The Magic of Tinned Fish

Whether mixed with mayonnaise to make a salad or infused in a tomato sauce and served over pasta, tinned fish are an economical and flavourful addition to most anything you cook. Tinning fish is an old-world preservation method that gives us modern convenience. These fish—anchovies, mackerel, sardines, octopus, and squid, among others—are packed at their peak of freshness, meaning you get all the flavour at a fraction of the cost of buying fish fresh.

The 75 recipes range from the simplest snack, such as sardines on a Wasa cracker with mustard and lemon, to dishes for holiday entertaining, like a lamb roast studded with anchovies and served with rosemary roasted potatoes. Also included are weeknight pastas, such as Spaghetti with Smoked Oysters and Egg Yolks, and even a meat lover’s favourite, Steak with Anchovy Butter.

Tinned fish are a natural part of an outdoor picnic spread—anchovy, bread, and butter make the perfect sandwich—but they can also be served at a party, especially a warm Cod Brandade on toasts. Tinned fish are perfectly on trend and for good reason: they’re sustainable, economical, full of variety, and a great choice to keep stocked in your pantry.

The Magic of Tinned Fish by Chris McDade showcases these possibilities, helping you make the most of this versatile ingredient.