The Best Pickled Herring Recipe. It’s Not Just Bait!!

herring fillets

🥗Healthier: mackerel

💰Cheaper: sardines

Sardines are often more affordable and still provide a similar flavor profile.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor and potential health benefits.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey can provide sweetness with a unique flavor.

onion

🥗Healthier: shallots

💰Cheaper: green onions

Shallots add a subtle flavor, while green onions are often less expensive.

Go fishing for herring in Long Island.

Use a sabiki rig to catch herring.

Encounter difficulties due to ice patches.

Change fishing spots after no bites.

Spend three days trying to catch herring.

Get herring from a friend after unsuccessful fishing.

Fillet the herring using a sharp knife, removing scales and guts as needed.

Prepare a salt and sugar mixture to cure the herring fillets.

Layer paper towels in a container, add herring fillets, and cover with the salt and sugar mixture.

Cover the herring and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to draw out moisture.

Prepare the pickling brine with fennel, white onion, sugar, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and cloves.

Combine vinegar and water for the pickling liquid.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens