Pickled Herring in Cream Sauce
Tender, brined herring filets coated in a luxuriously tangy cream sauce with bright notes of dill and sharp red onion. A classic Scandinavian-style appetizer or light lunch that's ready in minutes with pre-pickled fish, delivering a perfect balance of richness and acidity.
For 4 servings
- prep
Drain and cut the herring.
Remove the pickled herring filets from the jar and let the brine drain away. Pat the filets lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then slice them into bite-sized pieces roughly 1-inch wide.
- mix
Make the cream sauce.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the lemon juice is fully incorporated.
- mix
Fold in the herring and onion.
Add the sliced red onion and chopped fresh dill to the cream sauce. Gently fold in the herring pieces until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy mixture, taking care not to break the delicate fish.
TIPFold gently — pickled herring is delicate and can turn mushy if stirred too aggressively. - rest
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, though two hours is better. This rest allows the flavors of the onion and dill to melt into the cream.
TIPOvernight chilling deepens the flavor even more — it's a perfect make-ahead dish. - garnish
Garnish with extra dill and serve cold.
Spoon the creamed herring into a serving bowl, scatter a few extra dill fronds on top, and serve chilled with dark rye bread or boiled baby potatoes on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the herring dry with paper towels to keep the cream sauce from thinning.
- 2Fold the herring gently into the sauce to avoid breaking the tender filets.
- 3Chill at least 2 hours (overnight is best) for flavors to meld fully.
- 4Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, more velvety sauce.
- 5Thinly slice the red onion so it softens slightly in the cream without overpowering.
- 6Add a tiny pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too sharp for your liking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter cream
Swap half the sour cream for Greek yogurt to cut calories while keeping a tangy, thick consistency.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace dill with fresh chives or parsley for a milder, slightly oniony flavor profile.
spicy twistSpicy twist
Add 1/2 teaspoon of horseradish or a dash of cayenne for a warm, peppery kick that complements the fish.
pickle your ownPickle your own
Use fresh herring filets that you brine yourself (salt, sugar, vinegar) for a more personalized level of tanginess.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Herring is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function and reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Vitamin D
Herring provides naturally occurring vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune support.
Calcium from Dairy
Sour cream adds calcium, which is important for strong teeth and bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but drain it well; cream sauce is best with herring packed in brine or wine, not creamy dressings.
