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Fish, European

Swedish Fried Herring with Mashed Potatoes

Swedish fried herring is made of breaded herring fillets pan fried in butter, served with homemade mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. This easy recipe takes 45 minutes and serves 4, at about €3.00 per serving. The key is a dry breading applied right before cooking and a crust left undisturbed in the pan to form properly.

Tonight, we're having a dish from the Swedish coast, breaded herring fillets pan fried in butter, with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Swedish Fried Herring with Mashed Potatoes
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.00
Calories per person
590 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter, Spring

Breaded herring fillets, browned in butter, create a sharp contrast between a crisp crust and tender, briny fish. Lingonberry jam adds a tart note that cuts through the richness of the butter and fish, while the homemade mashed potatoes bring the soft, comforting base that ties the plate together. It's a simple dish with real character, far from bland fish recipes.

This is the kind of weeknight dinner to make when you want a change from the usual fish, with no special equipment or tricky technique involved. Herring doesn't often make it to American dinner tables, but it deserves a spot, especially with this Swedish pairing that balances the flavors so well. It suits curious adults or seasoned fish eaters best, since herring's strong flavor can catch kids off guard.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • fresh herring fillets 8

Pantry

  • flouroften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • breadcrumbsoften in the pantry 100 g
  • lingonberry or cranberry jam 6 tbsp
  • saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • butter 60 g
  • milk 15 cl

Fruits and vegetables

  • potatoes 1 kg
  • parsley 4 sprigs
  • lemon 1

Allergens Fish, Gluten, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the peeled potatoes in salted water. 22 min

    Take them out as soon as a knife slides in easily, so they don't soak up extra water.

  2. Pat the herring fillets dry, then season with salt and pepper.

    Dry both sides well, the flour sticks better that way.

  3. Coat the fillets in flour, then press them into the breadcrumbs.

    Tap off the excess flour before adding the breadcrumbs.

  4. Mash the potatoes with the hot milk and half the butter.

    Hot milk gives a smoother mash.

  5. Brown the fillets in the remaining butter over medium heat, skin side down first. 8 min

    Don't move them for two minutes, so the crust forms properly.

  6. Serve the herring with the mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, parsley, and lemon.

    The lingonberry jam is the Swedish touch, it balances the richness of the butter.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick herring fillets that are very fresh, with no strong smell, the flesh should feel firm.
  • Use a wide skillet so the fillets don't touch each other, or the breading will turn soggy as it cooks.
  • Make the mashed potatoes right before serving, they cool fast and lose their softness if they sit too long.

The variations

  • Swap the herring for mackerel or fresh sardines, the breading and cooking method stay the same.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with celery root slices breaded the same way.
  • To save time, use instant mashed potato flakes and focus your effort on cooking the fillets.

What to serve it with

  • A cucumber salad with dill
  • Lightly buttered rye bread
  • A light lager or sparkling water

Storage

Cooked herring keeps for 1 day in the fridge in a sealed container, the breading loses its crispness quickly. The mashed potatoes keep for 2 days in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk. This dish doesn't freeze well, breaded fish turns mushy once thawed.

Questions about this dish

Can I use smoked herring instead of fresh?

No, smoked herring already has a different taste and texture, it doesn't work well breaded and pan fried this way. Stick with fresh herring or fresh mackerel instead.

Can I bread the fillets ahead of time?

You can flour and bread the fillets up to an hour ahead, keeping them on a rack in the fridge. Don't do it too early, the breading turns damp and sticky.

What can I use instead of lingonberry jam?

Cranberry jam works just as well, it's actually the alternative listed in the recipe itself. A slightly tart applesauce can also work in a pinch.

How do I know the fillets are cooked through?

The flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork after about 8 minutes over medium heat. The breading should be golden brown on both sides before serving.

How long does it take to make Swedish fried herring with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam?

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

How many calories are in Swedish fried herring with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam?

About 590 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 Swedish fried herring with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam cost?

About €3.00 per serving, or €12.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

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

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