Russian Pancakes (Blinis) With Smoked Salmon

Russian pancakes, known as blinis or blini, are delightful little pancakes that make a delicious appetizer. Traditionally, these small, fluffy, and savory pancakes are served topped with gourmet products like caviar. They are very popular in France, often served with smoked salmon. Guests can easily hold these cocktail blinis in one hand and enjoy them in one bite while holding a Mimosa in the other. Although they are typically savory pancakes, they can also be served with sweet toppings such as jam, fresh fruits with whipped cream, or chocolate.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Assemble the Blinis with salmon
• How to serve them
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQ
• More salmon recipes
• 📋 Easy French Russian Blinis Recipe With Smoked Salmon

Traditional blini recipes involve a more complex process requiring yeast and whipped egg whites.

However, this recipe offers an easier version, similar to ordinary pancakes or French crepes, but with a twist.

Baking powder is used instead of yeast, and all the ingredients are mixed together all at once.

This results in mini pancakes that are fluffy, crispy, and slightly thicker than general pancakes or French crepes.

These bite-sized treats, sometimes called 'French blinis,' can be made in regular size (4 in - 10 cm) or small (2 in - 5 cm), making them very practical for buffets.

Whether you prefer them with savory toppings or as a sweet treat, these Russian pancakes are versatile and delicious appetizers that will surely impress your guests.

For more appetizer recipes, you can read fresh salmon tartare, Italian bruschetta, mushroom bruschetta, savory pancakes to serve at dinner party

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for this easy version of blinis:

• flour: I use all purpose flour (type 00), for a more traditional recipe you can use buckwheat  flour
• milk: use whole milk for a richer flavor
• fresh eggs: I have my own chicken and my eggs are always fresh
• melted butter: let the butter cool down before mixing it into the batter
• baking powder: to make the pancakes light and fluffy
• salt: just a pinch
• light oil for griddle: safflower or canola oil

See the recipe card for measurements.

Instructions

1. Blend all the ingredients for the pancakes with an electrical blender.
2. Put a heavy-based nonstick skillet or frying pan over high/medium heat and wait until it is warm before cooking the pancakes
3. Pour the oil into a small cup, and with the use of a brush, lightly grease the bottom of the pan
4. Pour the pancake batter over the hot griddle, making pancakes with 4 in - 10 cm or 2 in - 5 cm in diameter, depending on your needs.
5. Once bubbles appear through the batter, turn the pancakes on the other side.
6. When the pancakes are golden brown, and you removed them from the pan, brush the pan with oil again before pouring more pancakes to cook

Small blinis (2 in - 5 cm)

If you want to serve the blinis with salmon as an aperitif or for a buffet, it is better to make small blinis.

Guests can hold them in their hands and eat them in one bite.

Assemble the Blinis with salmon

1. Arrange all the blinis on a serving tray
2. First, lay a slice of salmon, then add the seasoning: either sour cream, mayonnaise, or aioli
3. Add a swirl of lemon zest on top

How to serve them

Special Occasions

French blinis are a perfect appetizer for special occasions. Whether you're celebrating New Year's Eve, hosting a dinner party, or dining out at a restaurant, blinis are a versatile and elegant dish that can be tailored to your taste.

During the winter months, blinis are a popular choice for entertaining guests. The warm, buttery pancakes are a comforting treat on a cold night, and they pair perfectly with smoked fish or meat.

If you're hosting a party, consider setting up a blini bar with a variety of toppings.

Smoked salmon, caviar, or fish eggs and sour cream are classic choices, but you can also experiment with different flavors and textures.

Try topping your blinis with crème fraîche and fresh dill, or with caramelized onions and bacon.

If you're dining out, look for restaurants that offer blinis on their menu.

Many French restaurants serve blinis as an appetizer or as part of a tasting menu. Some restaurants even offer blinis as a main course, topped with hearty meats like beef, duck or foie gras.

Overall, French blinis are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

Whether you're hosting a party or dining out, blinis are sure to impress your guests with their elegant and sophisticated flavors.

For more creative serving ideas, check out my upcoming article, "4 Savory Pancake Ideas for a Dinner Party".

Russian blini and seafood

These small pancakes are usually served with seafood or caviar; our favorite is smoked salmon. They are also delicious with shrimp, crab meat, and smoked mackerel.

You can season it with sour cream, mayonnaise, aioli ( see recipe below), or salsa tartar.

If you don't have time, you can buy Blinis and sauces and assemble them before serving them.

However, they are easy to make, and fresh blinis taste much better.

To complement the goodness, make sure you buy a good quality smoked salmon, of course, we buy Irish

How to make Aioli from scratch

If you don't have time, you can buy the aioli already made, but if you want to make it yourself you can either make it with store-bought mayonnaise or with homemade mayonnaise.

If you never made homemade mayonnaise before, check out my article and you will find all the hints and tips to make a perfect homemade mayonnaise. Before you get started, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.

1. In a bowl whisk the egg with salt, pepper and the mustard.
2. Very slowly add the vegetable oil, in a thin but continuous flow.
3. Add the lemon juice or the vinegar with the minced garlic at the end
4. Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days

If you want to make Aioli with store-bought mayonnaise, just mix it with 1 or 2 minced garlic clove.

Storage

Cooked blini can be stored in the following ways:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the blini within a few hours, you can store them at room temperature. Just cover them with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the blini. Stack them with sheets of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will keep for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Reheating Cooked Blini:

• Microwave: Place a stack of blini on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the blini in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Pan: Warm the blini in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Managing Leftover Batter:

• Refrigerating: If you have leftover batter, you can store it in the refrigerator. Transfer the batter to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24-48 hours. Give the batter a gentle stir before using it again.

As the batter contains baking powder, freezing it will reduce the effect of the rising agent

Remember that the blini's consistency and texture may change slightly after refrigerating or freezing the batter.

It’s always best to make the blini fresh, but storing the batter is convenient if you have leftovers.

Top tips

• Before you start making the blinis, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature
• Make smaller blinis if you want to serve them at a buffet
• Before you cook the blinis, make sure the griddle is nicely hot
• If you want to make Aioli with store-bought mayonnaise, mix it with 1 or 2 minced garlic cloves.

FAQ

More salmon recipes

If you like to serve salmon as a starter I can also suggest a very easy starter: Salmon Tartare or Maki and Uramaki Sushi.

If you want to serve a delicious main dish with salmon, I would highly recommend my salmon, cod and scallops fish pie.

For seafood ideas for the Feast of Seven Fishes, check out this Web Story.

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