A light, fresh and incredibly simple recipe that lets the rich flavour of mackerel shine. The zesty lemon dressing cuts through the natural oils of the fish perfectly, creating a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Mackerel
- 4 fresh mackerel fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Lemon Dressing
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Method
1. Make the Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic and honey.
Stir through the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Set aside while you cook the fish.
2. Cook the Mackerel
Pat the mackerel fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a grill pan, BBQ or frying pan over a medium-high heat and lightly brush the fillets with olive oil.
Cook skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until the skin becomes crisp and golden. Turn and cook for a further 1–2 minutes until the flesh flakes easily.
3. Serve
Place the mackerel on warm plates and generously spoon over the lemon dressing.
Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- New potatoes with butter and parsley
- Mixed leaf salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Tenderstem broccoli
- Crusty bread
Chef’s Tip
For an extra burst of freshness, add a tablespoon of finely chopped capers or a handful of chopped chives to the dressing.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
A quick, healthy and flavour-packed dish that’s perfect after a day on the water, using freshly caught Cornish mackerel. 🎣🐟🍋🌿
