This Jamie Oliver Mediterranean-Style Herring Linguine is a fast and flavorful recipe, which includes herring fillets and cherry tomatoes. It’s a healthy twist on the classic, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jamie Oliver Mediterranean-Style Herring Linguine Ingredients
- 500g dried linguine
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 fresh red chilli
- ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (15g)
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baby capers
- 4 x 40g herring fillets, skin on, scaled, pin-boned, from sustainable sources
- 1 handful of ripe cherry tomatoes, on the vine
- 1 lemon
- Optional: 1 knob of unsalted butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
How To Make Jamie Oliver Mediterranean-Style Herring Linguine
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the packet instructions.
- Prep the aromatics: Peel and finely slice the garlic. Deseed and finely slice the red chilli. Pick and finely chop the parsley leaves.
- Cook the aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, chilli, capers, and chopped parsley stalks. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the herring and tomatoes: Trim the herring fillets to remove the bony strip, cut into goujons, and add to the pan along with the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the fish is cooked and tomatoes start to soften.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the linguine, reserving some pasta water. Add the pasta to the pan with the fish, along with a splash of pasta water to loosen. Mix well.
- Finish and serve: Squeeze in the lemon juice, stir through chopped parsley leaves, and add a knob of butter or drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if using. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use canned herring? Yes, but use boneless fillets and drain any oil or sauce first.
- What can I use instead of linguine? Spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even short pasta like penne will work.
- How to make it spicier: Add an extra chilli or a pinch of dried chilli flakes.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Simply skip the optional butter and use olive oil instead.
- How to check if herring is cooked: It should flake easily and turn opaque.
What To Serve With Herring Linguine
This light seafood pasta goes well with:
- A fresh rocket or arugula salad
- Crusty garlic bread
- Steamed greens or asparagus
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
How To Store Herring Linguine
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil.
Freeze: Not recommended—fish and pasta texture may suffer.
Herring Linguine Nutrition Facts
Calories: 334 per serving
Fat: 17.3g
Saturates: 3.9g
Carbohydrates: 21.2g
Sugars: 1.1g
Protein: 22.1g
FAQs
Can I use frozen herring fillets?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is herring a healthy fish?
Absolutely! Herring is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a great protein source.
What can I substitute for capers?
Chopped green olives or a dash of vinegar can provide a similar salty tang.
Do I have to skin the herring?
No, the skin adds flavor and crisps slightly in the pan.

Jamie Oliver Mediterranean-Style Herring Linguine
Description
A quick and tasty seafood linguine with cherry tomatoes, herring, and fresh herbs, ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook linguine in salted boiling water per package instructions.
- Slice garlic and chilli. Chop parsley.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and cook garlic, chilli, capers, and parsley stalks for 1–2 minutes.
- Trim herring into strips and add to pan with cherry tomatoes. Cook 4–5 minutes.
- Drain pasta and add to the pan with a splash of pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Finish with lemon juice, parsley leaves, and optional butter or olive oil. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make prep easier, trim the herring fillets into strips and discard the bony section before cooking. Great for a budget-friendly, nutritious dinner.