Rakfisk (in Norwegian pronounced as /ˈrɑ̂ːkfɪsk/) is a Norwegian fish dish made from trout or char, salted and autolyzed for two to three months, or even up to a year. Rakfisk is then eaten without cooking and has a strong smell and a pungent salty flavor.[1]
The first record of the term rakfisk dates back to 1348, but the history of this food is probably even older. No sources are available as to the exact invention year of the rakfisk dish or the autolysis process that produces the raw material for it.[2]
Fisk is the Norwegian word for "fish." Rak derives from the word Norwegian: rakr in Norse language, meaning "moist" or "soaked".[3]
Rakfisk is made from fresh trout or char. After gutting and rinsing, the fish is placed in a bucket and salted. Small amounts of sugar may be added to speed up the autolyzation process.The fish is then placed under pressure with a lid that fits down into the bucket and a weight on top. A brine is formed as the salt draws moisture from the fish. The rakfisk bucket is stored at under 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) for one to three months.[4]
The finished product does not need cooking and is eaten as it is. Traditionally, rakfisk is served sliced or as a fillet on flatbrød or lefse, with almond potatoes. Some also include thinly sliced raw onion, sour cream, and mustard-sauce (a mild form of mustard with dill).[5] [6]