British shrimp sandwich: why it is so popular and how to cook it

Imagine appetizing pink shrimp in creamy mayonnaise, nestled between two slices of soft bread. This is the most popular shrimp sarnie sandwich, and it has been for over a decade.

This type of sandwich gained widespread popularity in 2000, when the then Manchester United captain Roy Keane accused some home fans of being a "shrimp sandwich brigade". After that, serni sandwiches with shrimp became fashionable and are even mentioned in celebrity books, writes SSPDaily.

This sandwich is one of the top three best-selling sandwiches at M&S Food and has not many calories - 350. It is cheaper than all the products on the fast food shelf and costs only 3 pounds. And its shape evokes nostalgia and reminds customers of the food they used to eat as children.

What makes a shrimp sandwich perfect?

1. The size of the shrimp.

If they are too small, they will simply get lost in the mayonnaise. Choose a large size, otherwise the whole sandwich will fall apart.

For example, the famous chef Gordon Ramsay prefers medium-sized tiger shrimp. In his opinion, they have the right balance of crunch and juiciness.

The sandwich manufacturer M&S uses both Pacific (large) and Atlantic (smaller) shrimp in its sandwich.

2. Do not eat the sandwich cold.

Don't try a cold shrimp sandwich because you won't be able to taste the full flavor.

3. Use the right dressing.

This recipe uses a simple mayonnaise: egg, oil, vinegar or lemon juice and a little Dijon mustard.

Marie Rose sauce is also allowed, which is made with Worcestershire mayonnaise, tomatoes, lemon juice and black pepper.

Other combinations: M&S adds lemon juice, brandy, tabasco and Worcestershire sauce to its mayonnaise, while Sainsbury's Taste The Difference shrimp cocktail sandwich includes mayonnaise, cocktail sauce, cream sour cream and chili peppers.

The most unusual ingredient: ketchup, cayenne pepper and vanilla seeds are added to the standard mayonnaise.

4. Choose the right bread.

For this recipe, brown bread is the best choice because it holds the filling better. Avoid overly fluffy or flavored bread.

Choose bread about 1 cm thick and resist the temptation to buy a baguette.

5. Whether to add a salad

According to experts, greens can improve the taste of this sandwich.

For example, actress Gwyneth Paltrow uses grated carrots with Vietnamese-style shrimp in her sandwich. Chef Jamie Oliver prefers green onions, and food writer Annabelle Carmel prefers avocado and watercress.

At the same time, TV show guru Gordon Ramsay adds Little Jam, radishes, tomatoes, and lime juice.

Tip: it is better not to use iceberg lettuce in the recipe. It will make the sandwich raw and cold.

What else can be added to the sandwich?

Modern versions of the modest shrimp sandwich are varied.

Experts also add cream cheese, grated cheddar, red onion, chili, and curry sauce instead of mayonnaise.

To add spice, they also use cocktail shrimp chips crumbled in a mayonnaise mixture along with grated lettuce, cucumber, and tarragon.

Everything you need to know for a great recipe:

• an oatmeal bun, cut into medium-thick slices;

• 200 g of tiger prawns (cook in boiling water for 4 minutes);
• creamy citrus mayonnaise mixture;
• some watercress.

Enjoy!