Räksmörgås

(Swedish Shrimp Sandwich)

May 10: National Shrimp Day

Islander used to work in a building across the street from an Ikea in Illinois. What a distraction it was to go to that Swedish furniture store (we bought a sofa sleeper, end tables, cabinets and shelving, benches and stools and a mirror from Ikea)!

Sometimes, Islander would take her lunch breaks at the Ikea cafeteria to sample some Swedish food, such as räksmörgås, an open-faced shrimp sandwich. It was light and refreshingly delicious.

Now that we currently live in South Texas, the closest Ikea is nearly three hours’ drive away—not too convenient to visit for browsing at furniture or eating at the café. So we make räksmörgås at home. These Swedish shrimp sandwiches are simple to make for a light lunch and in observance of National Shrimp Day. Smaklig måltid (bon appétit in Swedish)!

Recipe

(Adapted from Ikea)

Ingredients

• Toasted bread (one per person)
• Butter
• Lettuce leaves
• Boiled egg, shelled and sliced
• Small frozen shrimps, thawed and patted dry with paper towels
• 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• lemon slices (optional garnish)
• tomato wedges (optional garnish)

Directions

Toast the bread. Spread butter on one side. Place a lettuce leaf on top. Slice the eggs and layer it on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle the shrimps over the eggs.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir in the chopped dill. Carefully spread the mixture over the shrimp. Finish with dill on top. Garnish with lemon slices, tomato wedges and a sprig of dill (optional). Serve immediately.

Notes

• Variations of räksmörgås include adding mustard, thinly-sliced cucumbers, chopped chives, lemon garnish, tomato wedges and caviar.
• Heavier breads, such as rye or pumpernickel, are recommended over the softer white varieties to be able to hold up the ingredients.
• Search our site for other Swedish-inspired or shrimp recipes.