Jin's Menbosha (Korean Shrimp Toast)

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, smashed and minced)
• 0.5 tsp salt (to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (to bind the shrimp paste)
• 1 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)
• 1 egg whites (from one large egg)
• 1 tbsp duck fat (adds richness to the paste)
• 8 slice white bread (crusts removed and cut into small squares)
• 2 cup neutral oil (for deep frying; less if air frying)
• 2 tbsp ketchup (for the dipping sauce)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for the dipping sauce)
• 1 tsp chili powder (for the dipping sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the raw shrimp on a cutting board and smash them using the flat side of a knife. Once smashed, mince the shrimp until they form a coarse paste.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine the minced shrimp with salt, pepper, cornstarch, and chopped parsley. Mix these dry ingredients together first.

3. 3

   Add the egg whites and duck fat to the shrimp mixture. Mix thoroughly by hand until the paste is well-combined and slightly sticky.

4. 4

   Prepare the bread by removing the crusts and cutting each slice into four small squares. Place a dollop of the shrimp mixture onto one square of bread and top it with another square to create a sandwich.

5. 5

   To deep fry: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry each menbosha until golden brown. For extra crispiness, remove them and then double fry them for a short period.

6. 6

   To air fry: Brush the outside of the bread squares with oil. Place in the air fryer and cook until golden and crispy (typically 8-10 minutes at 350°F / 175°C, flipping halfway).

7. 7

   Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing together the ketchup, mayo, and chili powder in a small bowl.

8. 8

   Serve the hot menbosha with the dipping sauce and optionally pair with wine or a hard seltzer.

Notes

The author notes that smashing the shrimp thoroughly is key to the texture. While deep frying is traditional, air frying with a brush of oil works just as well for a lighter version.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• shrimp
• Korean-Chinese
• fried
• air fryer
• snack
• BTS inspired