Broiled Shad with Herb Butter
Broiled Shad with Herb Butter is a classic preparation of the shad, a bony but flavorful anadromous fish, broiled to a golden finish and topped with a rich, aromatic herb butter. The dish typically features fresh shad fillets, butter, and a blend of herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, often with a touch of lemon. It is a traditional and celebrated dish in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, particularly associated with the annual spring shad runs in rivers like the Delaware and Potomac.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, with virtually no carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium, with a typical serving providing roughly 350-450 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Vitamin D | 14.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 18.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 44.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.2 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 1.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
Per 1 fillet (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, shad is a spring tradition with deep historical roots in American river communities, where its arrival signaled the end of winter. Nutritionally, shad is one of the richest natural sources of heart-healthy omega-3s among freshwater fish, and its roe (shad roe) is also a prized delicacy.
