Friends, the moment is finally here… After 9 years of existence, this blog is hosting its very first mackerel recipe! I can hardly believe it! How is this possible? How did I manage to overlook this fish that is not only delicious, but also affordable and easy to cook? It’s baffling. Well, let’s change that right away with this marinated mackerel and green sauce!
A recipe that embodies spring
As the beautiful days arrive, the pace of cooking transforms. Meals become more social, the craving for freshness returns, and we naturally gravitate towards simpler, lighter dishes. Spring is a season I adore for this reason; it heralds the arrival of fresh produce, aromatic herbs, green vegetables, and colorful recipes.
Among the ingredients I love to cook during this time, fish holds a prominent place. Easy to prepare, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, it lends itself to a multitude of recipes that are perfect for both everyday meals and more elaborate gatherings.
My marinated mackerel and green sauce fit perfectly into this seasonal theme.

The inspiration behind this mackerel recipe
I must admit that there are certain dishes that speak for themselves… I see them and instantly think of a particular chef. This was the case with my mackerel; I was inspired by a recipe from Ottolenghi, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. My recipe for marinated mackerel is directly inspired by his, though I’ve tailored it to suit my own taste.
Moreover, if you’re looking for an even more » Ottolenghi » flavor, I suggest swapping the tomato paste for harissa. It will add a bit of spice to the dish, and it will be delightful.

The benefits of mackerel
Mackerel is a beloved fish, known for its robust flavor and various nutritional benefits. Consumed worldwide, it plays a vital role in a balanced diet thanks to its abundance of essential nutrients.
Among the key advantages of mackerel is its high omega-3 content. These fatty acids are particularly valued for their positive effects on cardiovascular health and their contribution to dietary balance. Mackerel is, therefore, one of the most recommended fatty fish.
Additionally, mackerel provides an excellent source of quality protein, crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall body function. It is rich in several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. It’s truly a powerhouse of nutrition!
Another benefit is that mackerel is an incredibly versatile fish in the kitchen. It can be grilled, smoked, marinated, or incorporated into both cold and hot dishes. Its bold flavor pairs wonderfully with citrus, fresh herbs, or seasonal vegetables.
Furthermore, mackerel is often regarded as an affordable fish and an appealing choice for more responsible seafood consumption.

A recipe that aligns with the « Eat Your Skincare » trend
The « eat your skincare » trend is gaining traction in the wellness and beauty spheres. This concept hinges on a simple idea: the health of your skin is influenced by your diet. Inspired by holistic approaches, this movement promotes the consumption of foods known for their beneficial effects on skin radiance and appearance.
The « eat your skincare » principle encourages incorporating foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients into our diets. Berries, avocados, fatty fish, green vegetables, and nuts are often highlighted for their properties that support a natural beauty routine.
This trend has found a notable presence on social media, particularly through vibrant recipes and beverages touted for their complexion-enhancing properties. It aligns with a broader approach to wellness, where diet, hydration, and lifestyle are intertwined.
The popularity of the « eat your skincare » movement also reflects a growing interest in more natural and preventative beauty practices. Nowadays, many people aim to combine culinary enjoyment with daily skincare to adopt a more holistic and balanced beauty regimen.

Back to our recipe
I’ve shared a lot with you already; the rest will go quickly. This recipe is simple and quick to make. I won’t dwell on the details. Just remember that we’ll prepare a marinade for the mackerel fillets and then cook them in a pan or bake them in the oven. While the fish cooks, we’ll whip up a sauce that brings incredible freshness and flavors that complement the marinated mackerel beautifully.
Keep in mind that mackerel contains many bones, so be sure to remove them thoroughly before marinating for a more enjoyable tasting experience.

The necessary utensils
A container for the marinade,
One frying pan (or a baking dish if you choose oven cooking),
A cutting board,
One sharp paring knife,
A juicer,
And one bowl.

There you have it! I’ve explained everything to you! Shall we get started?
The recipe, Chef!
Marinated mackerel and Green sauce
Ingredients
- Mackerel
- 8 gutted mackerel fillets
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of za'atar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Salsa
- 1 Lebanese cucumber
- 1 kiwi
- 1 avocado
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 scallion
- 1 clementine (or 1/2 orange, or 1 lemon)
- 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
Mackerel
Make a marinade by mixing the tomato paste, olive oil, za'atar, and salt. Mix.
Place your mackerel fillets in the marinade.
Set aside for 30 minutes (or longer in the refrigerator).
Salsa
Finely chop or dice the cucumber, kiwi, avocado, scallion, and mint leaves.
Pour into a bowl.
Add the olive oil, clementine juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix.
Finishing
Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a pan.
Sauté the mackerel fillets on both sides for a total of 3-4 minutes.
Serve immediately with the salsa.



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