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Friend herring roe on kelp on blue plate
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Fried Herring Roe On Kelp with Soy Sauce

Herring roe is a spring delicacy on the Westcoast and an important traditional Indigenous food. This is my Asian-inspired roe on kelp recipe shared to me by my mother.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Soaking Time2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turtle Island
Keyword: Best Herring Roe Recipe, Herring Roe On Kelp
Servings: 4
Calories: 240kcal
Author: Rachel, Dietitian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups herring roe on kelp cut into 1-2" pieces
  • 1-2 eggs
  • 1-2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Run it under cold water to remove the salty brine. You can keep tasting the roe to see if it is too salty. Alternatively, you can soak it for about 2-4 hours, changing the water once. The thicker the roe on the kelp, the longer you will need to soak it.
  • Cut the herring roe into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  • Whisk the egg with the soy sauce. Start with less soy sauce to start so it is not too salty.
  • Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let the oil heat. Dip the herring roe pieces into the egg mixture and then add to the frying pan in a single layer. You may need to do 2-3 batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Flip the roe over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. Check to see that the roe is cooked through - the roe should turn white and not be translucent. Serve with more soy sauce on the side.

Notes

Option 1 - Soak The Herring Roe

As the roe is generally packed in brine or has come straight from the saltwater it can be very salty. Depending on how thick the roe is, it may need to be soaked for anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours. Some recommend the water be changed at least once during the soaking period. I have found this necessary when the roe is at least 1-inch thick. Taste a small bit of the soaking roe to check its saltiness during the soaking period.

Option 2 - Run The Roe Under Running Water

Place the roe in a deep bowl and run it under cold water for about 10 minutes. Again, taste a small piece of the uncooked roe to see how salty it is. This works best for roe that is 1/2-inch or less in thickness.

Storing Extra Roe

Freeze the unsoaked roe in large ziplock bags. If the roe has come already soaking in a brine solution, add some of this brine liquid into the freezer bags with the roe. This will help keep the roe fresh and prevent freezer burn. The roe will be good for 1 year if stored properly.