Toast Skagen is a classic Swedish dish featuring creamy shrimp salad on crispy toast, often garnished with fresh dill and lemon. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and perfect as an appetizer or light meal. Here’s a detailed, user-friendly recipe:
Toast Skagen Recipe
Servings: 4 (as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
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200g (7 oz) fresh cooked shrimp (small or chopped large shrimp)
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4 slices of high-quality white bread (or brioche/sourdough for extra richness)
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100g (3.5 oz) mayonnaise (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
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50g (2 oz) crème fraîche or sour cream
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1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (+ extra for garnish)
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1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 small shallot or ½ red onion, finely minced
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
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Salt & white pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp butter (for toasting)
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Lemon wedges & fish roe (optional) for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp Salad
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If using large shrimp, chop them into small pieces.
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In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced shallot, and Dijon mustard.
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Gently fold in the shrimp. Season with salt & white pepper (avoid overmixing to keep texture light).
2. Toast the Bread
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Trim crusts off the bread and cut into triangles or rectangles.
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Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Toast the bread until golden and crisp on both sides (or use a toaster).
3. Assemble
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Spoon the shrimp salad generously onto the warm toast.
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Garnish with extra dill, a squeeze of lemon, and a spoonful of fish roe (if using).
4. Serve Immediately
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Best enjoyed fresh to maintain the toast’s crispness. Pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Tips for Perfection:
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Texture Contrast: Ensure the toast is crispy to balance the creamy salad.
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Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp possible; frozen shrimp should be thawed and patted dry.
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Variations: Add chopped chives, a pinch of cayenne, or swap shrimp for crab.
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Make Ahead: Prep the salad 1–2 hours ahead (keep chilled), but assemble just before serving.
Why It’s Special:
Toast Skagen is a minimalist yet luxurious dish, balancing rich creaminess with bright citrus and briny seafood. Its simplicity lets high-quality ingredients shine, making it a timeless favorite for gatherings or a treat-yourself moment.