Menbosha (Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast)

Menbosha, also known as Mian Bao Xia, is a popular Korean-Chinese fusion dish that consists of shrimp toast. It’s a delightful snack or appetizer featuring a shrimp paste sandwiched between slices of bread, which is then either fried or air-fried to crispy perfection. The shrimp filling is light, flavorful, and seasoned with rice wine, green onions, and spices, making this a deliciously crunchy and savory treat.

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp Filling:
  • 10 large shrimps, deveined and deshelled
  • 2-3 stalks of green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg white
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 tablespoon cooking rice wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Toast:
  • 6 slices of white bread, crusts removed
  • Canola oil spray, for air frying (or oil for frying if using stovetop)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp Paste:

• Finely chop the shrimp into a paste or use a food processor to pulse the shrimp until smooth.
• Transfer the shrimp paste to a mixing bowl and add the finely chopped green onion, egg white, cornstarch, cooking rice wine, black pepper, and salt.
• Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture has a thick, paste-like consistency.

2. Assemble the Shrimp Toast:

• Take the slices of white bread and cut them into 4 equal squares (you should have 24 squares total).
• Spread a generous layer of the shrimp paste on half of the bread squares.
• Top each with another piece of bread to create a sandwich, pressing down gently to ensure the shrimp paste adheres to both slices.

3. Air Fry or Fry the Shrimp Toast:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly spray both sides of the shrimp toast sandwiches with canola oil spray.
• Place the sandwiches in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
• If you prefer to fry on the stovetop, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Fry the shrimp toast sandwiches in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Serve:

• Once the Menbosha is crispy and golden, serve immediately.
• These shrimp toasts are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

Conclusion:

This Menbosha (Korean Chinese Shrimp Toast) is a perfect fusion of crunchy toast and savory shrimp paste, making it an irresistible snack or appetizer. Whether air-fried for a lighter version or pan-fried for extra crispiness, these shrimp toasts are quick and easy to make. They’re ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a delicious, savory bite.