Grilled Whole Herring

Grilled Whole Herring is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring a whole herring fish, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs or lemon, then grilled until crispy. It is a traditional preparation popular in Northern European cuisines, particularly in coastal regions of the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the Baltic.

🍳 View the full Grilled Whole Herring recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, while being very low in carbohydrates. A typical serving provides around 200-250 calories, along with essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	410 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	29 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	120 mg
Vitamin D	16.7 µg
Vitamin B12	18.9 µg
Selenium	66.7 µg
Phosphorus	360 mg
Niacin (B3)	8.0 mg
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA)	2.4 g
Vitamin A	120 µg RAE
Iron	1.4 mg

Per 1 whole fish (approximately 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, grilled herring is often associated with summer festivals and coastal traditions, such as the Dutch 'Haringpartij' where it's eaten raw, but grilling offers a cooked alternative. Nutritionally, the whole preparation—including skin and bones—maximizes nutrient intake, making it a sustainable and nutrient-dense choice.