Shrimp and black caviar appetizer

I have often found myself with a pack of frozen shrimp and not knowing what to quickly do with them, especially when someone unexpectedly shows up or I need an appetizer for a meal with friends. A few times I have prepared this simple combination of shrimp, bread, mayonnaise, and caviar. It's the kind of recipe you make when you don't have time to complicate things, but still want something that looks good and tastes great.

Quick Info

Total time: 25-30 minutes
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes (just for the shrimp)
Servings: 14 individual appetizers
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: appetizer, for festive platters or quick dinners

Ingredients

400 g small frozen shrimp
20 g black caviar
5 tablespoons mayonnaise
14 slices of bread (white or whole grain, as preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation steps

1. I heated a pan over medium heat and added a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil was hot, I added the frozen shrimp directly to the pan. I didn't thaw them beforehand - you can, and the excess water evaporates quickly during cooking.

2. I cooked the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until all the released water evaporated. In the end, there should be no liquid left in the pan. It usually takes about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and how much water they contain.

3. I removed the pan from the heat and let the shrimp cool. It's best for them to be completely cold before putting them on the mayonnaise, so the sauce doesn't melt.

4. For the bread, I used a round cookie cutter, about the size of a glass, and cut out 14 pieces. If you don't have a cutter, a wider glass pressed on the slice of bread works too. I removed the crust.

5. On each cut slice, I spread a thin layer of mayonnaise. Don't put too much, just enough to cover the surface.

6. I arranged the shrimp in a circle all around each slice spread with mayonnaise. For a medium-sized slice, about 3-4 shrimp fit around the edge.

7. In the center of each piece, I placed about half a teaspoon of black caviar. Don't force it, just enough to cover the center.

8. I arranged them on a platter. They are served cold.

Why I make this recipe often

It helps me when I want something quick and visually appealing, without needing complicated ingredients. It's a good solution for festive platters or when you have guests and don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. It's easy to adapt and nothing goes to waste in the same day.

Tips and variations

Tips

1. The shrimp must be cooked completely and well cooled before assembly.
2. If using homemade mayonnaise, keep in mind that it's more fluid - use less so the shrimp don't slide off.
3. Bread without crust is easier to cut if it’s drier (left to air for 10 minutes beforehand).

Substitutions

1. Black caviar can be replaced with red caviar if you don't have the classic version on hand.
2. Mayonnaise can be substituted with cream cheese if you want a lighter option.
3. If you don't have small shrimp, you can cut larger shrimp into pieces.

Variations

1. For an extra flavor, you can lightly drizzle the shrimp with a bit of lemon juice after they have cooled.
2. Instead of white bread, try whole grain baguette slices or crackers.
3. You can sprinkle a little pepper or fresh herbs on top if you prefer.

Serving ideas

1. Arrange the appetizers on a round platter for visual effect.
2. They can be served directly from the platter as finger food, without additional plates.
3. They are suitable for festive platters, buffets, or as a snack with a glass of white wine.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use peeled or unpeeled shrimp?
Yes, the recipe works with peeled shrimp. If you have unpeeled ones, they need to be cleaned before using them for assembly.

2. Can they be made with toasted bread?
Yes, but toasted bread gets soggy quickly from the mayonnaise. I recommend assembling the appetizer just before serving if using toasted bread.

3. How long in advance can I assemble these appetizers?
They can be made up to 2-3 hours in advance, kept in the fridge. I do not recommend leaving them overnight, as the bread gets soggy.

4. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, it works just as well. Choose a thicker version so it doesn't run.

5. If I don’t have a cutter, what should I do?
A wide-mouthed glass can be used or you can cut squares with a regular knife.

Nutritional values

Estimate for one serving (one piece):

Calories: approximately 70-90 kcal
Protein: 4-5 g
Fat: 4-6 g (mainly from mayonnaise and caviar)
Carbohydrates: 5-6 g (from bread)
Values are indicative and depend on the type of mayonnaise and bread used.

Storage and reheating

These appetizers should be kept in the fridge, but it is recommended to consume them on the same day. The bread gets soggy quickly from the mayonnaise and shrimp, and the texture is not the same after a few hours. They do not reheat well.

That's it. The recipe remains simple and to the point, without unnecessary complications.