There is something wonderfully practical about a supper like this, the kind of meal built from pantry staples and a bit of good sense. Canned kipper snacks have long been a thrifty way to put rich, smoky fish on the table, and in a slow cooker they turn tender and savory with hardly any fuss at all. This is the sort of simple country cooking that reminds me how often the best meals come from making do with what is already in the cupboard.
Serve these slow cooker kipper snacks over hot cooked rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes to catch every bit of the sauce. A side of green beans, peas, stewed tomatoes, or a crisp cabbage slaw makes a fine partner, and a slice of hearty bread or cornbread on the side turns it into a humble but satisfying supper.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kipper Snacks
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 cans kipper snacks, gently drained
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with a little cooking spray or a dab of oil if desired. Lay the drained kipper snacks in the bottom of the slow cooker and scatter the sliced onion over the top.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the kipper snacks and onions, covering the fish as gently as you can so the pieces stay whole.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, just until everything is heated through and the onions have softened. Avoid overcooking, since the fish is already cooked and can become too soft if left too long.
5. Carefully serve the kipper snacks with plenty of sauce over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and spoon the onions over the top for the best flavor.
Variations & Tips
Make It Tangier: If you like a sharper sauce, add a teaspoon of yellow mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the ketchup mixture. That little bit of brightness balances the smoky richness of the fish nicely.
Add A Little Heat: For folks who enjoy a bit of zip, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce before pouring it over the fish. Keep it light so the flavor of the kippers still shines through.
Handle Gently: Kipper snacks are delicate once warmed, so use a spoon or spatula to lift them carefully from the slow cooker. It helps to keep the pieces looking nice when you bring supper to the table.
Don’t Cook Too Long: Since the fish is already cooked in the can, this recipe is really about heating and blending flavors. Check at the 90-minute mark on Low, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.
Stretch The Meal: If you need to make this supper go a little farther, serve the kippers over a generous bed of rice or buttered egg noodles and add an extra onion. It is a fine way to feed a hungry table without much extra cost.
