I love making this Vietnamese shrimp toast whenever I need a reliable appetizer that feels homemade and comforting. The crisp bread combined with a creamy, savory seafood topping always reminds me of family gatherings where food disappears as quickly as it’s served. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare without any complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it is quick, approachable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. I can prepare everything in minutes, bake it instead of frying, and still get a golden, satisfying result. I also enjoy how flexible it is, since I can adjust the flavors or double the batch without changing the process.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ lb raw shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
½ lb imitation crab, finely minced
2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely diced
½ yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 long French baguettes, sliced diagonally
Directions
I begin by preheating my oven to 350°F so it is ready once the toast is assembled. I place the shrimp into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, stopping before it turns into a paste. I do the same with the imitation crab.
I add the chopped shrimp and crab to a large bowl along with green onion, celery, yellow onion, garlic, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and creamy.
I slice the baguettes diagonally into pieces about ¼ to ½ inch thick. I spread about one tablespoon of the shrimp mixture on top of each slice, making sure it reaches the edges.
I arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. I bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked through and the tops are lightly golden. I let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 30 slices from this recipe. Prep time takes around 5 minutes, and baking takes about 25 minutes, so the entire recipe is ready in roughly 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes replace imitation crab with fresh crab meat when I want a richer flavor. I also like swapping yellow onion and garlic for minced shallots for a milder taste. When baguettes are not available, I use sourdough or ciabatta as long as the bread is sturdy enough to hold the topping.
Storage/Reheating
I like to prepare the shrimp mixture up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Once baked, I keep leftover shrimp toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I place them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes so the bread stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I Prepare The Shrimp Mixture In Advance?
I prepare the mixture up to one day ahead, but I always bake the toast just before serving for the best texture.
What Bread Works Best For This Recipe?
I prefer French baguettes, but any sturdy bread that crisps well in the oven works nicely.
Can I Freeze The Shrimp Toast?
I do not recommend freezing the raw mixture because it contains mayonnaise. Baked toast is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
How Do I Keep The Toast Crispy?
I let the shrimp toast cool briefly on a wire rack so steam does not soften the bottom of the bread.
Is This Recipe Good For Parties?
I think this recipe is ideal for parties because it can be doubled or tripled easily and served warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
I keep this Vietnamese shrimp toast recipe on hand because it is dependable, flavorful, and always a hit. Whenever I want an appetizer that feels special without extra effort, I turn to this dish and enjoy watching it disappear from the table.
Vietnamese Shrimp Toast (Bánh Mì Nướng Tôm) is a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crisp baguette slices topped with a creamy mixture of shrimp, crab, cheese, and aromatics. Baked to golden perfection, it’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
½ lb raw shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
½ lb imitation crab, finely minced
2 stalks green onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely diced
½ yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 long French baguettes, sliced diagonally
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Finely chop shrimp and imitation crab using a knife or pulse in a food processor.
In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab, green onion, celery, yellow onion, garlic, mayonnaise, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Slice baguettes diagonally into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp mixture onto each slice, covering to the edges.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until shrimp is fully cooked and tops are lightly golden.
Cool briefly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Substitute imitation crab with fresh crab meat for a richer flavor.
Use shallots in place of yellow onion and garlic for a milder taste.
Sourdough or ciabatta can be used instead of baguette.
Chill shrimp mixture up to 1 day in advance to save prep time.
Reheat leftovers in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
