Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Nướng Tôm)

Vietnamese shrimp toast is a popular appetizer that consists of lightly baked slices of French 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, is an appetizer that originated in Vietnam. The dish has a rich history that dates back to French colonialism in the 19th century. During this period, the French introduced their culinary traditions to Vietnam, including the concept of bread as a staple food. Vietnamese people quickly adopted the practice of making their own bread, known as bánh mì, and incorporated their own flavors and ingredients.

Shrimp toast, on the other hand, has its roots in Cantonese cuisine. It was initially made with minced shrimp, water chestnuts, and other aromatic ingredients, spread onto a piece of bread, and deep-fried until crispy. Over time, the dish made its way to Southeast Asia and underwent various adaptations to suit local tastes.

The Vietnamese version of shrimp toast is typically made with a mixture of finely chopped shrimp and aromatics. The mixture is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and sometimes soy sauce or fish sauce. Slices of baguette bread are then toasted until slightly crispy, topped with the shrimp mixture, and deep-fried (or in our case, baked) until golden brown. The finished dish is garnished with chopped peanuts and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Vietnamese shrimp toast has become a popular appetizer in many Vietnamese restaurants, not only in Vietnam but also around the world. The dish's unique combination of French and Cantonese influences, along with the addition of Vietnamese herbs and spices, make it a true fusion dish. The combination of crispy bread, savory shrimp filling, and crunchy peanuts creates a taste sensation that is sure to satisfy everyone.

Ingredients Needed

• Large loaf baguette (or 2-3 small baguettes): I used Vietnamese banh mi baguettes but you can also substitute with French baguettes.
• Shrimp: use fresh or frozen shrimp. About 14-16 large shrimp.
• Cooking oil: used to sauté the aromatics so that it doesn't stick to the pan. Any type of cooking oil will work. I used avocado oil.
• Shallot: aromatic for flavoring
• Garlic: aromatic for flavoring
• Mayonnaise: used to bind the shrimp mixture together and for a creamy texture.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: I used ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of cheddar cheese for the perfect balance.
• Salt and ground pepper: for seasoning.

⬇️ Please scroll down to the recipe card to see the full ingredient amounts and instructions ⬇️

How to Make It

Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step Two: Use a knife or food processor to mince the shrimp.

Step Three: 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.

Step Four: To the shrimp mixture, add mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step Five: Add 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture to each baguette slice and spread to cover the top.

Step Six: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

⭐️ Tips for Making the Best Vietnamese Shrimp Toast

1. Use fresh or frozen shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to defrost and completely pat dry before cooking.
2. 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.
3. Add aromatics: Add finely chopped garlic, shallots, and scallions to the shrimp filling to give it more flavor.
4. Season well: Add salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar to the shrimp filling to enhance the flavor.
5. Use egg as a binder: Add an egg to the shrimp mixture to bind the filling together.
6. Toast the bread: Toast the bread slices lightly before adding the shrimp mixture to make it crispy.
7. Spread the shrimp mixture evenly: Spread the shrimp mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring the shrimp filling is evenly distributed.
8. Press the filling onto the bread: Press the shrimp filling onto the bread slices gently to help it stick and prevent it from falling off during frying.
9. Bake until golden brown: Bake the shrimp toast until they are golden brown on both sides and make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.
10. Drain excess oil: After baking, drain excess oil on paper towels to keep the shrimp toasts crispy.

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, rye, 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: Add a little bit of honey or brown sugar to the shrimp filling for a touch of sweetness.
• 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 for 3 days in the refrigerator.

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. Make sure that 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 date of freezing, 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, simply 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 was freshly made.

RECIPE