There are a lot of ways to serve caviar, but Chef James London’s Caviar Sammich at Chubby Fish might be one of our favorites.
The celebrated Charleston seafood restaurant is known for taking exceptional ingredients and serving them in ways that feel fun rather than fussy, and the Caviar Sammich is a perfect example: warm, buttery bread, cool crème fraîche and a generous layer of caviar.
We’ve been lucky enough to work with Chef James and the Chubby Fish team, and this now-famous sandwich has inspired more than a few cravings around here. So we put together a version you can make at home using our VIP Imperial Kaluga Hybrid Caviar.
It’s simple, decadent and proof that sometimes the best way to eat really good caviar is between two pieces of buttered bread.
Why Kaluga Hybrid Works So Well
For a caviar sandwich, you want something with enough flavor and texture to stand up to butter and crème fraîche without becoming overly salty.
VIP Imperial Kaluga Hybrid has large, firm pearls with a creamy texture, buttery flavor and gentle salinity. It’s rich without overpowering the other ingredients, which makes it especially well suited for generous spoonfuls and simple preparations like this one.
Chubby Fish–Inspired Caviar Sammich
Ingredients
- Small potato rolls
- Softened butter
- Crème fraîche
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
- Fresh Lemon
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt, if needed
- 1 (50-gram) tin of Caviar Star VIP Imperial Kaluga Hybrid Caviar
Plan on approximately 15–20 grams of caviar per sandwich.
Instructions
1. Toast the rolls
Slice the potato rolls and lightly butter the cut sides. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until deeply golden while keeping the outer parts soft and pillowy.
2. Make the crème fraîche
Lightly whip the crème fraîche, then fold in chopped chives, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice and tiny bit of freshly cracked black pepper.
We don't find the need to add more salt—the caviar will bring plenty of salinity on its own. But taste first then add some, if you please.
3. Build the sammich
Spoon a generous layer of caviar onto one side of the warm, toasted roll. Add a dollop of the crème fraîche mixture and finish with a little freshly grated lemon zest.
4. Finish and serve
Close the sandwich and lightly brush the top with melted butter.
Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the crème fraîche and caviar are cool.
That contrast is part of what makes it so good.
What to Serve With a Caviar Sandwich
You don't need much.
Like most caviar as a service or caviar snacks, this sandwich is rich and satisfying, typically best enjoyed at the beginning of a meal as an appetizer, as a special treat on date night, or as the ultimate finger sandwich at brunch.
At home if you simply pair a couple of these bad boys with a lemony salad, a handful of kettle chips--you have a delicious light and decadent meal. For drinks, a crisp sparkling wine, rose, or dry vinho verde pairs naturally with the buttery, briny flavors of the caviar.
A Few Caviar Tips
Keep your caviar refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the sandwiches and open the tin just before serving.
More importantly, resist the urge to add too much. You can always go back and add more zest or pepper! Removing it is hard...
This sandwich works because it's simple: warm buttery bread, cool crème fraîche, fresh lemon and cold caviar with that signature pop.
Sometimes that's really all you need.
