Quick & Easy Steamed Herring Fillet: Healthy & Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat12gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Fresh herring fillets (skin-on, pin-boned)2 pieces
- Water500 ml
- Lemon0.5 piece
- Fresh dill, chopped1 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Olive oil (optional)1 tbsp
This quick and easy steamed herring fillet recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a healthy, flavorful seafood dish without fuss. Steaming preserves the tender texture and delicate flavors of herring while keeping it moist and nutritious. The total ingredient cost is approximately $8 USD / €7 / £6 / ₹650. Each serving contains about 220 kcal. This recipe fits well in a pescatarian and low-fat diet, is easy to prepare, and takes about 20 minutes in total. Follow simple steps and food safety guidelines to ensure your fish is cooked to perfection and safe to eat, making this dish a staple for a quick nutritious dinner.
Preparation instructions
Prepare your ingredients
1Rinse the herring fillets under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. This helps remove any remaining scales or debris. Slice half a lemon thinly and chop fresh dill. Season the fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Set up your steamer
2Pour 500 ml of water into a pot suitable for steaming. Place a steamer basket or heatproof colander above the water. The water level should not touch the basket bottom to avoid boiling the fish. Bring water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Cook the herring fillets
3Place the seasoned herring fillets skin-side down in the steamer basket. Top each fillet with a couple of lemon slices and sprinkle with chopped dill. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam. Steam for about 8-10 minutes; fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Use a food thermometer to check.
Serve immediately
4Carefully remove the fillets using a spatula to avoid breaking. Optionally drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables or boiled potatoes.
Cooking Tips
-Choose fresh herring fillets that smell clean and mild, not fishy or sour. The flesh should be firm and moist.
-If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place the fish on a heatproof plate inside the pot above the simmering water, covered tightly with foil.
-Avoid overcooking to keep the fillets moist and tender. Use a food thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature while preventing dry texture.
-To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish. Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly afterward.
Equipment
- Pot with a lid
- Steamer basket or heatproof colander
- Tongs or spatula
- Food thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Fresh herring fillets (2 pieces, around 150g each): Choose fillets firm to the touch with no strong odor. Approximate cost $5
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece): Look for bright, firm lemons. Approximate cost $0.50
- [ ] Fresh dill (small bunch): Select vibrant green, fragrant dill. Approximate cost $1.50
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (to taste): Pantry staples
- [ ] Olive oil (optional, 1 tbsp): Extra virgin for best flavor. Approximate cost $1 Total approximate cost: $8
FAQ
How do I know when herring fillet is fully cooked?
The herring fillet is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F). Use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part.
Can I use frozen herring fillets?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for better steaming results.
What if I don’t have a steamer basket?
You can use a heatproof plate or shallow dish placed on a rack or inverted bowl inside a pot with boiling water, covered tightly with foil to trap steam.
How can I avoid my fish sticking to the steamer?
Lightly brush the steamer basket or plate with a little oil, or place parchment paper with holes underneath the fillets to prevent sticking.
Is steaming healthier than frying?
Yes, steaming uses no added fats and preserves more nutrients, making it a healthier cooking method compared to frying.