Recipe notes and tips
What are blinis?
Blinis are small pancakes traditionally served with savory toppings such as smoked fish, sour cream, or caviar.
These low carb blinis are made with almond flour and coconut flour instead of wheat flour. Whipped egg whites give them a lighter, fluffier texture, making them a delicious base for smoked salmon and horseradish cream.
How do I make the blinis light and fluffy?
The secret is whipping the egg whites separately and gently folding them into the batter.
Beat the whites until soft peaks form, then fold them in with a spatula rather than using an electric mixer. This helps preserve the air bubbles that give the blinis their fluffy texture.
Cook over medium-low heat to allow the centers to cook through without browning too quickly.
What kind of smoked salmon should I use?
Cold-smoked salmon works particularly well because of its delicate texture and silky consistency.
Hot-smoked salmon is another delicious option, although it has a firmer, flakier texture and a more pronounced smoky flavor.
Can I use another type of smoked fish?
Yes! Smoked trout or smoked mackerel are excellent alternatives to salmon.
Both pair beautifully with the tangy horseradish cream and fresh dill.
Can I use wasabi instead of horseradish?
Absolutely! Wasabi is a delicious alternative that pairs beautifully with smoked salmon.
Replace the horseradish with 1–2 teaspoons of wasabi paste, starting with a smaller amount and adjusting to taste. Wasabi can be quite strong, and the heat varies between brands.
How spicy is horseradish cream?
Horseradish adds a pleasant sharpness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise, sour cream, and smoked salmon.
Prepared horseradish varies in strength between brands, so start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder flavor and adjust to taste.
What can I use instead of horseradish or wasabi?
For a milder sauce, simply omit the horseradish or wasabi and add a little extra Dijon mustard.
Alternatively, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream with fresh dill, lemon juice, and a little finely grated lemon zest.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Capers, finely chopped red onion, or chopped olives add extra flavor and texture.
For a festive presentation, you can also garnish the blinis with a little extra dill or a small amount of salmon roe.
Can I prepare the blinis ahead?
Yes! Cook the blinis up to two days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The horseradish cream can also be prepared a day ahead.
For the best presentation, assemble the blinis shortly before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I serve the blinis warm or cold?
Both work well! The blinis are delicious slightly warm or at room temperature.
If preparing them ahead, gently reheat them in a dry skillet over low heat or briefly in the oven before adding the toppings.
Avoid adding the horseradish cream and smoked salmon while the blinis are hot, as the cream may soften too much.
Storage and leftovers
Store leftover blinis, horseradish cream, and smoked salmon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, following the salmon package’s storage instructions.
The plain blinis can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, then thaw and gently reheat before serving.
Assembled blinis are best enjoyed fresh.