Best Pickled Herring (Sill) at Home

Ever wondered how Swedes create those tangy, savory, and utterly delicious pickled herring (or sill, as they call it) dishes? You're in for a treat! This isn't just a recipe; it's your definitive guide to mastering the art of Swedish pickled herring, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet delight. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, we'll walk you through crafting the best pickled herring that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to a simple, satisfying snack. Get ready to dive into the world of Swedish food and discover why this humble fish holds such a special place in Scandinavian cuisine. Our goal is to provide one canonical recipe that’s easy to execute and understand, ensuring your journey into making pickled herring is as smooth and flavorful as possible.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (approx. 450g) matjes herring fillets, pre-salted and cleaned (often found in jars in brine)
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 10-15 whole black peppercorns
• 5-6 allspice berries
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Optional: 1-2 small carrots, thinly sliced into rounds

Directions

1. Prepare the Herring: If your matjes herring fillets are very salty, gently rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut each fillet into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide. Set aside.
2. Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely. This is crucial for crisp herring!
3. Assemble the Jar: In a clean, sterilized glass jar (a 1-quart/liter jar usually works well), layer the herring pieces, sliced red onion, peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and chopped dill. If using, add the carrot slices as well.
4. Pour and Seal: Once the brine is fully cooled, carefully pour it over the herring and other ingredients in the jar, ensuring all the herring is fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
5. Chill and Pickle: Place the jar in the refrigerator and allow the herring to pickle for at least 24-48 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For best results, let it sit for a full 2-3 days.
6. Serve: Serve your delicious Inlagd Sill chilled, garnished with extra fresh dill, alongside boiled potatoes, crispbread, or rye bread. Enjoy!