Homemade Pickled Herring (Scandinavian Style)

Ingredients

Fish

• 1 lb (450 g) salted herring fillets
  (or fresh herring, see note below)

Brine

• 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup sugar

• 6–8 black peppercorns

• 3–4 allspice berries

• 1 bay leaf

Flavorings

• 1 small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh dill sprigs (optional but traditional)

• Optional additions: mustard seeds, carrot slices, lemon peel

Instructions

1. Desalt the herring

If using salted herring:

• Soak fillets in cold water 12–24 hours

• Change water 2–3 times

• Taste — it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh

(If using fresh herring, lightly salt it for 24 hours first — ask if you want that method.)

2. Make the pickling brine

• Combine vinegar, water, sugar, peppercorns, allspice, and bay leaf

• Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves

• Cool completely

3. Assemble the jars

• Cut herring into bite-size pieces

• Layer herring, onions, and dill in a clean glass jar

• Pour cooled brine over everything until fully submerged

4. Chill & wait

• Refrigerate at least 48 hours

• Best flavor after 3–5 days

🕰️ Storage

• Keeps 2–3 weeks refrigerated

• Flavor improves over the first week

🎄 How It’s Traditionally Served

• With rye bread or crispbread

• Alongside boiled potatoes

• With sour cream or crème fraîche

• Garnished with dill and onions

• As part of a Christmas or New Year smorgasbord