As the sun dipped below the horizon and the dinner bell rang, I found myself daydreaming about the flavors of Scandinavia. That’s when I remembered a little appetizer that always leaves a lasting impression: Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites! The combination of tender, steamed potato slices topped with marinated herring creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes that takes my taste buds on a journey.
What I love most about this dish is its effortless elegance—it looks sophisticated but comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these bites are not only refreshing but also surprisingly low in calories.
Whether I’m winding down after a busy day or hosting a gathering, the joy of creating this vibrant dish always brings a smile to my face. Grab your ingredients, and let’s explore the simple yet gratifying world of Scandinavian cuisine together!
Why Choose Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites?
Simplicity At Its Core: This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring just 20 minutes of your time from start to finish.
Vibrant Flavor Explosion: The combination of pickled herring, fresh dill, and creamy sour cream delivers a deliciously tangy taste.
Perfect Party Starter: These bites are eye-catching and make for a great appetizer during gatherings, guaranteed to impress your guests!
Healthy Indulgence: With only 18 calories per serving, you can enjoy these tasty morsels guilt-free.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a snack or a light meal, you can easily pair these with your favorite drinks for an elevated experience.
Elevate your mealtime with these Scandinavian delights and experience a taste journey like no other!
Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites!
For the Potatoes
• Baby red potatoes – choose 6 new or baby potatoes for a tender, flavorful base.
• Salt – use ⅛ teaspoon for seasoning, enhancing the potato’s natural flavor.
For the Topping
• Pickled herring fillets – one 8-ounce container, drained, adds a tangy punch that makes this dish special.
• Reduced-fat sour cream – 3 tablespoons create a creamy layer that balances the herring’s flavor.
• Red onion – 2 tablespoons finely chopped brings a delightful crunch and added zing to each bite.
For the Garnish
• Fresh dill – a sprinkle for garnish, it not only adds color but also a fresh aroma.
• Freshly ground pepper – to taste, it enhances the overall flavor, providing a nice finish to every bite.
Get ready to enjoy these Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites that will delight your palate and impress anyone at your table!
How to Make Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites
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Prepare the Steamer: Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring it’s above the water level—this is where your potatoes will cook to tender perfection.
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Steam the Potatoes: Add the baby red potatoes to the steamer basket. Steam them until they’re barely tender when pierced with a skewer—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size.
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Slice the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are steamed, carefully remove them and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato into 1/4-inch-thick slices and sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon of salt to enhance their natural flavor.
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Cut the Herring: Grab your pickled herring fillets and cut them into manageable pieces that will fit perfectly atop each potato slice. This step adds a burst of tangy flavor that truly makes every bite special.
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Assemble the Bites: Take your sliced potatoes and place a piece of herring on each one. Add a dollop of reduced-fat sour cream—around 1/8 teaspoon per slice—followed by a sprinkle of chopped red onion for that delightful crunch.
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Garnish with Flair: Add a touch of freshness with a sprig of dill and a dash of freshly ground pepper on each bite. This final touch not only enhances the presentation but also elevates the flavor.
Optional: Pair with a chilled glass of aquavit for an authentic Scandinavian experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites
Feel free to make these tasty bites your own with a few easy swaps or additions!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of traditional sauces for a tasty substitution without compromising flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace herring with marinated tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative that still packs a punch!
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to bring a zesty heat to each bite.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh chives or parsley instead of dill for a unique twist; both herbs offer a fresh, savory flavor.
- Creamy Swap: Substitute Greek yogurt for reduced-fat sour cream for a thicker texture and a protein boost.
- Savory Twist: Add capers or olives atop your bites for an extra savory flavor that complements the herring beautifully.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle a little crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a rich, tangy layer that enhances each bite.
- Citrus Zing: Drizzle with a little lemon or lime juice just before serving for a bright burst of freshness that elevates the dish.
Let your creativity shine and make these delightful bites reflect your personal taste!
What to Serve with Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites?
Create a spread that celebrates vibrant flavors and textures alongside these satisfying bites.
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Crispy Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping, these crunchy bites add texture and contrasting warmth to the coolness of the herring.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, a cucumber salad with dill and a splash of vinegar complements the tangy notes in the pickled herring.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: The sweetness of roasted carrots and beets balances the savory profile of herring, providing a feast for your palate.
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Creamy Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad seasoned with mustard and herbs enhances the dish while mirroring the flavors of the primary offering.
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Chilled Aquavit: For that authentic Scandinavian touch, serve with a glass of this herbal spirit, enhancing the herring’s vibrant flavor.
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Fruit Chutney: A tangy fruit chutney, like apple or mango, offers a delightful sweet contrast that dazzles your taste buds when combined with the herring.
Each of these pairings elevates your culinary experience, creating a memorable meal that transports you straight to Scandinavia!
How to Store and Freeze Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites
Fridge: Keep assembled bites wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze these bites, as the potatoes and herring may not retain their texture or taste after thawing.
Reheating: If you need to warm any leftovers, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds—be careful not to overheat to avoid mushiness.
Serving Tips: For the best experience, enjoy these Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites immediately after preparation, as they are meant to be a delightful, fresh appetizer!
Make Ahead Options
These Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavors with minimal fuss during a busy week! You can steam and slice the baby red potatoes up to 24 hours in advance—just sprinkle them with salt and refrigerate to maintain their freshness. The herring can also be cut into pieces ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the bites by layering the herring on the potato slices, adding a dollop of sour cream, and finishing with red onion, dill, and pepper. This way, you’ll have a stunning appetizer ready to impress at a moment’s notice!
Tips for the Best Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites
Steam Perfectly: Ensure your potatoes are not overcooked; they should be tender yet firm, avoiding a mushy texture.
Choose Quality Herring: Pickled herring fillets can vary in taste; opt for a brand that you love for the best flavor in your bites.
Slice Evenly: Uniform potato slices allow for even topping distribution, ensuring every bite is delightfully balanced with herring and cream.
Garnish Generously: Fresh dill and ground pepper elevate your Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites; don’t skimp on these toppings for that perfect finish.
Serve Fresh: While these bites are easy to prepare, they’re best served immediately after assembly for optimal flavor and texture.
Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, look for new or baby red potatoes that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. They should be about the same size for even cooking, typically, around 12 ounces in total.
How should I store leftover Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites?
After assembling, you can keep the bites wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Make sure they’re well sealed to prevent them from drying out and losing that delightful texture.
Can I freeze Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites?
It’s not recommended to freeze these bites, as the potatoes and the pickled herring may lose their delightful texture and flavor once thawed. Instead, enjoy them fresh for the best taste experience!
What if my potatoes are too soft after steaming?
If you find that your potatoes have become too soft and mushy, don’t worry! Just slice them thicker next time, around 1/2 inch if you fear they might overcook. Steaming for exact timing—15 to 20 minutes depending on size—is key to achieving that perfect tenderness without losing structure.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Very! If you or your guests have allergies, ensure you’re aware that this dish contains fish (pickled herring) and dairy (sour cream). If needed, you can substitute with a dairy-free sour cream and ensure you select herring that is gluten-free, as some pickled varieties can contain gluten-based preservatives.
How can I make these bites more flavorful?
I recommend adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the bites before serving for an extra zing! You can also experiment with additional toppings like capers or freshly chopped chives alongside the dill for a delightful twist on flavors.
Scandinavian Pickled Herring Bites That Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside.
- Add the baby red potatoes to the steamer basket. Steam them until barely tender for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are steamed, let them cool slightly and slice into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Sprinkle with salt.
- Cut the pickled herring fillets into manageable pieces for topping the potato slices.
- Assemble by placing a piece of herring on each potato slice, and add a dollop of sour cream with chopped red onion.
- Garnish each bite with a sprig of dill and freshly ground pepper.