Daddy's Shrimp Toast Recipe

Name: Daddy's Shrimp Toast
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely minced; 0.5 medium yellow onion, minced; 0.5 cup finely chopped water chestnuts; 0.5 cup finely chopped celery; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 0.5 cup cooked crabmeat; 1 large egg, beaten; 1.5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 5 drops soy sauce; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 0.25 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste; 2 cups oil for frying; 8 thick slices white bread

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings.

Shrimp Paste:

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined and finely minced
medium yellow onion, minced
cup finely chopped water chestnuts (Optional)
cup finely chopped celery (Optional)
1 green onion, finely chopped
cup cooked crabmeat
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
5 drops soy sauce
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Dipping Sauce:

cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon white sugar
teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste

Toast:

2 cups oil for frying
8 thick slices white bread

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the shrimp paste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, onion, water chestnuts, celery, and green onion. Stir in the crabmeat, beaten egg, fresh parsley, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fresh parsley, water, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic powder until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Prepare the toast. Heat inch of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, spread each slice of bread generously with a thick layer of the shrimp paste, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 5: Working in batches, place the bread, paste-side down, into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp paste turns golden and the shrimp are pink. Carefully flip the bread and cook for another minute, until the bread is golden brown.

Step 6: Remove the toasts from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 7: Slice the shrimp toasts diagonally and serve them with the dipping sauce.

Editor's Note: We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time, temperature, ingredient density, and the type of oil used.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 666
Total Fat: 59g (76% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 8g (40% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 116mg (39% Daily Value)
Sodium: 817mg (36% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 18g (7% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Protein: 17g (34% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 5mg (5% Daily Value)
Calcium: 90mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium: 221mg (5% Daily Value)

Note: Nutritional information is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your individual calorie needs.

Daddy's Shrimp Toast Recipe

This delicious recipe for Daddy's Shrimp Toast combines the delicate flavors of shrimp, crabmeat, and aromatic seasonings on a crispy, golden toast. It's a perfect appetizer for any occasion, served with a savory dipping sauce to complement the flavors. Whether for a special family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!

History and Origins

While shrimp toast is often associated with Chinese cuisine, this dish is believed to have originated in Hong Kong and later spread across the globe, particularly to Western countries where it gained popularity as an appetizer in Chinese-American restaurants. The addition of crabmeat and the unique combination of seasonings make Daddy's Shrimp Toast stand out as a flavorful and satisfying variation. It is believed that shrimp toast was created as a way to use shrimp more creatively, turning it into a delicious finger food that would be perfect for social occasions.

Regional Features

In traditional Chinese shrimp toast, a paste made from minced shrimp is spread on slices of white bread and then deep-fried until crispy. However, regional variations can be found across the globe. In places like Thailand, the toast might include additional spices and fresh herbs like cilantro or chili to add a bit of heat, while in other parts of Asia, sesame oil and soy sauce are key ingredients for flavor. Daddy's Shrimp Toast includes a delightful blend of water chestnuts, celery, and green onions, along with the savory shrimp paste, making it a well-rounded treat that's both crispy and juicy.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While shrimp toast shares similarities with other "toast" dishes, such as French toast or crab crostini, the key difference lies in its preparation and flavors. The main feature of shrimp toast is the shrimp paste that is spread on the bread, which is unique to this dish. Unlike other appetizers that simply top bread with spreads or meats, shrimp toast is deep-fried, giving it a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. This technique ensures the shrimp mixture sticks well to the bread, making it easy to handle and enjoy as finger food.

Where It's Typically Served

Daddy's Shrimp Toast is often served as an appetizer in Chinese restaurants, particularly in regions with a strong Chinese community like the United States, Canada, and the UK. It is also a popular choice in dim sum establishments where bite-sized snacks are the highlight. The crispy texture of the toast, combined with the creamy shrimp paste, makes it a crowd favorite at parties, game nights, and festive gatherings. It can also be found at high-end restaurants that serve fusion dishes, where chefs add their own twists to the classic recipe.

Interesting Facts

In Hong Kong, shrimp toast is sometimes known as "Hae Cho," and it is commonly served with a side of sweet and sour sauce.
The combination of water chestnuts and celery in Daddy's Shrimp Toast adds a satisfying crunch to the otherwise smooth texture of the shrimp paste, making it stand out from traditional recipes.
The dish is a great way to use up leftover shrimp, transforming it into an entirely new flavor experience.
Some chefs add a small amount of grated cheese or finely chopped herbs to the paste to create variations of the recipe, allowing for endless customization.

Conclusion

Daddy's Shrimp Toast is a fantastic dish that combines the rich flavors of shrimp and crab with the crispness of fried bread. Whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a new way to enjoy seafood, this appetizer is sure to be a hit. Its unique blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout dish that bridges the gap between classic Chinese cuisine and modern tastes.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Daddy's Shrimp Toast Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp paste up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This helps save time on the day you plan to serve it.

Yes, you can freeze the shrimp paste for up to 1 month. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before spreading on the bread.

If you don't want to use crabmeat, you can substitute it with more shrimp or any other seafood like scallops or lobster. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use finely chopped mushrooms or tofu as a substitute.

To prevent sogginess, lightly toast the bread before spreading the shrimp paste on it. This will create a crispy base that holds up better when frying.

Yes, you can bake the shrimp toast. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake the shrimp toasts for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. This will cut down on the oil used for frying.

Store any leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispy texture.

Yes, you can use other types of bread like whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread, depending on your preference. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the shrimp paste without falling apart.

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce to enhance the flavors.

Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but oil (like vegetable or peanut oil) works best as it has a higher smoke point, which helps prevent burning. If using butter, be careful not to burn it at high temperatures.

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini to the shrimp paste. Just make sure to finely chop or grate them so they mix well and don’t affect the texture.

Comments

Frank Turner

06/16/2024 05:21:11 PM

There are too many unnecessary ingredients used.

Carolyn Lewis

01/28/2025 02:13:36 PM

The toast appears to be coated with some sort of breading. I am curious about what it is made of. I have not tested the recipe yet, so I am unable to provide a rating at this time.

Aaron Jones

11/15/2024 02:12:56 AM

Excellent. A delightful treat that will be cherished.

Angela Flores

01/10/2023 07:48:40 PM

I prepared this recipe for my husband and friends, and it was absolutely delicious. We loved the shrimp toast served with lemon wedges and the accompanying sauce. Highly recommended!