Txaka Pintxo – Easy Spanish Crab Stick Pintxos
Txaka pintxo is one of those deceptively simple Basque bar snacks with a fascinating story behind it. Made with finely shredded surimi, creamy mayonnaise and hard-boiled egg, this easy cold pintxo can be prepared in around 20 minutes and served on slices of toasted baguette, with a tasty decorative topping.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef knife
- Box grater
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 150 g 5.2 oz. surimi (crab sticks)
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 4 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp diced capers optional
- 2 Tbsp Diced Shallots
- Baguette bread sliced on an angle
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Salmon pearls cooked prawns, anchovies, olives, capers, piquillo peppers, cooked egg yolk
Instructions
- Boil eggs: Cook the egg in boiling water for 10 minutes. Cool them in cold water, peel, and grate them finely.1 hard-boiled egg
- Shred the surimi: Finely shred the crab sticks. Use a grater or sharp knife for best results.150 g 5.2 oz. surimi (crab sticks)
- Mix the base: Combine the shredded surimi with the mayonnaise, add the diced capers, diced shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, add some chopped parsley.4 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp diced capers, 2 Tbsp Diced Shallots, Salt and black pepper
- Toast the bread (optional): Lightly toast the diagonal baguette slices under a grill. You can also use fresh untoasted baguette if you prefer.Baguette bread
- Assemble: Add a large tablespoon of the surimi mixture onto each slice of bread. Top with your choice of garnish, like a prawn or olive on a toothpick.Optional toppings: Salmon pearls
Notes
Variations on Crab Stick Pinchos
The surimi mixture is typically served on a slice of baguette with a decorative garnish on top. This can be (but not limited to):- Salmon pearls: These are salmon roe, but you could also use other fish roe.
- Cooked prawns: Top with just a few small or one large prawn.
- Anchovies: Add one canned anchovy to each pincho for an extra salty quick.
- Olives: Add a diced olive (black, green, or stuffed) or one whole one, secured with a toothpick or cocktail skewer.
- Capers: Sprinkle a few whole or diced capers over each one.
- Piquillo peppers: Add a strip of sweet canned piquillo pepper for a lighter flavor.
- Cooked egg yolk: Crush cooked egg yolk and sprinkle it on the top.