Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy buckwheat blini lightly pan-seared, topped with silky smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream for a traditional Russian appetizer. This russian-inspired breakfast ready in about 35 minutes combines buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Russian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp active dry yeast, 1 cup warm milk, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup buckwheat flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with 1 large egg yolk and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Stir to combine into a thick batter.
  3. Step 3: Cover batter with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until bubbles form.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg white into the risen batter.
  5. Step 5: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour 2 tbsp batter per blini and cook for 2 minutes until bubbles appear on surface. Flip and cook 1 minute more until golden brown. Repeat to make 12 blini.
  6. Step 6: Top each blini with a slice of 4 oz smoked salmon, 1 tsp sour cream, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Serve with lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Russian Buckwheat Blini with Smoked Salmon?

Russian breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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