Marinated Mackerel

Marinated Mackerel Recipe from United Kingdom - Ingredients include Bay Leaves, Demerara Sugar, Black Peppercorns, and Cider Vinegar

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Marinated mackerel is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of sweet demerara sugar, tangy cider vinegar, and aromatic bay leaves creates a unique and mouthwatering marinade for the mackerel. This recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Marinated mackerel has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The process of marinating fish in vinegar and spices was originally used as a way to preserve the fish and enhance its flavor. Over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish.

Ingredients

4 small mackerel, approximately 225 g (8 oz) each, cleaned
4 bay leaves
2 tbsp demerara sugar
6 black peppercorns
150 ml cider vinegar
150 ml Cold black tea
4 slices of Brown bread, buttered and cut into triangles

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas 4.
2. Place the mackerel in a shallow oven-proof dish. Insert a bay leaf into each fish. Sprinkle sugar over them and add the peppercorns. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
3. Combine the vinegar and tea. Pour the mixture over the mackerel. Cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until the fish is cooked.
4. Allow the fish to cool thoroughly before serving with a little of the marinade and bread.

Variations

Add sliced onions and garlic to the marinade for extra flavor.
Substitute white wine for the cider vinegar for a different taste profile.
Grill the mackerel instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly clean the mackerel before marinating to remove any impurities.

- Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the flavors fully penetrate the fish.

- Serve the marinated mackerel with a side of buttered brown bread to soak up the delicious marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the marinated mackerel with a side of buttered brown bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute mackerel with another oily fish such as salmon or sardines.

- Use white sugar instead of demerara sugar for a sweeter marinade.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the mackerel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the marinated mackerel on a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the marinated mackerel with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover marinated mackerel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of marinated mackerel contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of marinated mackerel contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of marinated mackerel contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of marinated mackerel contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Marinated mackerel is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and gluten from the bread. It may also contain traces of soy from the marinade.

Summary

Marinated mackerel is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Marinated mackerel is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With its flavorful marinade and tender fish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Marinated Mackerel. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had accumulated over the years. As I flipped through the yellowed pages and faded clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe for marinated mackerel.

I had never attempted to make mackerel before, but the recipe intrigued me. The combination of ingredients - vinegar, sugar, onions, and spices - seemed like they would create a unique and flavorful dish. I knew I had to give it a try.

As I read through the instructions, I realized that this recipe was unlike any other I had encountered before. It called for the mackerel to be marinated for at least 24 hours before being cooked. This was a new technique for me, but I was eager to learn.

I decided to seek out the guidance of my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, who was known for her expertise in the kitchen. Mrs. Thompson had been cooking for decades and had a wealth of knowledge when it came to recipes and techniques.

I knocked on her door and was greeted warmly by Mrs. Thompson. I explained to her my interest in making marinated mackerel and showed her the recipe that I had found. Her eyes lit up as she read through the instructions, and she nodded approvingly.

"I know just the person who can help you with this recipe," Mrs. Thompson said with a smile. "My friend, Mrs. Jenkins, is a master at making marinated mackerel. She learned the recipe from her grandmother, who passed it down through the generations."

I was excited at the prospect of learning from someone who had such a rich culinary history. Mrs. Thompson arranged for me to meet Mrs. Jenkins the following day, and I eagerly anticipated our meeting.

When I arrived at Mrs. Jenkins' house, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices wafting through the air. Mrs. Jenkins welcomed me into her kitchen, where she had already begun preparing the marinated mackerel.

As she worked, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story of how she had learned to make the dish. She recounted how her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, passing down not only the ingredients and techniques but also the love and care that went into cooking.

Mrs. Jenkins guided me through the process, showing me how to clean and marinate the mackerel before cooking it to perfection. She explained the importance of allowing the flavors to meld together over time, creating a dish that was both savory and satisfying.

After several hours of cooking and waiting, the marinated mackerel was finally ready. Mrs. Jenkins and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, savoring each bite of the tender fish and tangy marinade.

As I tasted the dish, I could feel the history and tradition that had gone into its creation. The flavors were complex and rich, a testament to the skill and knowledge that had been passed down through the generations.

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins for her guidance and wisdom, grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone who had such a deep connection to the recipe. I left her house that day with a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking and a delicious new recipe to add to my collection.

Since that day, marinated mackerel has become a staple in my kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down not only the ingredients and techniques but also the story of how I came to learn it.

Every time I make marinated mackerel, I am reminded of the journey that led me to discover this dish. It is a reminder of the power of tradition and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the story of how I learned to make marinated mackerel, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the kitchen.