Rustic Shrimp Toasts C H E W I N G T H E F A T Recipes

Steps:

• Put the shrimp and egg white in a food processor and pulse until pasty but still a little chunky. Add the sriracha, salt, sesame oil, black pepper, garlic, scallions and lemongrass and pulse until just combined.
• Divide the mixture among the bread slices and spread in an even layer to the edge. At this point, you can freeze the toasts while you heat the oil (although freezing is not totally necessary, it makes for cleaner cuts and easier handling).
• Bring 1 1/2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F in a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Cut each bread slice into 4 squares and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Carefully place each piece shrimp-side down into the oil. Fry until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove onto a rack or paper towel. Serve immediately drizzled with sriracha.

Steps:

• In a deep-fryer heat oil to 365 degrees. In a food processor combine next 9 ingredients; puree until a slightly chunky paste is formed. Using a rolling pin, flatten bread, one slice at a time. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of shrimp paste evenly over bread, and roll up in a tight cylinder; brush edge with a little beaten egg to seal and let dry while you make more cylinders.
• When all shrimp paste is used, cut each cylinder in thirds into small logs. Dip both ends of each log into egg, then into sesame seeds. Deep-fry logs, in batches, until golden-brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning several times with a metal spoon. Using a slotted spoon, remove shrimp toasts and drain on paper towels; keep warm while you fry remaining batches. Sprinkle with coarse salt and serve immediately.

Steps:

• Heat or neutral oil in a deep pan to 350.
• Slice 1 pound peeled shrimp lengthwise.
• Combine 1 1/2 cups water with ice; measure 1 1/2 cups water from that, and put it in a bowl.
• Beat with 1 cup flour and 2 egg yolks.
• Dredge shrimp in flour; dip in batter. Fry, less than 5 minutes.
• Drain on paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil and some chopped scallions.
• Spread the mixture on buttered toast (white bread is classic), and top with the shrimp.

Steps:

• Place shrimp, water chestnuts, cilantro leaves, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, anchovy filet, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, egg white, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times; scrape down sides of bowl. Continue to process until mixture is well blended and reaches a paste consistency, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to blend the flavors, about 1 hour.
• Very lightly toast bread slices. Trim crusts from bread. Spread shrimp paste onto bread in an equal thickness as the bread. Cut slices in half and then diagonally into diamond shapes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When oil is hot, place bread slices, paste side down, into the oil. Fry until crispy, 2 to 3 minute per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or warm garnished with additional sliced green onions.