrimp out. If you go too thick, you could possibly end up with a cooked outer layer while the inner layer remains undercooked.

Fried Vietnamese Shrimp Toast — For a fun looking garnish, place shrimp that have been cut in half into the shrimp paste before frying.

Leftover Storage and Reheating

You can store cooked leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300 degree F oven until just warmed through.
You can freeze the leftover shrimp toast for up to one month if stored in an airtight container or wrapped well with a few layers of plastic wrap. Reheat the frozen toast in a 300 degree oven until thoroughly warmed through.

Looking for other recipes? These are a few of my favorites:

VIETNAMESE SHRIMP TOAST

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cooking Time: 10 to 15 Minutes

Servings: 10 to 12 slices

Author: Larry White

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound raw peeled and deveined shrimp
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 egg whites
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 French baguette cut in half longways

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil over medium heat.
Add all of the ingredients (except the bread) to a food processor or blender.
Pulse the shrimp mixture until you achieve a smooth paste.
Using a spatula, spread a ¼-inch thick layer of the shrimp paste onto the cut side of each piece of bread.
Place each shrimp toast in the pan, shrimp side down. Cook for around 3-4 minutes. You should have a nice golden brown crust.
Flip the toast over. Cook the bottom side of the bread until it is lightly toasted. This takes between 2-3 minutes.
Season with a little salt. Garnish with fresh herbs (cilantro or Thai basil), toasted peanuts or sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Variation With Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Follow the directions above through step 3.
Fold a 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the shrimp mixture using a spoon or spatula until it is even distributed.
Spread between a 1/4 inch to 1/2 of the shrimp mixture onto the inside portion of the bread.
Place the prepared toast onto an oiled baking sheet. For less cleaning, line the pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in the oven for between 8 and 10 minutes or until the shrimp mixture has set.
For extra color and flavor you can place these under your oven's broiler until a nice brown crust has formed on top. Just be very careful that you don't burn the toast. I would not walk away from the oven while doing this.