Tinned Fish Boards Are the Newest Trend—Here’s How to Make One
Updated: Nov. 22, 2022
Products like canned sardines, anchovies and mussels packed in oil are becoming so popular they've gone mainstream.
Tinned fish is having a moment. Once upon a time, products like canned anchovies were an unsexy culinary afterthought—but not anymore.
The selection of fish in tins available in the United States is growing, whether it’s imported from places like Spain and Portugal or from new U.S. brands such as Fishwife. Beyond anchovies and sardines, you now also find tinned trout, mackerel, albacore, mussels, razor clams, scallops and more packed in oil.
The tinned fish trend may seem a little out there at first, but you might want to consider giving it a try. Tinned fish is often very healthy and high in iron and protein. The highest quality, oil-packed tins are usually made from fish that was literally caught that day. You can think of it as a time capsule of the freshest fish available!
Is Tinned Fish the New Charcuterie?
On TikTok, San Francisco chef Ali Hooke has taken the tinned fish trend a step further with her weekly Tinned Fish Date Night videos. Every week, Hooke displays a gorgeous board of different tinned fish paired with bread, cheeses, fruits and sauces. It’s a wonderful idea not just for casual date nights at home, but also for entertaining with a larger group.
@alihooke Friday Night #datenight this time ft. pairings #chefsoftiktok #datenightideas #easydinnerrecipes #tinnedfish #sardines #tinnedfish ♬ original sound – Ali
How to Make a Tinned Fish Board
Just like charcuterie boards, butter boards or burrata boards, there are really no hard and fast rules for tinned fish boards.
For her date night tinned fish boards, Hooke usually fills her board with the following:
- Two or three tins of fish
- Bread or crackers
- Pickled vegetables
- Sweet jam
- Hot sauce
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Cheese
Once it’s all laid out on the board, it’s time to experiment. Mix and match and layer different combinations on the bread or crackers and see what works for you.
Hooke has developed a loyal following of tinned fish enthusiasts, many of whom had never eaten the stuff before. It might seem like something you never thought you’d try, but as with other food trends, keep an open mind—this might be your next entertaining go-to!
Cold Finger Foods Perfect for Your Next Party
Pancetta, Pear & Pecan PuffsI was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
These pretty puffs are perfect for a special occasion! Discover more with our bridal shower food ideas and anniversary food ideas.
Zesty Marinated ShrimpThese easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy citrus flavor. I especially like this recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time. —Mary Jane Guest, Alamosa, Colorado
Smashed OlivesMy best friend and I came up with this finger food recipe to bring back the wonderful tastes of Spain with us. When you are finished with the olives, use the flavored olive oil for a chicken or shrimp marinade. —Tiffani Warner, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Mini Cheese BallsThese mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor to these finger foods. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Zippy Party Roll-UpsA guaranteed crowd pleaser, these zesty appetizers are an amazing way to pep up a party! This finger food recipe won a blue ribbon at the county fair, and even though I always double it, I never seem to make enough. —Dana Gonzalez del Valle, Battle Ground, Washington
Crunchy Vegetable DipI love to try new recipes, and this one was a big hit with my family. It's great as an appetizer or for a light lunch. —Dottie Miller, Jonesborough, Tennessee
Greek Veggie TartletsThe mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Quick Tortilla PinwheelsPrepare these easy, cheesy finger foods several days in advance if desired. Serve with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini PeppersMini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Shrimp Salad AppetizersThis refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry TomatoesBesides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Cheese/Grape AppetizersThese small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Crab Phyllo CupsI always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled EggsIt's hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
Dill Vegetable DipA friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Originally Published: November 22, 2022
