Chef John's Shrimp Toast

Ingredients

• 0.5 pounds raw shrimp , peeled and deveined
• 0.25 cups diced water chestnuts
• 0.25 cups chopped cilantro leaves
• 0.5 cups finely sliced green onions , plus more for garnish if desired
• 3 garlics cloves , crushed
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root
• 1 anchovy filet
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce , or more to taste
• 1 egg white
• 0.5 teaspoons white sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 thicks slices white bread
• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying , or as needed

Instructions

1. 1

   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 the sides of the 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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When oil is hot, add bread slices, paste-side down, and fry until crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or warm garnished with additional sliced green onions.