How to serve caviar is one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before setting up a caviar dinner party. Although there is not one best way to serve caviar, there are certain protocols to abide by. The first thing you need to keep in mind is etiquette, while the second is politeness and grace.
Next, you will need to focus on caviar food pairings and last, but not least, drinks. Let us explore together how to create a beautiful caviar experience for you and your loved ones.
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How is caviar properly served?
One rule of thumb, according to gastronomy experts, is that fine caviar is best served as a standalone dish. This may or may not apply to you, so you should serve it as you most enjoy it. If pairing it with other dishes is more to your taste, do that.
Next, we are going to talk about temperature. Caviar is served very cold, yet not frozen. The best temperature for caviar serving is somewhere in between 26F to 35F. That is -3C to 1.6C. This is why you should never store your caviar in the freezer. The fridge is a better option, or a cold and non-humid pantry.
In order to keep your caviar cool during dinner, you should follow the general rule of caviar serving. This implies setting your caviar tin or bowl inside a larger recipient containing crushed ice or ice cubes. Now, you may want to go fancy by transferring the sturgeon roe, from the tin, inside a nicely looking bowl. This is not recommended, as you may end up breaking the eggs. Serving it straight from the tin is just fine and it also goes with caviar etiquette. If you do plan to make the switch, be very careful and gentle with the eggs.
Now let’s talk about utensils. Caviar is usually picked up with a teaspoon made of glass or bone, in order to avoid oxidation. Traditionally, caviar was served with golden or mother-of-pearl spoons, so if you want to go extra fancy, you have these options. Avoid silver, this will also lead to the oxidation of the eggs.
Last but not least on this chapter, portion sizes. Here you need some vision and a little bit of math. Caviar is usually served in small portions, so think of ½ to 1 ounce per guest. However, it is recommended to leave some wiggle room. You cannot waste this precious delicacy, but you also do not want your guests to leave the table unsatisfied. This is why an extra unopened tin might serve in handy. Ready the room and if you notice caviar is running short, go ahead and grab that extra tin. Although it is not polite to gorge on caviar, some guests might get overly excited. This is why, this extra-tip on how caviar is served will save your dinner party.
How to serve caviar blini
Now it’s time to think about caviar pairings. What goes well with caviar? The first answer is, for sure, blini. These delicious mini crepes are the perfect match for caviar servings. Although you can find them ready made in stores, it is best to cook them yourself. The process is pretty simple. All you need is: ¼ cup buckwheat flour, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 separated eggs, 1 stick of melted butter, ½ cup milk. Gently mix all ingredients and add the melted butter in the last step. After you get a rich, creamy dough, you can fry them up like French crepes.
The right way to serve caviar and blini is to top one blini with a little bit of caviar, then roll the blini and eat it like so. You can add a dollop of crème fraiche to the mix, if you prefer.
If you plan on serving caviar with blini, it is best to keep the blini warm. You can either warm them up in the oven before the guests arrive, or in the microwave, or prepare them 20 minutes before the dinner starts. Also, keep the blini on a warmed-up plate, so they stay warmer throughout dinner.
In addition, think about other caviar appetizers that go well with blini. Some inspired options are crème fraiche, hard-boiled eggs or mini omelets, jam or confit fruit.
How to serve caviar on a cracker
As previously mentioned, high quality caviar can be served alone. However, even the most devoted caviar aficionados will go for something easy next to pure caviar. In this case, if you want to go high-class with your caviar experience, we suggest unsalted crackers. The crunchy texture of crackers compliment very well the pop effect of caviar and also take away from the fatness of the sturgeon roe. If you don’t enjoy crackers, plain toast is a very good alternative. Just make sure the bread is unsalted. As many caviar varieties are pretty salty, you don’t want to add more salt to the final taste. The idea is to feel the caviar flavor at its best, so anything too flavorful might ruin the experience. If you still feel there is something missing, add a shallow layer of unsalted butter to your cracker or toast and you are good to go.
What condiments are served with caviar?
Now, as stated before, caviar experts will suggest serving caviar as a standalone dish. However, many people, although caviar lovers, sometimes struggle with caviar’s intense flavor. This is why we have garnishes, condiments and sides. If you believe that these additions will ruin the caviar experience or alter its original flavor, then keep away. However, it is good to know that these accessories can very well emphasize the taste and even texture of this delicacy.
Here are some of the classic condiments and garnishes that pair incredibly well with caviar: fresh herbs, microgreens, crème fraiche, minced red onions, lemon wedges and unsalted butter. It is advisable you take these garnishes into consideration if are expecting guests. Even though you may enjoy caviar without additions, some of your guests might not.
Creative ways to serve caviar
Our last chapter on how caviar is served with food is more fun and unconventional. You already know the traditional way to serve caviar, how to pair it with other garnishes, condiments and sides. However, did you know you can also serve caviar with pizza? Welcome to the new age of caviar serving!
This doesn’t mean you should pour an entire caviar tin on top of your favorite pizza. Instead, choose a fine, artisanal pizza, that doesn’t come with strong flavors. In this sense, avoid salty pepperoni, truffle sauce or anything else too flavorful. A simple margherita will work nicely. Also, smoked salmon and chives go well on a pizza that is about to be upgraded with caviar. Drop a couple of sturgeon pearls per slice and enjoy the taste of heaven!
Another rather unorthodox, but deliciously savory way of serving caviar in meals is with pasta. Go with the classic spaghetti or the delicate capellini. Add some garlic, freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and a dollop of black caviar to the entire bowl (not per serving). This will be the ultimate Italian themed dinner party, we assure you.
Now, it’s time for potatoes. Mini roasted potatoes are somewhat of a classic when it comes to caviar servings. However, did you know that caviar also goes well with potato chips? For roasted potatoes, we suggest you cut the mini potatoes in half, scoop out the core and fill it with caviar. Served with a bit of crème fraiche and fresh herbs, this is such a comforting treat! If you want to get creative, then potato chips are the way to go. Make sure you opt for non-salted or less salty chips. You don’t want to alter the flavor or the caviar. A nice way to serve is layer the chips, the caviar and, last, a thin layer of crème fraiche on a tray or serving block. Add a sparkling wine to the mix.
We have another surprising combo in store. How about caviar and onion dip? This unexpected association is really delicious. Go for a slightly salted dip, that we recommend you make at home. You can include some fresh herbs or microgreens, to make it even more satisfying.
Craving for something sweet? Try placing a couple of caviar pearls on top of a piece of white chocolate. This delightful appetizer works great as both amuse-bouche and dessert. The salty, creamy flavor of the caviar blends wonderfully with the richness of the white chocolate. This is the best way to have your guests amazed by your gourmet skills.
How to eat caviar with vodka?
You may already know that eating caviar with vodka is a traditional Russian custom. What you may not know, especially if you’ve never tried it, is that it makes perfect sense. Vodka is a drink of choice because it has a clean, pure taste. This way, it helps in cleansing the palate in between caviar servings. Champagne also does the trick, but we’ll get to that shortly. If you want to try a caviar and vodka serving, choose a fine vodka selection, like Grey Goose, Van Gogh or Ketel One. The vodka needs to be very smooth to compliment the caviar. Next, make sure your vodka is properly chilled. Serve a sip after a caviar serving, but not immediately after. Let the caviar flavor sink in, then proceed to drinking.
What to drink with caviar?
A perfect caviar dinner is not complete without the right drinks. Alcohol pairs well with caviar, but you need to make the right choices. Vodka is always a classic, but perhaps you want something lighter? In that case, champagne and wine are your best options.
Keep in mind there are recommended combinations of drinks and types of caviar. As a general rule, the Brut variety of champagne can accompany any type of caviar. However, if you want to really hit the spot, go for a glass of Blanc de Blanc when you’re having white sturgeon caviar. Blanc de Noir champagne goes best with beluga and ossetra caviar.
As far as wines go, a classic glass of fine Chardonnay pairs well with beluga and ossetra caviar selections. If you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, know that it is best served with lumpfish and white sturgeon caviar. For the Pinot Noir lovers, we recommend both white sturgeon and golden whitefish caviar. The Rosé variety is excellently accompanied by any black caviar selection, while sparkling Rosés are best served with beluga and osetra caviar.
If you’ve come this far reading, you are now an official expert on how to serve caviar! Relish on this new learned lesson by setting up a fancy little caviar bar or prepare your next dinner party. You have all the information you need to turn your caviar experience into an absolute success!
Image Sources: imperiacaviar.com, Unsplash