Description
Portuguese grilled mackerel showcases coastal simplicity with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Marine herbs and lemon highlight this classic seafood dish that connects you to Portugal’s culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fresh mackerel fillets (skin-on and pin-boned)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (juiced, approximately 2 tbsps or 30 ml)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) capers (roughly chopped)
- 1 small garlic clove (finely minced)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat grill or broiler to high temperature, ensuring cooking surface reaches optimal heat for perfect mackerel transformation.
- Setup: Line baking tray with aluminum foil, lightly oil surface to prevent fish from adhering and facilitate seamless cooking.
- Seasoning: Arrange mackerel fillets skin-side up, delicately brushing with olive oil and sprinkling salt and pepper to enhance natural maritime flavors.
- Grilling: Position tray in preheated grill, allowing direct heat to crisp skin and cook fish evenly, monitoring for golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
- Dressing Creation: Simultaneously whisk together lemon juice, capers, minced garlic, olive oil, and chopped parsley to create a zesty, vibrant accompaniment.
- Finishing: After approximately 45 minutes, carefully extract mackerel, plate with precision, and generously drizzle prepared dressing over fillets.
- Presentation: Accent dish with fresh lemon wedges, inviting diners to customize citrus intensity and enjoy a perfectly prepared seafood experience.
Notes
- Manage High Heat Carefully: Monitor grill temperature closely to prevent burning delicate mackerel skin while ensuring crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Skin Preparation Technique: Pat mackerel fillets completely dry before grilling to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent moisture-induced steaming.
- Oil Distribution Strategy: Use light, even olive oil coating to enhance flavor absorption and prevent fish from sticking without oversaturating the protein.
- Fresh Ingredient Recommendation: Select freshest mackerel possible, preferably caught within 24 hours, to guarantee optimal flavor and tender texture during grilling process.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg