Skip to content
Forkin
Main Course

Traditional Lutefisk

Lutefisk is a traditional Nordic dish made from dried whitefish that has been rehydrated in lye. It has a unique gelatinous texture and a mild, delicate flavor. Often served with boiled potatoes, bacon, and mustard sauce.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
634 kcal
Download the app

Allergen information: may contain milk and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Traditional Lutefisk

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 1,000 glutefisk, skin-on, boneless
  • 10 gsalt
  • 200 gbacon, diced
  • 800 gpotato

for serving

  • 50 gbutter, melted
  • 1 pinchblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbspmustard, dijon(optional)

Equipment

saucepan · pot · fork · oven · baking dish · aluminum foil

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    Rinse the lutefisk thoroughly under cold running water.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: This helps remove any excess lye.

  3. 3

    Place the lutefisk skin-side down in a baking dish, sprinkle with salt, and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the dish is well-sealed to steam the fish effectively.

  4. 4

    Bake the lutefisk for 20-30 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

    About 25 min

    Cook’s note: Cooking time can vary based on thickness; check for doneness after 20 minutes.

  5. 5

    While the fish bakes, peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized pieces.

    About 5 min

  6. 6

    Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.

    About 8 min

  7. 7

    Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

    About 15 min

  8. 8

    In a separate pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Render the fat completely for maximum flavor.

  9. 9

    Drain the cooked lutefisk carefully, discarding any liquid.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: The liquid can be very strong, so drain it away.

  10. 10

    Serve the lutefisk immediately with the boiled potatoes, crispy bacon, melted butter, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

    Cook’s note: Offer Dijon mustard on the side for those who enjoy it.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
634.4kcal
Protein
50.5g
Carbs
35.2g
Fat
32.1g
Fibre
4.7g
Sugar
1.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover lutefisk and potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat lutefisk in the oven or microwave, and potatoes can be reheated in a pan or microwave.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Pasta Aglio e Oliomain course

    Pasta Aglio e Olio

    This classic Italian pasta dish is incredibly simple yet full of flavor. Thin spaghetti is tossed with garlic-infused olive oil and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a satisfying and quick meal.

    25 min 613 kcal
  • Homemade Labnehappetizer

    Homemade Labneh

    Transform humble plain yogurt into a luxurious, thick, and tangy labneh, a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. This creamy, spreadable cheese offers a delightful balance of sour and fresh notes, perfect for elevating mezze platters, breakfast, or as a vibrant dip.

    12 hr 10 min 207 kcal
  • Canelés de Bordeauxdessert

    Canelés de Bordeaux

    These classic French pastries feature a rich, custardy interior and a dark, caramelized crust. Flavored with rum and vanilla, canelés are a delightful treat for any occasion.

    13 hr 25 min 341 kcal
  • Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)snack

    Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)

    Esquites is a popular Mexican street food, a delicious and creamy corn salad often served in a cup. This recipe combines tender corn kernels with a tangy, spicy, and rich dressing, perfect as a snack or side dish.

    25 min 463 kcal
  • Grilled Steak and Vegetable Saladlunch

    Grilled Steak and Vegetable Salad

    A hearty salad featuring tender grilled steak and a mix of fresh, charred vegetables, all tossed in a simple and tangy vinaigrette. This dish is a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a summer evening cookout.

    45 min 610 kcal
  • Empanada Gallega (Galician Tuna Empanada)main course

    Empanada Gallega (Galician Tuna Empanada)

    This savory Galician empanada features a rich tuna and vegetable filling encased in a golden, flaky dough. It's a satisfying main course or a wonderful dish to share, perfect for picnics or family meals. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes.

    2 hr 5 min
  • Hearty Vegetable Beef Soupsoup

    Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

    A classic, comforting soup packed with tender beef and a variety of vegetables. This one-pot meal is simmered low and slow to develop rich flavors, making it perfect for a chilly day.

    2 hr 50 min 499 kcal