With its rich, fatty flesh, mackerel lends itself well to simple preparation methods that accentuate its naturally robust flavor. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook mackerel in 4 different ways.
1. How To Cook Mackerel on Stove ( Pan-Fried Recipe )
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well to create the flour coating.
Dredge each mackerel fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet generously.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated mackerel fillets in the skillet, skin side down. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets to ensure they are cooked evenly.
Once cooked, remove the mackerel fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve the pan-fried mackerel fillets hot, garnished with fresh parsley (if desired) and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
2. How To Cook Mackerel in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Brush the marinade onto both sides of the mackerel fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
Cook the mackerel fillets in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Once cooked, carefully remove the mackerel fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
3. How To Cook Mackerel in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with oil or line it with parchment paper.
Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a spice mixture.
Place the mackerel fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin side down.
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the mackerel fillets, making sure to cover each fillet completely.
Gently rub the spices into the fillets, ensuring they adhere well.
Bake the mackerel fillets in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the fillets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the baked mackerel fillets hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. The citrusy lemon wedges complement the spices and add a refreshing touch to the dish.
4. How To Cook Mackerel on Grill
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade by combining the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the mackerel fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the fillets are coated evenly. Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to infuse into the fish.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the mackerel fillets from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off.
Place the fillets on the preheated grill, skin side down. Close the lid and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes.
Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once the mackerel fillets are cooked through, remove them from the grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the grilled mackerel fillets with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish if desired. You can also squeeze some additional lemon juice over the fish for an extra burst of tangy flavor.