I don’t fry fish! A friend taught me how to cook mackerel so deliciously!

That’s fantastic! There are so many delicious ways to cook mackerel that don’t involve frying. Here are a few ideas, building on the “delicious” factor your friend introduced you to:

1. Baked Mackerel with Lemon and Herbs:

• Ingredients:
  • Whole mackerel or fillets
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season mackerel with salt and pepper.
  • Place lemon slices and herbs inside the fish cavity or on top of the fillets.
  • Drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.

2. Grilled Mackerel with a Soy-Ginger Glaze:

• Ingredients:
  • Mackerel fillets
  • Soy sauce
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Sesame oil (optional)
• Instructions:
  • Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil to create a glaze.
  • Brush the mackerel fillets with the glaze.
  • Grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Brush with extra glaze during cooking.

3. Pan-Seared Mackerel with a Mustard-Dill Sauce:

• Ingredients:
  • Mackerel fillets
  • Dijon mustard
  • Fresh dill (chopped)
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  • Season mackerel with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • In a separate bowl, mix Dijon mustard, dill, and lemon juice to create a sauce.
  • Serve the mackerel with the mustard-dill sauce.

4. Mackerel Baked in Parchment Paper (Papillote):

• Ingredients:
  • Mackerel fillets
  • Vegetables (sliced bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
  • Lemon slices
  • Olive oil
  • Herbs (dill, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place a mackerel fillet on a piece of parchment paper.
  • Arrange vegetables and lemon slices around the fish.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  • Fold the parchment paper to create a sealed pouch.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Tips for Delicious Mackerel:

• Freshness: Use fresh mackerel for the best flavor.
• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.
• Don’t Overcook: Mackerel cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking it to prevent dryness.
• Pairing: Mackerel pairs well with lemon, herbs, and vegetables.

I hope these ideas inspire you to cook some amazing mackerel! Enjoy!