September 30, 2022

By Olivia Horwedel, WSG Science Communications Fellow

This week’s Sustainable Seafood recipe highlights herring, an underutilized fish in seafood dishes. These pickled herring bites are influenced by the flavors of Scandinavia. Historically, many Scandinavians have immigrated to Washington from Europe for fishing opportunities, taking advantage of the bountiful herring found in the Salish Sea. This recipe, courtesy of Eating Well, celebrates unique flavors and is perfect for this time of year.

This easy-to-make appetizer can be prepared ahead of time, and would be the perfect dish for football tailgates, dinner parties, or a mid-afternoon snack. We hope you enjoy making these pickled herring bites! 

Ingredients:

Serve: 40 // Time: 30 minutes

• 6 new or baby red potatoes (about 12 ounces)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 8-ounce container pickled herring fillets (see Note), drained
• 3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion 
• Fresh dill for garnish
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan, add 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Put potatoes in the basket and steam until barely tender when pierced with a skewer, 15 to 20 minutes, depending on size. Slice each potato into 1/4-inch-thick slices (discard the ends). Sprinkle the potato slices with salt.
2. Cut herring fillets into pieces small enough to fit on a potato slice. Place one piece of herring on each potato slice, dollop each with about 1/8 teaspoon sour cream and sprinkle with red onion. Garnish with dill and a grinding of pepper.

Tips:

• Make Ahead Tip: Refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
• Note: Pickled herring are herring that have been cured in salt, rinsed and then packed in a vinegar-based marinade that can be flavored with wine, mustard, sherry or cream–any flavor will work in the recipe. Look for it in jars or tubs in the seafood department at most supermarkets.

 

Recipe courtesy of Eating Well.

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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer.

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