Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew) Recipe
Hamburg's hearty sailor's dish
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
A hearty Northern German mash of corned beef, potatoes, and beetroot, topped with a fried egg, pickled herring, and gherkins. This colorful pink-hued dish originated as sailor's food in the port cities of Hamburg and Bremen.
About This Recipe
"Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew)" is a Dinner recipe that brings potatoes, peeled and cubed, corned beef, medium beets, cooked, onion, finely diced and eggs together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Medium and ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 4 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The German inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 12 oz corned beef
- 2 medium beets, cooked
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 eggs
- 4 pickled herring fillets
- 4 gherkins
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- 1
Boil potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash roughly.
- 2
Sauté onion in butter until soft. Add crumbled corned beef and diced beets. Cook 5 minutes.
- 3
Mix beef mixture into mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Fry eggs sunny-side up. Serve Labskaus topped with a fried egg, pickled herring, and gherkins.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Potatoes, peeled and cubed is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew)" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic German sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew) keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew)?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 40 minutes. It serves 4 and is rated Medium.
How do I store leftover Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew)?
Store leftover Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew) ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Labskaus (Northern German Sailor's Stew) in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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