Norwegian Open Face Shrimp Sandwich

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Norwegian Open Face Shrimp Sandwich

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In Sweden they call it Räksmörgås, in Danmark it’s Rejesmørrebrød and in Norway we say Rekesmørbrød.

You might also like: How to make Kjøttkaker, Meat Cakes in a brown gravy

How to prepare and eat a Shrimp sandwich

Rekesmørbrød is a Scandinavian classic, and let me tell you how we do it in Norway.

First of all, this is a very seasonal thing to eat. For Norwegians it’s a treat for warm summer days out in the sun. Being at a cabin, on a boat out on the sea, or sitting by the shore with family or friends.

The key is to keep it simple. The only thing you need to buy is:

  • Shrimp (500 grams per person). Try and get the ones that are not peeled, but already boiled in salty water.

  • White bread (yep, no dark bread/rye bread…. that would be how the danes do it)

  • Dill

  • Lemon

  • Butter

  • Mayonnaise

Shrimp

The Shrimp

Good shrimp is of course important, and the best ones (at least in Norway) are the ones that are not peeled. Depending on the price I buy either fresh ones or frozen ones. To be honest it can be hard to tell the difference. Btw. did you know I can peel a shrimp in 4 seconds? I grew up peeling shrimp, and have become really good at it.. lol

So peel enough shrimp for one loaf of bread. You want a real stack of shrimp. Put some butter on the bread, even out the shrimp and then some mayonnaise on top. Over that I add some dill (Scandinavians love dill), and then sprinkle with some lemon juice. That’s it!

I like drinking my rekesmørbrød with a cold beer or white wine. Bubbly water is also really good.

Skål & I wish you a good summer! God sommer!

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Your friend in Norway,

Pål

Pål of Norway With Pål

Pål of Norway With Pål

Norway native, veteran travel guide, sailor, filmmaker, and writer (you might have seen me in one of Rick Steves’ guidebooks!). I want to help you enjoy Norway the right way — like a local. Learn more about me.

DISCLAIMER: Products on this page may contain affiliate links, and I might make a small sum per purchase. For you this does not affect the product price, but supports me and my work, and makes me able to continue sharing my passion for Norway with you. Read the Disclaimer policy. Thank you, tusen takk!

2 Comments

  1. Karen I Ford on June 25, 2023 at 2:28 am

    There is a restaurant in Edmonds, WA (not far from Rick Steve’s office on 3rd St) that serves a shrimp salad in a fresh garden tomato. The salad is really simple — mayonnaise thinned with a bit of cream, lots of fresh dill, salt, pepper to taste, and lots of baby shrimp!! You have to make reservations for this lunch!!!

    • norwaywithpal on June 30, 2023 at 8:34 am

      I’ll have to try that one out next time I’m in Edmonds! Thank you Karen 🙂

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