ramyaramesh3007These vegan ‘shrimp’ toasts are the perfect snack if you want something sesame, umami & addictive! Oil free and gluten free options.
This ‘shrimp’ toast is a plant-based twist on the classic appetizer, usually made with a shrimp paste spread on bread, then fried or baked. This vegan version replicates the seafood flavour and texture using accessible ingredients like tofu and mushrooms.
The first time I ever had these crispy ‘shrimp’ toasts were at a restaurant in London which I absolutely adored. I had to recreate it at home because when the cravings hit, they hit hard.
It’s surprising how easy it is to make these! It’s not as messy as you’d imagine with the deep frying because in this recipe, you can bake or air fry them with minimal oil while achieving that same crunch and flavour – that’s definitely a WIN WIN.
Ingredients You Need
- extra firm tofu – ensure minimal water content in your tofu so it still holds the texture once blended!
- crab mushrooms – these are white umami mushrooms that give the best flavour in dishes that require a strong ‘umami’ flavour. If you can’t find these, you can also use white shimeji mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms.
- aromatics – shallot, garlic, spring onion
- seasoning – roasted nori sheet or flakes, old bay seasoning, vegan fish sauce, light soy sauce
- bread – any white or wholemeal bread works too!
- sesame seeds – white and black sesame seeds
- olive oil – for light frying but optional!
Gluten free substitutions: Use gluten free bread or rice cakes. Substitute with gluten free soy sauce and gluten free and vegan fish sauce.
Allium free substitutions: Omit garlic, shallot, and spring onions – substitute with a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Ensure hing is gluten free if you’re following a gluten free diet.
Crispy Vegan ‘Shrimp’ Toasts
Ingredients
- 250 g extra firm tofu 1 block
- 100 g white crab mushrooms
- 1 shallot
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 spring onion
- small sheet roasted nori
- 1 tsp old bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp vegan fish sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Toast
- 8 slices square shaped bread
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
- olive oil for frying
- thai sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- To a blender, combine extra firm tofu, mushrooms, nori, spring onion, garlic, shallot, vegan fish sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Blend until you get a smooth but thick paste.
- Combine white and black sesame seeds on a plate and give them a good mix.
- Slice your bread diagonally across into 4 triangles. Spread the vegan shrimp mixture evenly onto one side of each bread slice.
- Press toast on the sesame seeds gently to get them to stick. Spray or brush some olive oil on top if using.
- Airfry at 180℃ for 7 minutes.
- Serve with thai sweet chili sauce. Enjoy!