Classic Pan-Fried Herring Starter (Scandinavian-Style Fish Recipe)

Name: Classic Pan-Fried Herring Starter (Scandinavian-Style Fish Recipe)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1–1.5 lbs fresh herring fillets or whole fish, scaled and gutted; Flour seasoned with salt and pepper over herring or optionally oat‑flour mix; 2–3 Tbsp butter or mix of butter and olive oil; Lemon wedges, chopped herbs for garnish (parsley, dill, or rocket leaves)

Fish 450 Last Update: Aug 01, 2025

Classic Pan-Fried Herring Starter (Scandinavian-Style Fish Recipe) - Fish

Serves: 6 People
Prepare Time: 20 minutes mins
Cooking Time: 15 minutes mins
Calories: 200 kcal

Discover two classic herring recipes: tangy pickled herring in a vinegar brine with onions and spices, and pan‑fried herring fillets sautéed in butter. Perfect as Scandinavian-style starters or light seafood mains, both options offer vibrant flavor and rich tradition.

Ingredients

1–1.5 lbs fresh herring fillets or whole fish, scaled and gutted
Flour seasoned with salt and pepper over herring or optionally oat‑flour mix
2–3 Tbsp butter or mix of butter and olive oil
Lemon wedges, chopped herbs for garnish (parsley, dill, or rocket leaves)

Directions

Soak herring fillets in a cold salt-water solution or plain water in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours to reduce saltiness.†
Bring vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and peppercorns to a simmer for 5 minutes; cool to room temperature.†
Layer herring, onion, and optional dill in jars; pour over cooled brine until completely covered. Seal jars.†
Refrigerate at least 24–48 hours before serving; best after 3 days. Keeps up to 2–3 weeks.†
Serve chilled with rye or crisp bread. It makes a great holiday appetizer or smörgåsbord feature.