Old Fashioned Pickled Fish | Grandma's Recipe

fish

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned fish

Tofu is plant-based and lower in cost.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds a unique sweetness.

bay leaves

🥗Healthier: dried thyme

💰Cheaper: oregano

Thyme and oregano are more commonly available.

Cut the northern pike into bite-sized pieces suitable for eating on a cracker.

In a bowl, combine 2 cups warm water with 1 cup salt and stir until completely dissolved.

Pour the saltwater brine over the fish, cover, and refrigerate for 48 hours.

After 48 hours, drain the fish and fill the jar with 5% acidity vinegar, watching the fish turn white as it 'cooks' in the vinegar.

Let the fish sit in the vinegar for 24 hours.

In a stainless steel saucepan, combine 1 cup vinegar, 3/4 cup white sugar, 2 bay leaves, 2 and 1/2 whole cloves, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon whole all spice, and 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it cool.

Drain the fish again and layer the fish and onion slices alternately in a jar.

Pour the cooled brine over the layered fish and onions until fully submerged.

Refrigerate the jar for about a week to let the flavors marry.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens