A Taste of the North
If you’ve ever strolled through a German fish market, you’ve likely seen a Matjesbrötchen, a delicious sandwich made with soft bread rolls and buttery Matjes herring. This classic German street food is a favorite in northern cities like Hamburg and Bremen, where seafood is a way of life.
The first time I had a Matjesbrötchen, I was standing by Hamburg’s bustling fish market on a chilly morning. The salty breeze from the Elbe River mixed with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh seafood. Vendors were shouting out their daily specials, and locals huddled around food stalls, biting into golden-brown bread rolls stuffed with Matjes herring.
Curious, I took my first bite. The buttery, mildly salty Matjes melted in my mouth, perfectly balanced by the crunch of onions and the tang of pickles. The soft bread roll held everything together, making each bite a delicious mix of flavors and textures. It was simple, yet unforgettable.
Since then, I’ve been hooked. And today, I’ll show you how to make this Matjesbrötchen recipe at home. Whether you’re craving an authentic street-food experience or just want a quick and tasty meal, this easy recipe will transport you straight to northern Germany.
What is Matjesbrötchen?
Matjesbrötchen is a traditional German fish sandwich that features Matjes herring, a young, mild, and slightly sweet pickled herring. It’s served in a crispy bread roll (Brötchen) and topped with fresh onions, pickles, and sometimes creamy sauces like remoulade or mustard.
This sandwich is a staple in northern Germany, especially in coastal cities like Hamburg, Bremen, and Lübeck. You’ll find it at fish markets, seaside restaurants, and street food stands. It’s the kind of simple yet satisfying meal that Germans have been enjoying for generations.
Why You’ll Love Matjesbrötchen Recipe
- Authentic German street food experience – No need to travel to Hamburg; bring the flavors to your kitchen!
- Quick & easy to make – No complicated steps, just assemble and enjoy.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with omega-3s, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Customizable – Adjust toppings and sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Matjesbrötchen
To make the perfect Matjesbrötchen, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 fresh Matjes herring fillets (mild, lightly pickled herring)
- 2 crusty bread rolls (Try this Sourdough Bagel Recipe for a twist!)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 dill pickles, sliced
- Lettuce leaves (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Choosing the Right Matjes Herring
Not all herring is created equal! Matjes herring is young, mild, and less salty than regular pickled herring. It’s cured in a light brine, giving it a smooth, buttery texture and a delicate flavor.
🔹 Where to buy it? – You can find Matjes herring in European delis, specialty fish markets, or online. If unavailable, substitute with lightly pickled herring (avoid overly salty or vinegary varieties).
Best Bread for Matjesbrötchen
A crusty yet soft bread roll is key. Traditional German Brötchen is ideal, but you can also use:
- Ciabatta rolls – Light, airy, with a nice chew.
- Kaiser rolls – A good substitute with a slightly firmer crust.
- Baguette slices – If you want a crunchier bite.
Avoid overly soft sandwich buns—they’ll get soggy!
Toppings and Condiments
The classic Matjesbrötchen keeps it simple with onions and pickles, but you can customize it!
✅ Traditional toppings: Thinly sliced red onions, dill pickles, and sometimes fresh lettuce.
✅ Sauce variations: Some people love it with a creamy remoulade, Dijon mustard, or a squeeze of lemon.
✅ Extra flavor boosters: Capers, chives, horseradish, or apple slices (yes, apple adds a sweet contrast!).
Step-by-Step Matjesbrötchen Recipe Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the red onion thinly.
- Cut the pickles into thin slices.
- If making the sauce, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Assemble the Matjesbrötchen
- Slice the bread roll in half.
- Lay a few lettuce leaves on the bottom half (optional).
- Place Matjes herring fillets on top.
- Add sliced onions and pickles over the fish.
- Drizzle with remoulade, mustard, or any sauce you like.
- Cover with the top half of the bread roll.
3. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with a side of fries, potato salad, or coleslaw.
- Pair with a cold German beer or sparkling water for the full experience.
Variations of Matjesbrötchen
Want to mix things up? Here are a few regional and creative variations:
🇩🇪 Hamburg Style: Classic version with just onions and pickles.
🇳🇱 Dutch Influence: Adds chopped apple and a bit of curry powder to the sauce.
🌿 Healthier Twist: Use whole-grain bread and swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a bit of horseradish or chili flakes.
Tips for the Best Matjesbrötchen
✔ Use fresh Matjes herring – The fresher, the better!
✔ Balance flavors – Don’t overdo the toppings; let the Matjes shine.
✔ Crispy bread is key – Soft bread won’t hold up well.
✔ Chill before serving – Let the flavors meld for a few minutes before eating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using the wrong herring – Overly salty or vinegary herring will overpower the sandwich.
🚫 Too many toppings – Keep it simple; don’t overload.
🚫 Soft bread rolls – A crispy roll makes a huge difference!
🚫 Skipping the sauce – A little remoulade or mustard enhances the flavors beautifully.
Health Benefits of Matjes Herring
Matjes herring is more than just delicious—it’s nutritious!
🥗 Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – Great for heart health.
💪 High in protein – Keeps you full and energized.
🧠 Boosts brain function – Thanks to healthy fats and vitamins.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cold German pilsner or a glass of dry white wine.
- Serve with potato salad or a simple vinegar-based coleslaw.
- Try adding a smoky twist to your meal with this Chipotle Steak recipe – a bold contrast to the briny herring.
Matjesbrötchen (German Herring Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 2 fresh bread rolls
- 4 Matjes herring fillets
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 pickles thinly sliced
- 1 small apple diced
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- **Prepare the Sauce:** In a bowl, mix the yogurt, sour cream, and heavy cream. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- **Combine Ingredients:** Fold in the thinly sliced red onions, diced apple, and pickles into the sauce mixture.
- **Add the Herring:** Gently mix in the Matjes herring fillets, keeping them intact.
- **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- **Assemble the Sandwich:** Slice the bread rolls, spread a layer of the herring mixture onto the bottom half, and optionally add fresh lettuce or herbs. Top with the other half of the roll.
- **Serve and Enjoy!**
Notes
- Best served chilled to enhance the flavors.
- You can add fresh dill or chives for an extra herbal note.
- For a heartier version, add a slice of boiled egg.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matjesbrötchen Recipe
1. What does Matjes herring taste like?
Matjes herring is mild, slightly sweet, and buttery, with a delicate briny flavor.
2. Can I make Matjesbrötchen ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If prepping ahead, store ingredients separately.
3. What’s the difference between Matjes and regular pickled herring?
Matjes is milder and less salty, while regular pickled herring is often stronger and vinegary.
4. Is Matjesbrötchen healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins.
5. What can I serve with Matjesbrötchen?
It pairs well with potato salad, fries, or a cold beer.
Conclusion
Matjesbrötchen is a true taste of Germany, simple, delicious, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re recreating street food memories or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try. So grab some fresh Matjes herring, a crusty roll, and enjoy this German classic at home!
Would you try making it? Let me know in the comments! 😊