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Stunning plated serving of Salmon & Shrimp Checkerboard, a chef-tested recipe by Chef Jorj Morgan.
Jorj Morgan

Salmon & Shrimp Checkerboard

These exquisite checkerboard bites combine rich smoked salmon with a bright caper gremolata and a savory shrimp mixture, the shrimp squares precisely crowned with a pearl of premium caviar.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Base
  • 1 package party pumpernickel bread, yields about 36 3-inch square slices
The Smoked Salmon & Gremolata
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 8 ounces high-quality smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, from 1 small lemon
The Shrimp
  • 12 ounces frozen salad shrimp, 150 to 200 count, completely thawed and drained
  • ¼ cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from ½ medium lemon
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, finely diced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
The Caviar Garnish & Seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons premium caviar, for garnish

Method
 

The Salmon Assembly & Gremolata
  1. Spread the cream cheese on one side of 18 bread slices.
  2. Lay smoked salmon slices on top of the cream cheese. Use a sharp knife to trim the bread into neat squares.
  3. Place the red onion, capers, dill, parsley and lemon zest onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to finely mince these ingredients to create a caper gremolata. Sprinkle just a bit of this gremolata onto all of the salmon squares.
Make the Shrimp Spread
  1. Place the shrimp into the bowl of a food processor.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, celery and parsley.
  3. Pulse to combine into a smooth paste. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
The Shrimp Assembly & Caviar
  1. Spread the shrimp paste onto 18 bread slices.
  2. Use a very sharp knife to trim each slice into neat squares. Top each square with just a bit of caviar.
Arrange the Checkerboard
  1. Alternate the squares to form a checkerboard.
  2. Garnish the platter with thinly sliced lemon and fresh dill.

Notes

Makes 36 squares.