Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Nướng Tôm)

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Vietnamese shrimp toast is a popular appetizer that consists of lightly baked slices of banh mi baguette bread topped with a savory blend of minced shrimp, garlic, and spices. This delicious snack is sure to please guests at any gathering and make them come back for more!

Tray of baked Vietnamese shrimp toasts.

What is Vietnamese Shrimp Toast?


Vietnamese shrimp toast, also known as bánh mì nướng tôm or bánh mì chiên tôm, originated in Vietnam and has a historical connection to French colonialism in the 19th century. Influenced by the French introduction of bread as a staple, the Vietnamese adopted the practice of making their own bread, known as bánh mì, incorporating local flavors and ingredients.

This appetizer combines the Cantonese roots of shrimp toast with a Vietnamese twist. It features finely chopped shrimp and a creamy aromatic mixture seasoned with salt and black pepper. The resulting dish, baked until golden brown, is garnished with chopped peanuts, showcasing a delightful fusion of French, Cantonese, and Vietnamese culinary influences.

What Makes It So Popular?

  • Crispy Texture: The dish features crispy slices of baguette bread that are toasted and then baked until golden brown. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the savory shrimp filling is truly delicious.
  • Savory Shrimp Filling: If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll love this. The shrimp mixture is finely chopped in an aromatic creamy cheese mixture.
  • Versatility: Vietnamese shrimp toast is versatile and can be presented as an appetizer in various settings, from casual family meals to formal gatherings. Its adaptability makes it suitable for any party or holiday feast.

Gather These Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Vietnamese Shrimp Toast: banh mi baguette, shrimp, cooking oil, shallot, garlic, mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, salt and ground pepper.
  • Large loaf baguette (or 2-3 small baguettes): I used Vietnamese banh mi baguettes, but you can also substitute them with French baguettes.
  • Shrimp: use fresh or frozen shrimp. About 14-16 large shrimps.
  • Cooking oil: I used avocado oil to sauté the aromatics so they didn’t stick to the pan. Any cooking oil will work.
  • Shallot and Garlic: aromatics used to enhance the flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: used to bind the shrimp mixture together for a creamy texture.
  • Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: For the perfect balance, I used 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Salt and ground pepper: for seasoning, adjust to taste.

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

Let’s Make Some Shrimp Toast!

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Use a knife or food processor to mince the shrimp.
  1. Add cooking oil to the pan. Sauté the shallots and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until no longer translucent. Transfer this to a large mixing bowl and let it cool completely.
  1. Add mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese blend, salt, and pepper to the shrimp mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture to each baguette slice and spread to cover the top.
  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Tray of baked Vietnamese shrimp toasts.

Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh or frozen shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to defrost and completely pat dry before cooking. Excess moisture in the filling will make the bread soggy.
Chop the shrimp finely: Chop the shrimp into small pieces, but not too finely, so that the texture of the shrimp is still noticeable in the filling.
Add aromatics: Add finely chopped garlic, shallots, and scallions to the shrimp filling to give it more flavor.
Season well: Add salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar to the shrimp filling to enhance the flavor.
Spread the shrimp mixture evenly: Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring the shrimp filling is evenly distributed.
Press the filling onto the bread: Press the shrimp filling onto the slices gently to help it stick and prevent it from falling off during baking.
Bake until golden brown: Bake the shrimp toast until they are golden brown, and make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.

Top down of shrimp toasts on a tray and 3 on a serving board topped with green onions.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Crab and shrimp toast: Add lump crab meat or imitation crab to the filling.
  • Vegetarian option: If you don’t eat seafood, you can substitute the shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, or tofu.
  • Different bread: As mentioned earlier, you can use different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough bread, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Spicy shrimp toast: Add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the shrimp filling to give it some heat.
  • Sweet shrimp toast: To add a touch of sweetness, add a little bit of honey or brown sugar to the shrimp filling.
  • Different dipping sauce: Instead of the traditional sweet chili dipping sauce, try serving the shrimp toast with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a spicy mayo dip.
  • Fried shrimp toast: Try deep frying the shrimp toast in the pan with hot oil.
  • Different shapes: Instead of the traditional oval shape, you can cut the bread slices (depending on the type of bread you use) into different shapes, such as triangles or squares.

FAQ

What is the difference between Vietnamese and Chinese Shrimp Toast?

When it comes to shrimp toast, the Vietnamese and Chinese versions have many similarities but also some notable differences. One key difference is the bread used. Chinese shrimp toast is typically made with sliced white bread, while Vietnamese shrimp toast is made with French bread or baguettes.

The method of preparation also varies between the two. Chinese shrimp toast is usually deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender shrimp filling. Vietnamese shrimp toast is often baked or grilled, giving it a slightly different texture and flavor.

Both versions are delicious and are found in many Asian restaurants around the world. However, the subtle differences in ingredients and preparation methods give each dish its own distinct flavor profile.

What is the best bread to use?

Vietnamese shrimp toast typically uses banh mi baguette as the base since it has a thinner crust, which balances between crispiness on the outside when baked and a soft, tender interior that complements the shrimp mixture. However, you can also use other types of bread to add flavor or texture to the dish.

If you want light and crisp bread, you can use white sandwich bread or French bread. These breads are relatively neutral in flavor and texture, allowing the shrimp mixture to be the star.

Ultimately, the choice of bread is a personal preference. Just be sure to select sturdy bread to hold the shrimp mixture, which can be sliced thinly for optimal crunchiness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftover Vietnamese shrimp toast, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Tray of Vietnamese shrimp toasts in the background and 3 shrimp toasts on a serving board.

Refrigerate

Start by letting the toast cool to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent moisture from building up and causing the toast to become soggy. Next, wrap the shrimp toast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will protect it from any air that could cause oxidation and spoilage. Alternatively, you can store the toast in an airtight container to achieve the same result. Once properly wrapped, store the leftover shrimp toast in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Freeze

Wait for the shrimp toast to cool down to room temperature before packing it for freezing. This will prevent any condensation from forming inside the container, which could result in freezer burn. Wrap each individual piece of shrimp toast with plastic wrap. Ensure it is completely covered to protect it from any air exposure. You can also use aluminum foil or freezer bags to store the shrimp toast. These materials are great for keeping out any unwanted moisture and odors. Label each package with the freezing date so that you can keep track of its freshness. Shrimp toast can usually last up to three months when frozen properly. When you are ready to eat your frozen shrimp toast, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

  • Oven or Toaster Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Place the shrimp toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the shrimp toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges are crispy. You can also broil them for the last minute or two to get extra crispiness. Serve the reheated shrimp toast immediately with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
  • Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F. Place the shrimp toast in the air fryer basket or tray and air fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.

It’s important to note that microwaving shrimp toast will result in a soggy and unappetizing texture, so avoid that method if possible. By following the above steps, you can enjoy your leftover shrimp toast as if it were freshly made.

RECIPE

Vietnamese shrimp toasts on a baking tray.

Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Chiên Tôm)

Quynh Nguyen
Vietnamese shrimp toast is the perfect appetizer or snack that consists of lightly baked slices of banh mi baguette bread topped with a savory blend of minced shrimp, shallot, garlic, and creamy cheese.
5 from 49 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Asian Fusion, Vietnamese
Servings 8 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf baguette (or 2-3 small baguettes), cut into ½ inch slices
  • ¾ pounds raw shrimp (about 14), peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • green onions for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Use a knife or food processor to mince the shrimp.
  • Add cooking oil to the pan. Sauté the shallots and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until no longer translucent. Transfer this to a large mixing bowl and let this cool completely.
  • To the shrimp mixture, add mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, salt, and pepper. Mix until will incorporated.
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture to each baguette slice and spread to cover the top.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 669mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 1mg
Have you tried this recipe?Leave a star rating and let us know how it was!

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5 from 49 votes (43 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I did 3/4 cup of cheese istead of 1/2, and baked for about 17 minutes. Ridiculously good!

  2. 5 stars
    Love this version of shrimp toast. This is the perfect appetiser for my shrimp craving.

  3. 5 stars
    Easy and delicious, this one is a keeper. I know I’m going to make it over and over again!

  4. 5 stars
    MmmMMMM. That look so good! I love shrimp, and the combinations and flavors and textures here is fantastic.