Top 10 Danish Seafood Dishes
Danish cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes dating back centuries. From fresh fish dishes to eel dishes, the seafood-rich country has a variety of delicious culinary delights in store for both locals and tourists alike. The Danes use a combination of flavors and textures that creates unforgettable experiences always leaving you wanting to come back for more.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular dishes Denmark has to offer — from Grilled Plaice to Pickled Herring to Grillet Ål med Peberrodssauce! Read on to learn more about these top 10 classic Danish seafood dishes.
1. Grilled Plaice
If you’re a fan of seafood and looking for a delicious new dish to try out, look no further than Grilled Plaice. These tasty flatfish are commonly found in the waters around Denmark and are beloved by locals for their subtle flavor and tender texture. Grilling the plaice only enhances these qualities and gives the dish a smoky flavor that is sure to please.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Grilled Plaice is an easy and fun dish to make. Simply season the fish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before grilling it up. Serve it alongside boiled potatoes and remoulade sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Shrimp Smørrebrød
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack, you can’t go wrong with Shrimp Smørrebrød which has an amazing history… let’s take a look!
In 1888, Oskar Davidsen, a wine merchant, secured a license to open a wine bar in Copenhagen — an endeavor that would soon change Danish culinary history forever. While hosting guests at the wine shop who felt famished, his wife Petra Davidsen decided to offer a solution from her kitchen.
Her brilliant idea? The Danish open sandwich, now known as “smørrebrød”. This simple yet brilliant invention of Petra’s marked the beginning of the nation’s love affair with these delectable sandwiches. Over the years, Petra created a menu of more than 170 varieties of smørrebrød, and believe it or not, the menu was over 4 feet long!
One variety, the Shrimp Smørrebrød, is typically made with rye bread and topped with fresh shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and a special mayo-based dressing. It really is easy to make and can be modified with your favorite ingredients as you wish!
3. Fiskefrikadeller
It’s typically made using a combination of minced fish, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, spices, and milk. Once the ingredients are mixed together, they are shaped into small patties and fried in a pan until golden brown. Fiskefrikadeller can be eaten on its own with a creamy remoulade sauce or can be served alongside a variety of sides such as potato wedges and vegetables.
The origins of this dish date back to the 1800s and were developed as a way to use leftover fish. Nowadays, it remains a beloved dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Try making your own Fiskefrikadeller today and experience the taste of this traditional Danish delicacy!
4. Pickled Herring
For centuries, Pickled Herring has been a beloved and iconic dish in Denmark. Born of humble origins, it was originally favored by working-class citizens as an affordable yet protein-rich meal. Since then, the dish has undergone a transformation, rising in popularity among foodies and tourists alike as a delicious and uniquely Danish delicacy.
This beloved dish typically consists of herring that has been soaked in vinegar and pickled in spices for several days. The fish is then served on a slice of toasted rye bread and topped with pickles for an added zing of flavor. The contrast between the acidic herring and the sweet rye bread is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s no wonder why Danes love this dish and are so very proud to share it with the world!
5. Smoked Herring
Staying on the herring theme Smoked Herring is a popular delicacy in Denmark and has a rich history in Danish culture. Dating back to the 16th century, fishermen caught herring in very large quantities in the waters surrounding Denmark. To preserve the fish, they would salt and smoke it, creating a distinct flavor that many Danes still crave to this day.
Though it may not be familiar to everyone, it’s a delicacy that has stood the test of time. The smoky flavor of the fish pairs perfectly with the crispiness of rye bread and the creaminess of butter. It’s also a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, such as potatoes and other root vegetables, making it a popular choice for any meal of the day.
The coastal town of Hvide Sande is renowned for producing the best Smoked Herring in the country, possibly even in the whole of Scandinavia. Their Smoked Herring is made using carefully selected fresh fish, which is then smoked over beechwood to give it the perfect balance of smokiness and saltiness.
This delectable treat is not just beloved by locals but also appreciated by visitors from around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, make sure to add Smoked Herring to your bucket list, and you won’t be disappointed!
6. Stjerneskud
Stjerneskud, meaning “shooting star” in Danish, is a culinary masterpiece that has captivated food lovers worldwide. This traditional Danish dish features a perfectly fried piece of plaice, a type of white fish abundant in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic, presented on a bed of buttered toast with a savory layer of fresh shrimp, topped with a flavorful and creamy dressing.
While it may look simple, the combination of flavors and textures that come together in this dish is simply magical. The crispy fish pairs perfectly with the juicy shrimp and the creamy dressing, making each bite a heavenly experience.
If you ever get the chance to try this Danish delicacy, be sure to savor every moment and enjoy the explosion of flavors that Stjerneskud brings to your taste buds!
7. Stegt Rødspætte
Stegt Rødspætte, or fried plaice, is a beloved dish in Denmark. With a long coastline and abundant fish, it really comes as no surprise that seafood is a staple in the Danish diet! The Rødspætte, also known as plaice, is known for its flat shape and delicate white flesh that melts in your mouth.
To make the dish, the fish is fileted and coated in rye flour before it’s pan-fried until crispy and golden. It’s typically served with a generous helping of remoulade, a tangy sauce made from sour cream, mayonnaise, pickles, and various herbs. You’ll find that most restaurants in Denmark serve this fish with boiled potatoes or a salad on the side.
Fried plaice may seem simple, but the combination of the crisp texture, delicate flavor, and creamy remoulade make it a classic comfort food that both locals and tourists can’t get enough of in Denmark!
8. Grilled Oysters
Denmark’s Oyster Festival is the place to be if you’re a lover of seafood! This annual festival celebrates the area’s famous Limfjord oysters, with vendors serving them in every way imaginable! But if you’re looking for the ultimate oyster experience, I say Grilled Oysters are the way to go.
This dish is made by cooking the oysters over an open flame until they’re hot and slightly charred, giving them a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the briny sweetness of the oysters. Add a little butter, garlic, and lemon juice and your oysters are elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Whether you’re a seasoned oyster connoisseur or trying them for the first time, eating Grilled Oysters at Denmark’s Oyster Festival is an experience that should not be missed!
9. Stegt Ål med Stuvede Kartofler
Stegt Ål med Stuvede Kartofler is a traditional Danish dish made with fresh eel that has been caught in Denmark’s waters. It’s usually served as part of a larger three-course meal and is often accompanied by creamed potatoes as a side dish.
The eel is cleaned and fileted, before being lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, dipped in egg, and then rolled in breadcrumbs. It’s pan-fried in copious amounts of butter until golden brown and crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
The result is a delicious dish that showcases the natural sweetness of the eel. Stegt Ål med Stuvede Kartofler is a simple yet tasty dish that makes it an ideal comfort food for those cold winter months!
10. Grillet Ål med Peberrodssauce
Grillet Ål med Peberrodssauce is another classic Danish dish featuring eel. This time, the eel is cooked over an open flame until it’s lightly charred and smoky on the outside, while still juicy and tender inside. It’s then served on a bed of gently sautéed onions and peppers and topped with a creamy horseradish sauce.
This dish is an absolute delight — the smoky grilled eel coupled with sweet veggies and spicy horseradish sauce is a match made in heaven! If you’re up for trying something traditionally Danish, Grillet Ål med Peberrodssauce is a delicious way to indulge in eel!
Wrapping It Up
Denmark, nestled in the heart of Scandinavia, boasts some of the world’s most mouthwatering seafood delicacies. The country’s extensive coastline, stretching over 8,750 kilometers, provides an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish, which has made Danish seafood a gastronomical delight for food lovers worldwide.
From the crispy and flavorful Stegt Rødspætte (fried plaice) to the soft and juicy Grilled Oysters, every bite is an explosion of exquisite flavors. And, let’s not forget about the traditional Danish dishes like Stegt Ål med Stuvede Kartofler (fried eel with creamed potatoes) and Grillet Ål med Peberrodssauce (grilled eel with horseradish sauce), recipes that have delighted locals and tourists for generations.
So, if you’re visiting Denmark, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try this fantastic seafood cuisine or better yet, why not try making them at home?!
Velbekomme!
Check out our reviews of other seafood dishes from around the world.
