The fragrant grilled herring from the local market.

(Baonghean.vn) - Grilled herring is a rustic yet delicious dish that many consumers choose. Throughout the coastal markets of Hoang Mai town, grilled herring is widely available after Tet (Lunar New Year).

Grilled herring at Quynh Di market - Hoang Mai town. Photo: Thanh Thuy.

The herring fishing season usually starts in February and lasts until July. The best time to catch herring is between 4 and 5 a.m., especially on dark, foggy days. On average, each fishing trip, lasting 3-4 days, yields 10-15 tons of fish. After being transported ashore, the fresh herring is bought by traders and sold to Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, and neighboring provinces, with some also being sold at local markets.

Fresh fish is cleaned, left unscaled, and grilled over low charcoal until evenly cooked from the inside, turning it frequently for about 10-15 minutes. When grilling, pay attention to ensuring the body is evenly golden brown, while the tail and scales remain intact and don't burn. Especially for herring, grilling over charcoal with a hand fan is essential to bring out the aroma; using an electric grill or microwave will diminish the fish's flavor.

Many housewives choose to buy grilled herring for post-Tet meals. Photo: Thanh Thuy.

Ms. Ho Thi Nga, a small trader at Quynh Di market, said: "Herring is both cheap and has a rich, fatty flavor, so it sells very well. It's best grilled and eaten while still hot. On average, I grill over 30 kg a day. On many days, I have orders from far away, so I have to stay up all night to grill and pack it into boxes for shipping."

Image from the Internet.

Grilled herring costs between 40,000 and 50,000 VND per kilogram and is usually served with fresh vegetables, fig leaves, and rice noodles or hot rice rolls. The dipping sauce is a bowl of fish sauce with a few drops of lemon juice and slices of fresh chili, or it can be shrimp paste. Nowadays, many people have learned to utilize online business services to market grilled herring directly to consumers. To transport the fish over long distances while maintaining its delicious flavor, after grilling, the fish is packaged in vacuum-sealed bags and frozen.

Grilled herring is not only sold in the market but also widely available at eateries around Cờn Temple during the festival season. After sightseeing and performing rituals, visitors often seek out these restaurants to enjoy this rustic dish with the rich flavors of Nghe An's sea.

Thanh Thuy

(Hoang Mai Radio Station)