What exactly is Matjes?

Matjes is a young, mild form of pickled herring that has been cured in a brine solution. It is traditionally prepared before the fish matures, giving it a delicate, buttery texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Matjes is popular in Northern European cuisine, especially in Germany and the Netherlands.

What is a Matjesbrötchen?

A Matjesbrötchen is a Traditional German sandwich featuring Matjes fillets nestled in a crusty bread roll. It is typically garnished with sliced onions, fresh herbs like dill, and sometimes a tangy or creamy sauce. This seafood delight is a beloved snack in Northern Germany, often enjoyed by the coast or at markets.

What does Matjes taste like?

Matjes has a delicate, mild flavor with a subtle sweetness, unlike the sharper taste of mature pickled herring. Its buttery texture and gentle saltiness make it highly versatile and appealing, even to those who don’t usually enjoy strong fish flavors.

What do you eat with Matjes?

Matjes pairs beautifully with boiled potatoes, a crisp green salad, or dark rye bread for a hearty meal. It’s also complemented by sauces like mustard-dill or sour cream-based dressings and garnished with fresh herbs or pickles. Pair your Matjesbrötchen with a side of our Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe or enjoy it with our Healthy Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl for a complete meal.

What is the difference between herring and Matjes?

Herring refers to the fish itself, which can be prepared in various ways, including smoking, pickling, or frying. Matjes, on the other hand, is a specific type of young herring cured in brine before the fish matures, resulting in a milder flavor and tender texture. This unique curing process distinguishes Matjes from other forms of herring.

How to Make the Perfect Matjesbrötchen

Name: Homemade Matjesbrötchen – A Traditional German Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: german
Ingredients: 4 crusty bread rolls (or small baguettes); 4 Matjes fillets (pickled herring); 1 small onion, thinly sliced; Fresh dill, chopped; Fresh chives, chopped (optional); 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional); 1 radish, thinly sliced (optional); 4 tablespoons mustard-dill sauce or creamy dressing; Lemon wedges for garnish

Description

A step-by-step guide to making Matjesbrötchen, a delicious German sandwich featuring Matjes fillets, crusty bread rolls, fresh toppings, and creamy sauces. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

4 crusty bread rolls (or small baguettes)
4 Matjes fillets (pickled herring)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Fresh dill, chopped
Fresh chives, chopped (optional)
1 cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
1 radish, thinly sliced (optional)
4 tablespoons mustard-dill sauce or creamy dressing
Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Matjes: Rinse the Matjes fillets under cold water, pat them dry, and set them aside.
Slice the Bread Rolls: Halve the rolls horizontally and optionally toast the cut sides in a pan for added texture.
Layer the Ingredients: Place a Matjes fillet on the bottom half of each roll. Add sliced onions, cucumber, radishes, and a sprinkle of fresh dill and chives.
Add Sauce: Drizzle mustard-dill sauce or creamy dressing over the toppings.
Assemble and Serve: Top with the other half of the roll, garnish with a lemon wedge, and serve immediately.

Notes

Matjesbrötchen is a traditional German street food from northern Germany.
You can customize the sandwich with additional toppings like capers or spicy sauces.
Use crusty bread to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: german

Nutrition

Calories: 350

Keywords: Matjesbrötchen recipe, Traditional German sandwich, Easy fish sandwich recipe, Homemade Matjesbrötchen