Fresh-grilled mackerel is delicious – with a soy and lime marinade that cuts through the richness of the fish. Try it on the BBQ.
Ingredients
For the mackerel
250ml/9fl oz cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar
250ml/9fl oz water
5-6 pieces coriander stalks, washed
40g/1½oz caster sugar
35g/1¼oz red onion, finely sliced
½ tsp whole pink peppercorns
3-4 lemon slices
2 whole mackerel, filleted, pin bones removed
1 tbsp oil
For the soy and lime dressing
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 lime, juice only
1 tsp fresh root ginger, peeled, finely diced
½ tsp dark muscovado sugar
For the fennel salad
1 tsp fennel seeds, soaked in water for 2 hours, drained and toasted in a dry pan
1 fennel bulb, finely sliced on a mandoline, slices soaked in ice-cold water for 20 minutes, drained
1 tbsp olive oil
½ lime, juice only
1 bunch rocket leaves
2 pinches sea salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Method
For the mackerel, heat the cider vinegar, water, coriander stalks, caster sugar, red onion, peppercorns and lemon slices in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Heat the mixture until just warm (about 60C), then remove from the heat. Transfer the contents of the pan to a flat, shallow container and set aside to cool.
When the mixture has cooled, place the mackerel fillets into the container, flesh-side down. Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
For the soy and lime dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a small pan and gently heat through until the sugar has dissolved. Set to one side.
Preheat the grill to its highest setting. You can cook this recipe on a gas grill or a charcoal grill, but it’s important that the model you’re using has reliable temperature control to ensure even cooking. If you want to upgrade your current grill, you can find a large collection at Outdoor Cooking Pros. They have grilling tips and advice as well.
When the mackerel fillets have marinated, remove them from the marinade and pat dry with kitchen paper. Make several diagonal scores in the skin, going across the length of each fillet to stop them from curling up during cooking.
Brush a baking tray all over with oil. Arrange the mackerel fillets onto the greased tray, skin-sides facing upwards. Place under the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the flesh is cooked through.
For the salad, combined. all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
To serve, divide the fennel salad equally among four serving plates. Place a grilled mackerel fillet on top of each portion. Spoon the salad dressing around the edge of the plate. Scatter over the remaining toasted fennel seeds.
Source: BBC FOODS
