This recipe is a Scandinavian dish. Lutefisk is cod that was historically dried for storage through the winter. Then when it was time to use it, it was soaked in a mixture of lye and water, which rehydrated and softened it. The texture is like Jell-O and will fall apart easily so it needs to be handled carefully. It is an odd food for sure, fish-flavored Jell-O, so don’t be too critical. Some people love it, others don’t. This is just the best way I have found to prepare it.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 quart water
- 1 ½ tablespoons salt
- 1 pound dried lutefisk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Steps
- Bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Add lutefisk; return to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 8 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into center should read at least 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- Carefully remove lutefisk from water using a scoop strainer or skimmer spoon. Cover lutefisk with melted butter and serve immediately.
