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Fish, European

Plukkfisk with crispy bacon

Plukkfisk is a Norwegian winter dish that combines flaked cod, mashed potatoes, and a white sauce, serving 4 people in 45 minutes. It's an easy recipe, costing €3.40 per person. The key to success is keeping the potatoes rustic rather than smooth, and adding the crispy bacon right before serving.

Tonight, a Norwegian classic, plukkfisk, flaked cod and mashed potatoes in a white sauce, topped with crispy bacon.

Plukkfisk with crispy bacon
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.40
Calories per person
610 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall

Plukkfisk feels like a dish passed down through generations, with a white sauce coating flaked cod and potatoes that are just lightly mashed with a fork. The fish stays in large flakes, the sauce stays soft, and the smoked bacon adds a crunch that changes everything with each bite.

It's a perfect dish for a fall or winter evening, when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Mon Chou happily slots it into a weeknight menu, but it also holds its own on a quiet Sunday, with family or friends curious to try something different.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Cod loin 600 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Potatoes 800 g
  • Onion 1
  • Chives 1 bunch

Dairy

  • Butter 50 g
  • Milk 40 cl

Pantry

  • Flouroften in the pantry 30 g
  • White pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Butcher

  • Smoked bacon bits 150 g

Allergens Fish, Lactose, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the peeled potatoes in salted water, then cut them into chunks. 20 min

    Cook them slightly firm, they won't fall apart in the sauce.

  2. Poach the cod in simmering salted water, then flake it into large pieces. 6 min

    Remove the skin and bones once the fish is warm.

  3. Soften the chopped onion in the butter, add the flour, then whisk in the warm milk. 8 min

    The sauce should stay fairly fluid, it thickens once the potatoes go in.

  4. Add the potatoes and fish, lightly mash with a fork, and season with white pepper.

    Stir gently, the fish should keep large flakes.

  5. Dry fry the bacon bits until crispy. 8 min

    Drain on paper towels so they stay crunchy.

  6. Serve the plukkfisk topped with bacon and chopped chives.

    Add the bacon at the last moment so it stays crispy.

Our tips to get it right

  • Save a bit of the potato cooking water, it can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much toward the end.
  • Pick fresh or good quality frozen cod, it's the ingredient that carries most of the flavor in this dish.
  • Serve plukkfisk as soon as it's ready, the sauce sets as it cools and loses its creamy texture.

The variations

  • Swap the cod for smoked haddock for a more flavorful version, common in some Nordic variations.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with poached parsnip or cauliflower chunks and skip the bacon or use plant based bacon bits.
  • To save time, use pre cooked vacuum packed potatoes and fish poached the day before, then assemble everything in 15 minutes.

What to serve it with

  • Lightly buttered rye bread
  • Cucumber salad with dill
  • Pickled beets

Storage

Plukkfisk keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It freezes well without the bacon, which should be added crispy right before serving. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

Questions about this dish

Can you make plukkfisk ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fish, potato, and sauce mixture the day before and reheat it gently. Add the crispy bacon only right before serving so it keeps its crunch.

What fish can replace cod in this recipe?

Haddock or hake work very well in place of cod. Avoid fish that's too firm, since it won't flake well after poaching.

Why mash the potatoes instead of pureeing them?

Plukkfisk traditionally keeps a rustic texture, with visible chunks of potato. A smooth puree would completely change the character of the dish.

Does plukkfisk freeze well?

Yes, the fish and potato mixture freezes well in an airtight container. Plan to cook fresh bacon when serving rather than freezing it.

How long does it take to make a plukkfisk with crispy bacon?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a plukkfisk with crispy bacon?

About 610 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a plukkfisk with crispy bacon cost?

About €3.40 per serving, or €13.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish, lactose, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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