Silakkapihvit (Crispy Baltic Herring/White Fish Patties with Dill & Lemon Butter) – Authentic Finland Recipe
Helsinki Market Square classic: crisp rye-coated fish fillets filled with fresh dill and lemon.
- Country of Origin
- 🇫🇮 Finland (Northern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Flaky white fish fillets sandwiched with dill and rye breadcrumbs, Mashed potatoes, Pickled beets, Lots of fresh dill, Lemon zest
Ingredients for Silakkapihvit (Crispy Baltic Herring/White Fish Patties with Dill & Lemon Butter) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaky white fish fillets sandwiched with dill and rye breadcrumbs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups mashed potatoes, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup pickled beets
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lots of fresh dill
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Finland seasoning (lemon zest, chives, browned butter)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and lots of fresh dill for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add flaky white fish fillets sandwiched with dill and rye breadcrumbs and mashed potatoes along with lemon zest, chives, browned butter, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with pickled beets and serve straight from the skillet.