By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
🇩🇪AI-generated imageSame ingredients, elsewhere in the world
2 matchesDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Rollmops (Pickled Herring Rolls). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Classic British Pickled EggsIn the United Kingdom · same ingredients53%
Pork HumbaIn the Philippines · same ingredients53%
A classic North German delicacy, Rollmops are delightful pickled herring fillets rolled around a gherkin and often a piece of onion. Served cold, they are a tangy and refreshing snack or appetizer, perfect for a quick bite or part of a larger cold platter.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Rollmops from another cuisine is Classic British Pickled Eggs (United Kingdom): the two share 53% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
First, prepare the pickling liquid. In a small saucepan, combine 150 ml of vinegar, 100 ml of water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- 2
While the pickling liquid cools, finely slice 1 medium onion into thin rings. These will be added to the Rollmops for extra flavor and texture. Set aside a few rings for garnish if desired.
- 3
Take 8 salted (salt-cured) herring fillets, the kind sold in the EU as previously frozen. Do not use raw fresh herring or herring already marinated in vinegar. Soak them in 1 l of cold water in the refrigerator for 12 hours, changing the water once, to draw out excess salt. Pat dry and lay them flat, skin side down, on a clean work surface. If your fillets are very large, you might cut them in half lengthwise.
- 4
Place half a gherkin and a few rings of the sliced onion at one end of each herring fillet. You want a good balance of flavors in every bite. If using whole gherkins, slice them lengthwise.
- 5
Carefully roll each herring fillet tightly around the gherkin and onion, starting from the end with the fillings. Secure each roll with a toothpick to keep its shape during the marinating process.
- 6
Arrange the secured Rollmops snugly in a clean glass jar or container. Distribute 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and 0.5 teaspoon of peppercorns among them for deeper flavor infusion.
- 7
Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the Rollmops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or preferably 2-3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled, removing toothpicks before eating, often with rye bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rollmops?
Rollmops is a German dish consisting of pickled herring fillets rolled around a gherkin and onion, preserved in a vinegar brine with peppercorns, sugar, and bay leaves. It is traditionally served as a snack or appetizer, often consumed during breakfast or at casual gatherings.
What type of herring fillet is best for making traditional Rollmops?
For authentic Rollmops, use salt-cured (salted) herring fillets, soaked in cold water for 12 hours to remove excess salt before rolling. Avoid raw fresh herring, which is not cured and may carry parasites unless frozen, and avoid herring already marinated in vinegar, which turns too soft and sour.
How long should Rollmops pickle to achieve the best flavor and texture?
Rollmops should pickle in the vinegar solution in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, and preferably 2-3 days, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the herring to tenderize properly.
What's the best technique to secure the gherkin and onion inside the herring fillet when rolling?
Place half a gherkin and a few onion rings at one end of the herring fillet, then roll it tightly. Secure the roll with a wooden skewer or toothpick to prevent unrolling during the pickling process.
How should homemade Rollmops be stored, and what is their shelf life?
Store Rollmops submerged in their pickling liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2-3 weeks, with the flavor often improving over time.
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