We all love shrimp, but have you ever had it in toast form? Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Banh Mi Nuong Tom) is a unique and flavorful dish that will change your perspective on how to enjoy this tasty seafood!
Ready to impress any dinner guest with your culinary wizardry? Follow these steps for a delicious version of this classic Vietnamese dish—it's easier than you think! This crunchy gustatory delight combines freshly-minced shrimp with garlic and selects seasonings for an appetite-tempting combination.
Take Aways
- Choosing the right baguette: Choosing the right type of baguette can make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. Look for a Vietnamese-style baguette that is light, fluffy, and has a delicate crust.
- Don't over-process the shrimp: When preparing the shrimp for the spread, be careful not to overprocess it. Finely dice the shrimp into small pieces to create a crumbly texture that pairs well with the creamy spread.
- Watch the toasts carefully while baking: Bake them just enough so that the baguette is slightly crunchy and toasty and the cheese has melted completely, but avoid over-baking them to prevent a less-than-ideal texture.
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What is Banh Mi Nuong Tom?
Have you ever thought about having shrimp on toast? Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Banh Mi Nuong Tom) is a baked delicacy that takes plain toast to a new level with shredded shrimp, mayonnaise, and sour cream. What could be better than the classic taste of shrimp combined with the satisfying toast crunch?
It's an exciting combination that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. As if that didn't sound tasty enough, it has a unique flavor combination of spices, herbs, and seasonings. Trust me; it's seriously delicious and worth every bite.
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 16 pieces
For shrimp:
- ½ lb of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2-3 cloves of minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Shrimp spread:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
Getting the Shrimp Ready: Preparation Tips
Step 1 Preheat that oven to a toasty 350° F.
To ensure your Banh Mi Nuong Tom turns out crispy and golden brown, grab a baking sheet and coat it with oil or spray it with non-stick oil. This will help prevent the shrimp and bread from sticking to the pan and ensure easy cleanup. Don't skimp on this step - a well-oiled baking sheet is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
Step 2 Add the star of the show: the shrimp.
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp onto the pre-oiled baking sheet. Next, drizzle some high-quality olive oil over the shrimp and sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper to your liking.
Note:
Make sure to evenly coat the shrimp with the seasonings so that every bite is bursting with flavor. This step is crucial to infuse the shrimp with a delicious taste and aroma that will have your taste buds dancing joyfully.
Step 3 Time to bake those shrimp
Let's pop those seasoned shrimp into the oven and bake them until they turn a beautiful pink color, which should take about 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and rubbery. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the shrimp to cool down before slicing them into perfectly bite-sized pieces.
Creating the Perfect Shrimp Spread:
Step 1 The shrimp spread is the heart of the dish.
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Then, add the onion powder, oregano, and thyme to the mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the spread. Finally, dice the cooked shrimp into small pieces and mix them well into the spread.
Preparing the Baguette Slices
Step 2 Let's get the bread ready!
First, cut the French baguette into your desired size or thickness. Be sure to spread it evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Then, take a generous dollop of the shrimp spread and top it onto each baguette slice.
Step 3 Let's assemble!
Place each shrimp-topped baguette slice onto the pre-oiled baking sheet, arranging them evenly to ensure even baking. Then, sprinkle each slice with Cajun seasoning to add a bit of spice and flavor.
Carefully slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown. Once ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Read:
Why these ingredients
- Shrimp - Shrimp is the star of the show in this recipe, providing a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy baguette. Using fresh and high-quality shrimp is key to achieving the best taste and texture in the dish.
- Garlic - Garlic adds a deliciously pungent and savory taste to the shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise serves as the base of the shrimp spread, providing a creamy and smooth texture that complements the shrimp and cheese.
- Sour cream - Sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the shrimp spread, helping to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese.
- Parmesan cheese - Parmesan cheese is a critical ingredient in the shrimp spread, adding a nutty and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
- Mozzarella cheese - Mozzarella cheese provides a gooey and melty texture to the shrimp spread, making it even more indulgent and delicious.
- Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the shrimp spread, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
- Thyme - Thyme adds an herby and earthy flavor to the shrimp spread, balancing out the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise.
- Oregano - Oregano provides a slightly bitter and pungent flavor to the shrimp spread, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
- Baguette - The baguette is the perfect vessel for the shrimp spread, providing a crispy and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy and savory shrimp.
- Cajun seasoning - Cajun seasoning adds a spicy and smoky flavor to the dish, giving it a little kick that balances out the richness of the shrimp spread.
- Parsley - Parsley adds a bright and fresh pop of color and flavor to the dish, making it even more appetizing and visually appealing.
Tips and tricks to make the perfect Banh Mi Nuong Tom
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Banh Mi Nuong Tom:
1 Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is essential to achieving the best taste and texture in the dish. Make sure to use fresh shrimp, high-quality cheese, and fresh herbs for the best results.
2 Be mindful of the seasoning: Be mindful of the seasoning. Too much or too little seasoning can throw off the balance of flavors in the dish. Taste the shrimp mixture and the shrimp spread as you go to ensure that the seasoning is just right.
3 Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose flavor. Ensure to cook the shrimp until they are pink and remove them from the heat to prevent overcooking.
4 Use a well-oiled baking sheet: A well-oiled baking sheet is essential to preventing the shrimp and bread from sticking and creating a mess. Coat the baking sheet generously with oil or use a non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup and perfectly golden brown Banh Mi Nuong Tom.
5 Toast the baguette before adding the shrimp spread: Toasting the baguette before adding the shrimp spread is important to achieving the perfect crispy texture. Toast the baguette until golden brown, then add the shrimp spread for the best results.
6 Experiment with the seasoning: This versatile dish can be customized to suit individual tastes. Experiment with different seasoning blends or add extra spices for a bolder flavor.
7 Serve immediately: Banh Mi Nuong Tom is best served immediately after baking to ensure the perfect texture and temperature. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Read:
Pro tips:
Tip 1 Use a Vietnamese-style baguette
I recommend using a Vietnamese-style baguette (banh mi) for the best possible results. One of the reasons why we love Vietnamese baguettes is that they have a softer and fluffier texture than traditional baguettes. They also have a more delicate crust that won't leave you with scraped-up taste buds.
Note:
You can find them at a Vietnamese bakery or supermarket. Alternatively, a pro tip is to visit your favorite banh mi sandwich shop and request to purchase one loaf of plain bread.
Tip 2 When it comes to bread, freshness is key.
We want to avoid using stale bread for Banh Mi Nuong Tom, as it can become too hard and crunchy. We recommend purchasing the baguette as close to the cooking day as possible for the best possible texture.
This way, you can ensure that the bread is fresh and has a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy shrimp spread.
Note:
So, next time you're at the bakery, choose the freshest baguette possible to take your Banh Mi Nuong Tom to the next level.
Tip 3 Do not over-process the shrimp.
It's important not to over-process the shrimp when making the shrimp spread. Over-processing can turn the shrimp into a paste-like texture. Instead, we recommend finely dicing the cooked shrimp so that it is crumbly and adds a textural element to the spread.
Note:
This will ensure every bite has a burst of shrimp flavor and a deliciously crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy baguette.
Tip 4 Let the cooked shrimp mixture cool down.
For the best texture and consistency of the shrimp spread, it's essential to let the cooked shrimp mixture cool before adding the mayonnaise and cheese. If the mixture is too hot, the mayonnaise can separate and become oily, leading to a less-than-ideal texture.
Additionally, the cheese may melt too quickly and clump together instead of mixing evenly throughout the shrimp mixture.
Note:
So, let the cooked shrimp mixture cool down to room temperature before adding the mayonnaise and cheese. This way, you can ensure a smooth, creamy shrimp spread bursting with flavor.
Tip 5 Watch the toast closely.
When baking Banh Mi Nuong Tom, watch the toast closely. Bake the toast just enough so the baguette is slightly crunchy and toasty and the cheese has melted completely.
Note:
The oven temperature should be relatively low as the shrimp are already cooked. Overbaking the toasts can produce a less-than-ideal texture, so keep an eye on them to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Tip 6 Choosing the right cheese.
Choosing a cheese that melts well is essential to create the perfect creamy texture in the shrimp spread. When making Banh Mi Nuong Tom, I always opt for a milder cheese to avoid overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.
My go-to cheese options for this recipe include mild cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, American, Fontina, or Provolone cheese. A Mexican or Italian cheese blend pack would also work well if you're looking for a convenient option.
How to store and reheat Banh Mi Nuong Tom
Banh Mi Nuong Tom is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips on how to store and reheat them:
1 Storage: Allow any leftover Banh Mi Nuong Tom to cool to room temperature before storing them. Place the toasts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
2 Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3 Reheating in the microwave: Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel—microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated.
4 Reheating on the stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and the cheese is melted.
5 Toppings: You can also add fresh toppings to your reheated Banh Mi Nuong Tom to give them a bit of extra freshness and flavor. Some great options include sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Suggestions on how to serve and pair Banh Mi Nuong Tom
Here are some suggestions on how to serve and pair Banh Mi Nuong Tom:
- Sweet chili sauce: Sweet chili sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for Banh Mi Nuong Tom. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor complements the creamy shrimp spread and adds a burst of extra flavor to each bite.
- Salad: A fresh salad is a great Banh Mi Nuong Tom side dish. Try tossing some mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette, or create a more substantial salad with avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Vietnamese coffee: Vietnamese coffee is a perfect drink pairing for Banh Mi Nuong Tom. The strong, bold flavor of the coffee complements the rich and savory flavors of the shrimp spread and adds a bit of extra caffeine to help you power through the day.
- Spring rolls: Provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of Banh Mi Noung Tom. The combination of flavors and textures can provide a satisfying and balanced meal.
- Iced tea: For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving Banh Mi Nuong Tom with a glass of iced tea. Whether you prefer black tea or herbal varieties, iced tea is a refreshing and cooling drink that pairs well with the creamy and savory flavors of the shrimp spread.
- Fresh herbs: To add an extra layer of freshness to your Banh Mi Nuong Tom, try adding some fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint. These herbs add a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp spread.
Variations of Banh Mi Nuong Tom
While the classic recipe for Banh Mi Nuong Tom is already delicious, here are some variations that you can try to mix things up:
- Spicy shrimp spread: Add some heat to your dish by adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the shrimp spread.
- Pickled vegetables: Add some tangy flavor and crunch by topping it with pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, or cucumbers.
- Different cheese: Try using different types of cheese to give your toast a unique twist. Goat cheese or feta cheese can add a tangy flavor, while blue cheese can add a bit of extra creaminess and umami.
- Grilled shrimp: Instead of baking them in the oven, try grilling them for a slightly smoky and charred flavor.
- Herb-infused spread: Add some extra flavor to your shrimp spread by infusing it with herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme.
Full Recipe
Banh Mi Nuong Tom | Vietnamese Shrimp Toast
Pin RecipeIngredients:
- 1 loaf Baguette (sliced into 16 pieces)
- ½ lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp Spread:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Garnish:
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Getting the Shrimp Ready: Preheat that oven to 350° F.
- To ensure your Banh Mi Nuong Tom turns out crispy and golden brown, grab a baking sheet and coat it with oil or spray it with non-stick oil. This will help prevent the shrimp and bread from sticking to the pan and ensure easy cleanup. Don't skimp on this step - a well-oiled baking sheet is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
Add the star of the show: the Shrimp.
- Place the peeled and deveined shrimp onto the pre-oiled baking sheet. Next, drizzle some high-quality olive oil over the shrimp and sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper to your liking. Make sure to evenly coat the shrimp with the seasonings so that every bite is bursting with flavor. This step is crucial to infuse the shrimp with a delicious taste and aroma that will have your taste buds dancing joyfully.
Time to bake those Shrimp
- Let's pop those seasoned shrimp into the oven and bake them until they turn a beautiful pink color, which should take about 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and rubbery. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the shrimp to cool down before slicing them into perfectly bite-sized pieces.
Creating the perfect Shrimp Spread:
- Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Then, add the onion powder, oregano, and thyme to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the spread. Finally, dice the cooled shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces and mix them well into the spread.
Prepare the Baguette slices:
- First, cut the French baguette into your desired size or thickness. Be sure to spread it evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Then, take a generous dollop of the shrimp spread and top it onto each baguette slice.
Let's assemble!
- Place each shrimp-topped baguette slice onto the pre-oiled baking sheet, arranging them evenly to ensure even baking. Then, sprinkle each slice with Cajun seasoning to add a bit of spice and flavor.
- Carefully slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Once ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Notes:
Pro tips:
Tip 1 Use a Vietnamese-style baguette
I recommend using a Vietnamese-style baguette (banh mi) for the best possible results. One of the reasons why we love Vietnamese baguettes is that they have a softer and fluffier texture than traditional baguettes. They also have a more delicate crust that won't leave you with scraped-up taste buds. You can find them at a Vietnamese bakery or supermarket. Alternatively, a pro tip is to visit your favorite banh mi sandwich shop and request to purchase one loaf of plain bread.Tip 2 When it comes to bread, freshness is key.
We want to avoid using stale bread for Banh Mi Nuong Tom, as it can become too hard and crunchy. We recommend purchasing the baguette as close to the cooking day as possible for the best possible texture. This way, you can ensure that the bread is fresh and has a soft and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy shrimp spread. So, next time you're at the bakery, choose the freshest baguette possible to take your Banh Mi Nuong Tom to the next level.Tip 3 Do not over-process the shrimp.
It's important not to over-process the shrimp when making the shrimp spread. Over-processing can turn the shrimp into a paste-like texture. Instead, we recommend finely dicing the cooked shrimp so that it is crumbly and adds a textural element to the spread. This will ensure every bite has a burst of shrimp flavor and a deliciously crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy baguette.Tip 4 Let the cooked shrimp mixture cool down.
For the best texture and consistency of the shrimp spread, it's essential to let the cooked shrimp mixture cool before adding the mayonnaise and cheese. If the mixture is too hot, the mayonnaise can separate and become oily, leading to a less-than-ideal texture. Additionally, the cheese may melt too quickly and clump together instead of mixing evenly throughout the shrimp mixture. So, let the cooked shrimp mixture cool down to room temperature before adding the mayonnaise and cheese. This way, you can ensure a smooth, creamy shrimp spread bursting with flavor.Tip 5 Watch the toast closely.
When baking Banh Mi Nuong Tom, watch the toast closely. Bake the toast just enough so the baguette is slightly crunchy and toasty and the cheese has melted completely. The oven temperature should be relatively low as the shrimp are already cooked. Overbaking the toasts can produce a less-than-ideal texture, so keep an eye on them to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.Tip 6 Choosing the right cheese.
Choosing a cheese that melts well is essential to create the perfect creamy texture in the shrimp spread. When making Banh Mi Nuong Tom, I always opt for a milder cheese to avoid overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. My go-to cheese options for this recipe include mild cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, American, Fontina, or Provolone cheese. A Mexican or Italian cheese blend pack would also work well if you're looking for a convenient option.How to store and reheat Banh Mi Nuong tom
Banh Mi Nuong Tom is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips on how to store and reheat them: 1 Storage: Allow any leftover Banh Mi Nuong Tom to cool to room temperature before storing them. Place the toasts in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.2 Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3 Reheating in the microwave: Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel—microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated.
4 Reheating on the stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the Banh Mi Nuong Tom in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and the cheese is melted.
5 Toppings: You can also add fresh toppings to your reheated Banh Mi Nuong Tom to give them a bit of extra freshness and flavor. Some great options include sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Nutrition Information:
Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
