A true taste of Newfoundland heritage, Flipper Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender seal flippers, root vegetables, and a flaky golden crust. This traditional pie is deeply rooted in the province’s culinary history, offering a rich, savory filling wrapped in a crisp, buttery pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Newfoundland cuisine – A classic dish that reflects the island’s coastal traditions.
- Rich and hearty – Packed with tender flipper meat and savory vegetables.
- Flaky homemade crust – A golden, buttery pastry that holds the flavorful filling.
- Great for special occasions – A unique and historic meal for those wanting to experience traditional East Coast flavors.
- Slow-cooked for tenderness – Ensures the flipper meat is fall-apart soft.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- 2 seal flippers, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- ½ cup green peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef or game stock
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 prepared pie crust (top and bottom)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
1. Prepare the Flippers
- Rinse the seal flippers under cold water and pat dry.
- In a large pot, cover with water and add 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove from the pot, let cool, and shred the meat off the bones.
2. Make the Filling
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and carrots until soft. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add stock, stirring until thickened.
- Add potatoes, peas, Worcestershire sauce, shredded flipper meat, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out half the pie crust into a baking dish.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and cover with the top crust.
- Seal the edges and cut slits for ventilation.
4. Bake
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Different Meats – If seal flippers are unavailable, try using game meat like venison or rabbit.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra depth of flavor.
- Creamy Filling – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Vegetable Additions – Include turnips or parsnips for more traditional Newfoundland flavors.
- Pastry-Free Option – Skip the pie crust and serve as a stew with fresh bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-55 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
What is Flipper Pie?
Flipper Pie is a traditional Newfoundland dish made with seal flippers, vegetables, and a savory gravy, all enclosed in a flaky pastry crust.
Why are seal flippers used in this recipe?
Seal flippers are a regional specialty in Newfoundland, valued for their rich, tender meat.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust works well for convenience, but homemade crust adds a more traditional touch.
What does seal flipper taste like?
Seal flipper meat has a strong, gamey flavor, similar to a mix of beef and seafood, with a rich texture.
Is this dish commonly eaten today?
Flipper Pie remains a traditional dish in Newfoundland, particularly in coastal communities, though it is less common than in the past.
Can I use a different type of stock?
Yes, game stock or beef broth enhances the deep flavors of the dish.
What’s the best side dish for Flipper Pie?
Serve with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or traditional Newfoundland bread like molasses brown bread.
How do I make the pie crust extra flaky?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a light, flaky texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pie just before baking.
Can I use a slow cooker for the flipper meat?
Yes, cooking seal flippers in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours will make them tender and easy to shred.
Conclusion
A Newfoundland classic, Flipper Pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that celebrates the province’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or trying something new, this rich, savory pie is a must-try for adventurous eaters. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of Canada’s coastal history!
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Classic Newfoundland Flipper Pie
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty Newfoundland dish made with tender seal flippers, root vegetables, and a flaky golden crust.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 seal flippers, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef or game stock
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 prepared pie crust (top and bottom)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Flippers:
- Rinse the seal flippers under cold water and pat dry.
- In a pot, cover with water and add 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours until tender.
- Remove, let cool, and shred the meat off the bones.
-
Make the Filling:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and carrots until soft.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add stock, stirring until thickened.
- Add potatoes, peas, Worcestershire sauce, shredded flipper meat, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out half the pie crust into a baking dish.
- Pour the filling in and cover with the top crust.
- Seal edges and cut slits for ventilation.
-
Bake:
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the flippers in vinegar and saltwater for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve with pickled beets, coleslaw, or fresh bread for a traditional Newfoundland meal.
- If seal flippers are unavailable, substitute with beef shank or venison for a similar texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Savory Pies
- Method: Simmering, Baking
- Cuisine: Newfoundland, Canadian
