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Mackerel is a flavorful, firm-fleshed fish that is easy to cook, low in fat and full of nutrients. There are many ways to adapt this popular seafood to your tastes. Keep a few tips for how to cook mackerel in mind to get the most flavor out of this healthy fish.
Steps
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Fry mackerel- Pan frying is a quick method of cooking mackerel that requires little preparation. Add a small amount of oil or melted butter to a heated pan. Place the mackerel fillet in the pan skin side down. Season the side facing you with salt and pepper. Turn the fish after 5 minutes and cook for an additional five minutes.
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Bake mackerel
- Make mackerel in the oven by baking it. Spray a roasting pan or baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange mackerel fillets skin side down and season with salt, pepper or other seafood seasonings. Drizzle the mackerel with melted butter to help it stay moist, then bake for ten minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Grill mackerel
- The firm texture of this fish allows you to cook with mackerel in ways that aren't options with more delicate seafood, like grilling. Place mackerel skin side down on a hot grill and grill on each side for about 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when touched with a fork. Wrap mackerel fillets in foil before placing on the grill if a lighter grilled taste is preferred.
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Make mackerel packets
- Place one mackerel fillet on a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Add sliced vegetables like asparagus, carrots and leeks. Season all the food with salt and pepper. Drizzle a small amount of oil or melted butter on all the food, then wrap the foil up into a packet. Cook in a preheated oven for fifteen minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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Use mackerel in salads
- Fry a mackerel fillet in a pan or bake it in the oven, then flake it apart with a fork. Add the pieces of mackerel to a bed of mixed greens and vegetables and top with your favorite citrus vinaigrette or salad dressing.
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Poach mackerel
- Add seasoned mackerel to a pan with enough white wine or vegetable broth to cover the fillet. Arrange the fish skin side down so the fleshy side can absorb the flavors of the liquid. Bring the liquid to a simmer, but do not let it boil. Poach the mackerel in the simmering liquid for about 5 minutes or until it is cooked through.
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Vary cooking methods.
- Try cooking mackerel in several different ways to find the way you like it best. The firm, versatile fish holds up well on the grill, but is also delicious baked or pan fried, so you can experiment with cooking it in different ways that might be difficult with a more delicate fish.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre there any other ways to cook mackerel?Michael Caffrey is an Executive Chef and owner of On Island Chefs, based in Nantucket, Massachusetts. An experienced culinary skills and food & beverage professional with a demonstrated history in the culinary industry, Caffrey has been working as a chef on Nantucket for over 25 years. His company, On Island Chefs, cooks for private clients, caters for weddings and parties, and provides a variety of culinary event services. He is skilled in restaurant management, kitchen management, and training & development. He is a member of SACMA as well as the International Culinary Federation. Michael studied at Le Cordon Bleu and received a BS from Immaculata University in Business Administration and Management.Another mackerel recipe involves seasoning it with a mixture of salt and pepper, along with a touch of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. While mayonnaise may seem unconventional, it serves to balance the richness of the mackerel. Place the seasoned mackerel on the grill, close the lid, and let it cook for around 12 minutes, especially for thicker cuts. After grilling, add a bit more salt and pepper, along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to enhance the flavors. Despite mackerel having a robust and acquired taste, this combination of seasonings and grilling results in a uniquely delicious dish. The unconventional use of mayonnaise adds a surprising richness that complements the distinct flavor of the mackerel.
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QuestionWhy don't the suggestions have the temperature of the oven in which it should be baked?MicheleTop AnswererFish like mackerel can be baked at any temperature from 275°F to 450°F. The lower the temp, the longer the fish should be cooked. Size also makes a difference. On average, bake 375°F for 20 - 30 minutes (shorter time for thin fish, longer for thicker).
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QuestionDoes it have scales?Community AnswerMackerel do have scales, but are small enough to not be worried about. If you choose to descale I recommend doing it over a sink with a knife going gently against the grain of the fish.
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Warnings
- Avoid overcooking mackerel to prevent the fillet from drying out. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the piece of fish, but most mackerel fillets only need to be cooked for about 5 minutes on each side. Mackerel is done when it flakes easily when checked with a fork and has a white, opaque appearance.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Mackerel fillets or steaks
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
- Melted butter
- Cooking oil
- Sliced lemon or other garnishes
- Seafood seasoning
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Michael Caffrey .
About This Article
Article Summary
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To cook mackerel, try baking it in the oven on a greased baking sheet for 10 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. You can also pan fry mackerel in some oil or butter for 10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. Or, you can grill mackerel by placing it skin-side down on a hot grill and grilling each side for 5 minutes. To learn how to poach mackerel, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "To the point and made to look very easy to cook. Forgotten how easy and versatile mackerel was to cook, but have always bought the pre-made or packaged items." ..." more
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"To the point and made to look very easy to cook. Forgotten how easy and versatile mackerel was to cook, but have always bought the pre-made or packaged items."
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"Excellent guide for people who don't know what to do with the fish they catch!"
