Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Nướng Tôm)

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!

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

• 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 to see 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.

Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

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

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.

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