Discover how to make classic pickled herring at home with our easy recipe. Choose from delicious flavors like tangy mustard, savory onion, or aromatic garlic. Perfect for a traditional Scandinavian feast or a flavorful appetizer. Learn the simple steps to pickle herring and enjoy this timeless dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) herring fillets, cleaned and boned

- 1 cup white vinegar

- 1 cup water

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 tbsp salt

- 1 tsp black peppercorns

- 1 tsp mustard seeds

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 small onion, thinly sliced

- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

- Optional: 1 tbsp dried dill or 1/4 cup fresh dill

Instructions:

Prepare the Herring:

  - Rinse the herring fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Make the Pickling Brine:

  - In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Flavors:

  - In a clean jar or container, layer the herring pieces with onion slices, garlic, and any optional herbs like dill. Add peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaf.

Pickle the Herring:

  - Pour the cooled brine over the herring, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Seal the jar or container with a lid.

Refrigerate:

  - Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. For best results, let it pickle for 3-4 days.

Serve:

  - Enjoy the pickled herring chilled as an appetizer or a flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, or traditional dishes.

Tips:

- The pickled herring will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

- Experiment with different flavorings like chili flakes or whole cloves to suit your taste.

Nutritional values

Herring Fillets (1 lb or 450g)

 - Calories: 237 kcal

 - Protein: 25g

 - Fat: 14g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Omega-3 fatty acids: 2.2g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

 - Contains vitamins D and B12, supporting bone health and red blood cell formation.

White Vinegar (1 cup)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor without calories.

 - May aid in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

 - Acts as a preservative in pickling.

Water (1 cup)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

Benefits:

 - Essential for hydration and various bodily functions.

 - Acts as a base for pickling solutions and helps dissolve ingredients.

Sugar (1 cup)

 - Calories: 774 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

Benefits:

 - Provides sweetness and energy.

 - Used in moderation for flavor balancing in pickling.

Salt (1 tbsp)

 - Sodium: 2,325mg

Benefits:

 - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

 - Used for flavoring and preserving in pickling.

Black Peppercorns (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

 - Adds a spicy flavor and has potential digestive benefits.

Mustard Seeds (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 9 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Adds a tangy flavor to pickling solutions.

Bay Leaf (1)

 - Calories: 1 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds aromatic flavor to dishes.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

Small Onion (1, thinly sliced)

 - Calories: 44 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Provides antioxidants and vitamins C and B6.

 - Adds flavor with minimal calories.

Garlic Cloves (2, thinly sliced)

 - Calories: 4 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Known for cardiovascular and immune-boosting properties.

 - Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dried Dill (1 tbsp) or Fresh Dill (1/4 cup) (Optional)

 - Calories: 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, herby flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

 - Fresh dill provides similar benefits and is also rich in vitamins A and C.