Menbosha, also known as Mian Bao Xia in Chinese cuisine, is a popular Korean-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried shrimp sandwiched between slices of bread. This dish is a delicious appetizer, combining the rich flavor of shrimp with a golden, crunchy toast exterior. Perfect for parties or as a satisfying snack, Menbosha offers a delightful mix of textures, and with this recipe, you can even prepare it using an air fryer for a healthier twist without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of white bread
- 10 large shrimp, deveined and deshelled
- 2-3 stalks of green onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg white
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon cooking rice wine
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Canola oil spray, for air frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp Mixture:
- Place the deveined and deshelled shrimp in a food processor along with the egg white, cornstarch, rice wine, black pepper, and salt.
- Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, sticky paste.
- Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl and fold in the finely chopped green onions.
- Assemble the Shrimp Toast:
- Take the slices of white bread and cut off the crusts to create even squares.
- Spread a generous layer of the shrimp mixture onto one slice of bread, then top it with another slice to create a sandwich.
- Gently press down to ensure the shrimp mixture adheres well to the bread.
- Repeat with the remaining slices and shrimp mixture.
- Cut each sandwich into smaller squares or rectangles, depending on your preference (usually halves or quarters work best).
- Air Fry the Menbosha:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray both sides of the shrimp sandwiches with canola oil spray to ensure a crispy finish.
- Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches.
- Air fry the shrimp toast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Menbosha from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the crispy shrimp toast hot, optionally with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili or soy-based sauce for added flavor.
Conclusion:
Menbosha (Mian Bao Xia) is a mouthwatering appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and filled with savory shrimp paste on the inside. This air-fried version makes it a healthier alternative while maintaining the beloved texture and flavor. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings or a special treat that delivers on taste and presentation.
Menbosha (Korean-Chinese Shrimp Toast) – Crispy Mian Bao Xia
Menbosha (Korean-Chinese Shrimp Toast) is a crispyappetizer made from shrimp paste sandwiched between slices of bread and friedto golden perfection. This air-fried version provides the same delicious crunchwith less oil, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying option.
- 6 slices of white bread
- 10 large shrimp (deveined and deshelled)
- 2-3 stalks of green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 egg white
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon cooking rice wine
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Canola oil spray (for air frying)
Prepare the Shrimp Mixture:
- Place the deveined and deshelled shrimp in a food processor along with the egg white, cornstarch, rice wine, black pepper, and salt.
- Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, sticky paste.
- Transfer the shrimp paste to a bowl and fold in the finely chopped green onions.
Assemble the Shrimp Toast:
- Take the slices of white bread and cut off the crusts to create even squares.
- Spread a generous layer of the shrimp mixture onto one slice of bread, then top it with another slice to create a sandwich.
- Gently press down to ensure the shrimp mixture adheres well to the bread.
- Repeat with the remaining slices and shrimp mixture.
- Cut each sandwich into smaller squares or rectangles, depending on your preference (usually halves or quarters work best).
Air Fry the Menbosha:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray both sides of the shrimp sandwiches with canola oil spray to ensure a crispy finish.
- Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches.
- Air fry the shrimp toast for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Menbosha from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the crispy shrimp toast hot, optionally with a dipping sauce such as sweet chili or soy-based sauce for added flavor.