Swedish Grilled Herring Fillets with Lemon and Thyme

Introduction

Swedish Grilled Herring Fillets with Lemon and Thyme is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the rich, smoky taste of herring. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, this recipe uses fresh thyme, butter, and zesty lemon to enhance the natural flavor of the fish. By searing the fillets on the center grill grate and finishing them on the flat cooktop, you get a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful inside. Perfect for summer gatherings or an elegant outdoor meal!

Ingredients

• 4 fresh herring fillets
• 2 lemons (one for zest and juice, one for garnish)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches a searing-hot 1,000°F.

Step 2: Season the Herring Fillets

1. Pat the herring fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon zest, juice from one lemon, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of each fillet with the mixture.

Step 3: Sear the Fillets

1. Place the fillets skin-side down onto the center grill grate for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the skin is crispy.
2. Flip each fillet carefully and sear the other side for another 30 seconds.
3. Move the fillets onto the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking using indirect heat.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Let the fillets cook for another 2-3 minutes on the flat cooktop until they reach an internal temperature of 125°F.
2. Remove from the grill when they reach 110°F as they will continue to cook off the heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, citrus-infused flavors.

Tips

• Always let the grill fully heat before placing the herring to ensure a proper sear.
• Use tongs to carefully flip the fillets to maintain their structure.
• Searing the herring first locks in moisture, making it incredibly juicy.

Variations

1. Garlic Butter Herring: Replace thyme with minced garlic and add an extra tablespoon of butter.
2. Spicy Scandinavian Herring: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
3. Dill & Mustard Herring: Swap thyme for fresh dill and increase Dijon mustard to 2 tablespoons.
4. Honey Glazed Herring: Add an extra teaspoon of honey for a slightly caramelized and sweet exterior.
5. Asian Inspired Herring: Use soy sauce instead of mustard and sesame oil instead of butter for an umami-rich twist.

Conclusion

This Swedish Grilled Herring Fillets with Lemon and Thyme recipe is the perfect combination of smoky, citrus, and savory flavors. Thanks to the Arteflame grill, you get a beautifully seared crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Try different variations for unique twists and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Best Pairings

• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or green beans
• Fresh cucumber salad with dill
• Rye bread with butter
• A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc