How to Make the Perfect Toast Skagen
Swedish · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Toast Skagen is an elegant Swedish classic featuring a creamy shrimp salad piled high on crispy fried toast, garnished with dill and a squeeze of lemon. It is a staple of Swedish fine dining and festive occasions, named after the famous Danish fishing harbor.
Why this recipe works
This Toast Skagen recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g cooked peeled shrimp
- 4 tbsp creme fraiche
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 large bunch fresh dill finely chopped
- 4 slices white bread thick cut
- 30 g butter for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Pat the cooked shrimp dry with paper towels. Combine creme fraiche, mayonnaise, and most of the fresh dill in a mixing bowl. Season generously with salt, white pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Fold in the shrimp gently and refrigerate while you prepare the toast.
Step 2: Fry the Toast
Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium high heat until foaming. Add the bread slices and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. The bread should be crunchy on the outside while remaining slightly soft inside. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Place a slice of fried toast on each plate. Spoon a generous mound of the shrimp mixture on top of each toast, building it up into a tall and appealing pile. The shrimp mixture should be cold against the warm crispy toast.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each toast with a small sprig of fresh dill, a wedge of lemon, and optionally a small spoonful of bleak roe or caviar on top. Serve immediately as a starter or as part of a Swedish smorgasbord.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- creme fraiche → sour cream for a very similar result with a slight tang
- white bread → sourdough bread for a more complex flavor and crunchier texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the shrimp which makes the mixture watery and causes soggy toast
- Assembling too far in advance which allows the toast to lose its crispness
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 18g protein, 22g carbs, 20g fat, 1g fiber.
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