The Fishwife Cookbook: Bringing Tinned Fish and Whimsical Designs to Every Table
Fishwife offers ethically sourced, premium tinned seafood, celebrating sustainability and quality while revitalizing the traditional canned fish experience.
Tinned fish has undergone a transformation in recent years—from a forgotten pantry staple to a modern culinary obsession. Leading the charge is Fishwife, the cult-favorite brand that has redefined conservas for a new generation. Now, co-founder Becca Millstein and recipe developer Vilda Gonzalez are taking their love for high-quality, sustainable tinned seafood one step further with The Fishwife Cookbook—a beautifully illustrated collection of 80 recipes that showcase just how versatile (and delicious) tinned fish can be.
This cookbook isn’t just about seafood—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and creative cooking. With whimsical illustrations from artist Danny Miller, the book captures Fishwife’s playful, irreverent spirit while giving home cooks all the tools they need to elevate their tinned fish game.
How Fishwife Made Tinned Fish Cool Again
For decades, Americans viewed tinned fish as little more than dry tuna mixed with mayo—a far cry from the rich, artisanal conservas beloved in Spain, Portugal, and France. But during a trip to Europe, Becca Millstein discovered just how different tinned seafood could be. Inspired by the high-quality fish and striking packaging, she realized the U.S. market was ripe for reinvention.
In 2020, Millstein and co-founder Caroline Goldfarb launched Fishwife, partnering with artisanal canneries in Spain, Denmark, Scotland, and Washington State to create a premium, beautifully designed brand of tinned seafood. Their goal was to make sustainable, responsibly sourced tinned fish both accessible and exciting.
What helped set Fishwife apart—aside from the top-tier quality—was its eye-catching design. Illustrator Danny Miller, now a part-owner of the brand, crafted the vibrant, playful artwork that has become Fishwife’s signature. His illustrations now bring the same bold, nostalgic energy to The Fishwife Cookbook, making it as much a visual delight as a culinary guide.
A Love Letter to Tinned Fish
More than just a collection of recipes, The Fishwife Cookbook is a celebration of seafood culture, offering dishes that range from simple no-cook snacks to more elaborate meals. The book bridges the gap between casual kitchen hacks and full-fledged cooking, showing just how versatile tinned fish can be.
Among the standout recipes:
Sardines mashed with butter on well-toasted bread—a take on the French beurre de sardines.
Deviled eggs with a smoky, salty twist, thanks to tinned salmon.
Anchovy-infused breadcrumbs that add an umami punch to everything.
A fisherman’s stew with saffron aioli, packed with flavor.
Cherry tomato tartine with aioli and smoked salmon, a Fishwife-favorite riff on the classic BLT.
Each recipe reflects Fishwife’s ethos—bold, unfussy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a longtime tinned fish lover or just getting started, the book offers something for every taste.
Sustainability Meets Tradition
Beyond the recipes, The Fishwife Cookbook highlights the brand’s commitment to responsible sourcing. Fishwife partners with fisheries that meet Marine and Aquaculture Stewardship Council standards, ensuring that every tin is ethically and sustainably produced.
Millstein and her team have built Fishwife around the belief that great seafood doesn’t have to be complicated—and that tinned fish can be just as luxurious as fresh. By combining culinary innovation, sustainable sourcing, and whimsical design, Fishwife is proving that conservas aren’t just a trend—they’re the future of seafood.
Tinned Fish, Elevated
With the launch of The Fishwife Cookbook, Millstein and Gonzalez aren’t just sharing recipes—they’re inviting more people to fall in love with tinned fish. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or preparing a show-stopping dish, this book proves that a simple tin of sardines or smoked salmon can be the key to an unforgettable meal.
For anyone who has ever underestimated tinned fish, this cookbook is proof: it’s time to rethink what’s in your pantry.
Read more on Forbes
Listen to Becca Millstein with Alex Abelin on the Venture Everywhere podcast: Uncanny Products. Now on Apple & Spotify and check out all our past episodes here!
