🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Food
Traditional Baked Arbroath Smokie
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
🇬🇧 UKOriginating from the fishing village of Arbroath in Scotland, this traditional dish features haddock smoked over hardwood, often served simply baked to highlight its unique, delicate flavour. It's a truly authentic taste of Scottish coastal heritage, often enjoyed with just a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Preheat your oven to a moderate 180°C (350°F / Gas Mark 4). Take your two beautiful Arbroath Smokies and gently rub them with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the skin.
- 2
Place each Smokie, skin-side down, into a small, oven-proof dish or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Ensure they have a little space around them.
- 3
Cut about 20g of cold butter into thin slices and dot these generously over the flesh of each Smokie. The butter will melt into the fish, keeping it wonderfully moist and flavourful.
- 4
Carefully place the dishes or tray into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- 5
While the fish bakes, finely chop about 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. You can also prepare a lemon wedge for each serving, ready to add a burst of zest.
- 6
Once cooked, carefully remove the Smokies from the oven. Gently transfer each fish to a warm serving plate, ensuring you capture any delicious buttery juices from the dish.
- 7
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top of each Smokie, adding a lovely fresh counterpoint. Serve immediately with a generous squeeze of lemon and maybe a sprinkle of black pepper for a perfect finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of haddock should I use for an authentic Traditional Baked Arbroath Smokie?+
To make a truly traditional Baked Arbroath Smokie, you must use genuine Arbroath Smokies, which are hot-smoked haddock. Using unsmoked haddock or other smoked fish will result in a different dish.
What's the best baking temperature and time for Arbroath Smokies?+
Bake Arbroath Smokies at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry.
Should I remove the skin from an Arbroath Smokie before baking?+
It's generally recommended to bake Arbroath Smokies with the skin on, as it helps keep the fish moist and infused with flavour. You can easily remove it before serving if you prefer.
Are the lemon and parsley essential for a Traditional Baked Arbroath Smokie?+
While the smoked haddock is the main flavour, fresh lemon juice brightens its richness and parsley adds a crucial fresh aromatic note. For the authentic traditional experience, both are highly recommended.
🇬🇧 UKMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Traditional Baked Arbroath Smokie's core ingredients.
