Pickled mackerel is a delicious and nutritious dish that you can prepare at home. Pickling extends the shelf life of the fish while giving it a rich flavor and aroma. If you want to learn how to pickle mackerel and diversify your diet, here are five delicious methods of pickling.
Classic mackerel pickling
This method of pickling is the simplest and quickest. Start with fresh mackerel and salt and sugar. Remove the scales and guts from the fish, rinse with cold water, and dry. Then mix salt and sugar in a 1:1 ratio based on the weight of the mackerel. Sprinkle the fish with the salt and sugar mixture on all sides and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Rinse the mackerel under cold water and refrigerate for 12-24 hours for final curing. Serve as small pieces or fillets.
Mackerel pickling with marinade
This method of pickling gives the mackerel a more intense flavor and aroma. For the marinade, you'll need onions, carrots, salt, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, vinegar, and water. Prepare the marinade by combining all the ingredients and bringing them to a boil. Then cut the mackerel into portioned pieces, place them in a glass container, and pour hot marinade over them. Leave it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The resulting pickled mackerel can be served as a separate dish or added to salads.
Smoked mackerel pickling
For a unique twist, you can pickle smoked mackerel. This method adds a smoky flavor to the fish. Start with smoked mackerel fillets and prepare a brine solution with water, salt, sugar, and spices of your choice (such as black peppercorns, bay leaves, or dill). Submerge the fillets in the brine solution and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The pickled smoked mackerel can be enjoyed on its own or used in sandwiches and appetizers.
Spicy mackerel pickling
If you prefer a spicy kick, try pickling mackerel with spices. Prepare a brine solution using water, salt, sugar, vinegar, and spices such as chili flakes, garlic, and ginger. Bring the brine solution to a boil, let it cool, and pour it over the mackerel fillets in a glass container. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for the flavors to infuse. The spicy pickled mackerel can be served with rice, bread, or as a topping for salads.
Asian-style mackerel pickling
For an Asian-inspired flavor, you can pickle mackerel with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other Asian spices. Combine soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar in a bowl. Marinate the mackerel fillets in the mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The Asian-style pickled mackerel can be enjoyed as a main dish with steamed rice and vegetables.
Experiment with these delicious methods of pickling mackerel and discover your favorite flavors. Pickled mackerel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes or enjoyed on its own as a flavorful and nutritious seafood option.
