Crispy Fried Herring

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets 500g (1.1 lb) herring fillets
• 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Pickled onions and rye bread, for serving Pickled onions and rye bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the white vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. 2.
   Place the herring fillets in a shallow dish and pour the vinegar mixture over them. Make sure the fillets are fully submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Remove the herring fillets from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
6. 6.
   Dip each fillet into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on both sides.
7. 7.
   Carefully place the coated fillets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. 8.
   Remove the fried herring from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
9. 9.
   Serve the Crispy Fried Herring with pickled onions and rye bread for a traditional Danish experience.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Herring fillets — Make sure to remove any bones from the herring fillets before marinating and frying them.
• Pickled onions — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the pickled onions in cold water for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the herring fillets in the flour mixture before frying.
• Serve the Crispy Fried Herring with a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
• If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a deep skillet or pan with enough oil to fully submerge the herring fillets.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Fried Herring as a main course alongside pickled onions and rye bread. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a Danish smorgasbord.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Fried Herring fillets on a platter, garnished with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. Serve the pickled onions in a separate bowl and slice the rye bread into bite-sized pieces.