🍤 Vietnamese Shrimp Toasts

✨ Ingredients (makes about 12 pieces):

For the shrimp paste:

• 1/2 lb (225g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 small shallot
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or rice flour
• 1 green onion, finely sliced

For the base:

• 4–6 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• Neutral oil (like vegetable or peanut oil) for frying

Optional toppings:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced red chili or jalapeño
• Cilantro or mint

For dipping:

• Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)
  (see quick recipe below)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the shrimp paste:
   In a food processor, blend shrimp, garlic, shallot, egg white, fish sauce, sugar, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Stir in green onions by hand.
2. Prep the bread:
   Cut bread slices into quarters or triangles. Spread a thick layer of shrimp paste on one side of each piece. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
3. Fry:
   Heat oil (about 1/2 inch deep) in a skillet over medium heat. Place toasts shrimp-side down and fry for ~2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the bread side briefly. Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve hot:
   Top with chili slices and herbs if desired. Serve with nuoc cham for dipping.

🥣 Quick Nuoc Cham (Dipping Sauce)

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small chili, finely sliced

Mix everything until sugar dissolves.

💡 Tips:

• You can bake these at 400°F (200°C) for ~12–15 minutes if you prefer less oil.
• Want a Thai twist? Add a bit of lemongrass to the shrimp paste.