Garlic-Infused Steamed Herring Fillet Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Herring fillets (preferably fresh, firm and bright in color)300 g
- Garlic cloves (choose firm, plump cloves without sprouting)3 pieces
- Fresh lemon juice (for brightness and flavor)1 tbsp
- Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt)to taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground is best)to taste n/a
This garlic-infused steamed herring fillet recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy fresh herring. Steaming preserves the delicate texture of the fish and infuses it with the rich flavor of garlic. The recipe is perfect for home cooks with basic kitchen skills and standard equipment. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $8 USD / €7 / £6 / ₹600, and the recipe yields 2 servings with around 350 calories per serving. This dish suits a pescatarian diet, is easy to prepare, and takes about 25 minutes overall.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the steamer and ingredients
1Fill the bottom of a steamer pot with water, making sure it doesn't touch the steamer basket. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Pat the herring fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture; this helps them steam evenly and safely. Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
Arrange the fish and garlic in the steamer
2Place the herring fillets in the steamer basket in a single layer. Distribute the sliced garlic evenly on top of the fillets to infuse flavor as they cook. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the fish and garlic.
Steam the herring fillets
3Place the steamer basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid. Steam the fillets for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) as checked by a food-safe meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork, indicating it is safely cooked.
Serve warm
4Carefully remove the steamer basket to avoid steam burns. Transfer the steamed herring fillets to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and safety.
Cooking Tips
-Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish reaches 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is safe to eat.
-Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.
-If you don't have a steamer, you can place a heatproof rack inside a large pot with water below it to create a steaming setup.
-Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; minced garlic powder can be used in a pinch but reduce quantities as it is more potent.
-Leftover steamed herring can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Equipment Needed
- Steamer pot with lid (or a pot with a steaming rack)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Food thermometer (recommended)
- Tongs or spatula for transferring fish
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] 300g fresh herring fillets (~$5): Choose firm fillets with a fresh, sea smell and no discoloration.
- [ ] 3 garlic cloves (~$0.30): Pick plump, firm cloves without sprouts.
- [ ] 1 tbsp olive oil (~$0.20): Extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] 1 lemon (for juice) (~$0.50): Select firm lemons with smooth skin.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (~$1): Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (to taste): Use pantry staples if available.
Total estimated cost: $8
FAQ
Can I use frozen herring fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen herring fillets. Make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking, and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
How do I know when the herring is fully cooked and safe to eat?
The fish should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork when fully cooked and safe to eat.
What if I don't have a steamer?
You can create a steaming setup by placing a heatproof rack or inverted metal colander inside a pot with water below it, making sure the water doesn't touch the fish. Cover and steam as directed.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! Dill, thyme, or bay leaves complement herring well. Add them with the garlic when steaming for extra flavor.