Traditional Norwegian delicacy
Lutefisk
Brødrene Andreassen Værøy has produced lutefisk for decades according to the same traditional recipe. With good raw materials, optimal drying conditions and careful craftsmanship, we make lutefisk from Værøy with reliable quality throughout the season.
Like stockfish, lutefisk begins with the winter cod fishery. Wild skrei is caught, gutted and prepared for hanging on racks. During grading, we select particularly high-quality raw material for lutefisk production.
Lutefisk production is a meticulous process where the balance between lye and water is crucial. Hand-cut products provide good flavour, fine texture and a delicate appearance. We supply lutefisk to foodservice and the grocery trade in Norway.
In 2017, our lutefisk was named the world's best at the first-ever Lutefisk World Championship, decided by blind tasting and a unanimous expert jury at Mathallen in Oslo – and the title still stands.
Frequently asked questions about lutefisk
When is the lutefisk season?
The lutefisk season runs from September until Christmas, peaking in November and December when lutefisk is served at Christmas gatherings and restaurants across Norway. Many also enjoy lutefisk through the winter, traditionally right up to Easter. Our production on Værøy starts in early autumn so the fish is ready at retailers for the start of the season.
Which lutefisk is the best?
In 2017, the first-ever Lutefisk World Championship was held at Mathallen in Oslo. Ten producers from Norway and Sweden took part, and after a blind tasting a unanimous expert jury – including several of Norway's leading chefs – named the lutefisk from Brødrene Andreassen Værøy the world's best. The title still stands. The foundation remains the same today: hand-selected skrei from Lofoten and a production method refined over decades.
What is lutefisk made from?
Lutefisk is made from stockfish – wild-caught skrei hung on racks and dried naturally in the Lofoten air. The stockfish is soaked in water, treated in a bath of lye and water that gives the fish its characteristic texture, and then soaked again before packing. We select the raw material with particular care during grading, and the balance between lye and water has been refined through long experience.
How do you prepare lutefisk?
Salt the lutefisk 2–3 hours before cooking – this is important for a firmer, finer texture. Use coarse or sea salt, pour off the liquid that is drawn out, and brush away excess salt before the fish goes in the oven. Then place the lutefisk skin-side down in a roasting tin, sprinkle lightly with salt and cover with aluminium foil. Bake in the middle of the oven at 200 °C for about 20–40 minutes, depending on the amount of fish in the tin – the fish is done when it flakes under light pressure. Classic accompaniments are pea stew, bacon, boiled potatoes and mustard sauce. You will find our full family recipe with mustard sauce on the recipes page.
How much lutefisk should you allow per person?
Allow 500–750 grams of raw lutefisk per person – and up to a kilo for true lutefisk lovers. The fish releases a good deal of water during baking, so what looks like a lot in the tin turns out just right on the plate. For four people, 2–3 kilos is a good guide.
What are the classic accompaniments to lutefisk?
The classic accompaniments are pea stew, crispy bacon with bacon fat, boiled potatoes and mustard sauce. Many also enjoy lefse, flatbread, syrup or brown cheese – traditions vary from region to region in Norway. You will find our family recipe with mustard sauce on the recipes page.
Can you freeze lutefisk?
Yes, lutefisk freezes well. Place it in the freezer in good packaging as soon as possible after purchase, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before cooking. Fresh lutefisk should be kept cold and cooked before the use-by date. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, but the texture is at its best when the fish is prepared fresh.
Where can you buy lutefisk from Brødrene Andreassen?
Our lutefisk is supplied in season to grocery retail and foodservice in Norway. Ask for lutefisk from Brødrene Andreassen Værøy at your local grocery store, or contact us for information about retailers and deliveries.