There’s something elegant about serving Shrimp Blini at a gathering. They’re small, dainty, and packed with flavour — the kind of bite-sized treat that instantly makes any table look special. Yet, despite their fancy appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to put together. I’ve always loved how a soft, pillowy blini becomes the perfect little canvas for all sorts of delicious toppings, and this version — topped with diced shrimp mixed into a creamy tartare-style sauce — is one of my all-time favourites.
When I first started making blinis, I thought they were best left to professional chefs or fancy cocktail parties. But the truth is, they’re quite forgiving. They’re essentially little pancakes, soft and light, made to hold whatever topping your imagination can dream up. And when it comes to shrimp, there’s something irresistible about the combination of seafood and creamy sauce, all lifted with the freshness of dill. It’s a classic flavour pairing that feels both comforting and indulgent.
The magic of these shrimp blinis really lies in the contrast of textures and flavours. The blini itself is tender and slightly buttery, offering that comforting base that warms the palate. Then you have the diced shrimp — plump, juicy, and just a little sweet from the sea. When mixed with the tartare-style sauce, everything comes together beautifully. The sauce, with its tang of lemon, hint of capers, and smoothness of mayonnaise, adds a layer of richness that’s brightened by the freshness of dill on top.
What I particularly enjoy about making these is how they can fit so effortlessly into any occasion. Whether it’s a casual lunch with friends or a festive celebration with glasses of something bubbly, shrimp blinis feel right at home. They look impressive when arranged neatly on a platter — each one topped with a neat spoonful of shrimp mixture and that tiny green sprig of dill that seems to tie it all together. I often find guests hovering nearby, picking one up with a delighted grin after just one look.
Another reason I adore this dish is how adaptable it is. You can make the blinis ahead of time and keep them covered until needed. The shrimp mixture can be prepared a little while in advance, giving the flavours time to mingle. And when it’s time to serve, it’s just a quick assembly job. I like to think of these little canapés as the perfect balance between effort and reward — minimal fuss, maximum satisfaction.
There’s also something nostalgic about the tartare-style sauce. It reminds me of family meals featuring seafood — fish fingers as a child, or fried cod with a dollop of tartare as a treat at the seaside. Here, though, that same sauce takes on a more refined personality. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly suited to complement the shrimp’s delicate flavour. Every bite of these blinis feels like a grown-up version of those familiar comfort foods, only with a touch more sophistication.
If you’re looking for a dish that feels luxurious without being fussy, Shrimp Blini are an excellent choice. They bring that little spark of restaurant-style elegance to your own kitchen but remain grounded in homely simplicity. They’re not about overcomplicating things — just about combining good ingredients in the right way. And as a home cook, that’s what I love most about them. You can whip up a tray of these, stand back, and feel quietly proud as everyone reaches for another.
Whether the shrimp blini are served as part of an appetiser spread or enjoyed as a light snack, Shrimp Blini have a way of making an ordinary day feel just a bit more special. It’s that beautiful marriage of soft, savoury, and fresh — the buttery blini, the cool creamy shrimp, the herbal whisper of dill. For me, it’s one of those small culinary joys that reminds you why cooking at home can be such a pleasure. After all, a tray of these golden little pancakes topped with shrimp and dill doesn’t just taste wonderful — it feels wonderful to share.
Shrimp Blini
Ingredients
The Blinis:
- 100 g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 150 ml milk
- 1 large egg free range
- 20 g butter melted, plus extra for cooking
Shrimp Topping:
- 200 g shrimp cooked finely diced
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers finely chopped
- 1 tsp gherkins finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp shallot finely chopped
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.100 g plain flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch salt
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg and melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.150 ml milk, 1 large egg, 20 g butter
- The batter should be thick but pourable. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.
- Heat a little butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spoon small rounds of batter (about a tablespoon each) into the pan, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute until golden. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, gherkins, mustard, and shallot.200 g shrimp, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp capers, 1 tsp gherkins, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp shallot
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Place the cooled blinis on a serving platter. Spoon a small mound of the shrimp mixture onto each blini.
- Top each Shrimp Blinis with a small sprig of fresh dill for a finishing touch.fresh dill
21 comments
Simple to describe. Delicious
A lovely bite-sized treat — creamy, tangy, and beautifully presented.
Such a versatile recipe — next time I might add a tiny bit of smoked salmon too.
Absolutely delicious! The shrimp and dill combination was so refreshing on the soft blinis.
Easy to make and looked so impressive on the table. A definite crowd-pleaser!
The sauce was perfectly tangy and complemented the sweetness of the shrimp.
Great balance of flavours and textures. The dill added a lovely fresh note.
The hint of lemon in the shrimp topping made the whole thing taste so fresh.
Truly a five-star appetiser. Elegant, flavourful, and so easy to make!
A wonderful appetiser! They disappeared in minutes at my family gathering.
The blinis turned out fluffy and light, and the shrimp mix was divine.
Perfect party food — everyone loved them and kept asking for more.
Made these for a Christmas party and they were the star of the evening.
Simple ingredients, but the result was absolutely stunning. Highly recommend.
Loved how I could prepare everything ahead and just assemble before serving. Very convenient.
These Shrimp Blinis were light, creamy, and full of flavour. I’ll definitely make them again.
These little canapés were the perfect starter before our seafood dinner.
Everyone at my dinner party asked for the recipe! That says it all.
I loved how soft and buttery the blinis were — they paired beautifully with the creamy shrimp topping.
The tartare-style sauce really lifts the shrimp. So elegant yet simple to prepare.
Such a classy canapé. I felt like I was serving something from a fine restaurant.