World Recipe: Pickled Mackerel or Horse Mackerel

30 Mar World Recipe: Pickled Mackerel or Horse Mackerel

Pickled fish is a traditional Mediterranean recipe that combines fish with a delicious marinade of vinegar, spices, and vegetables. This version with mackerel or horse mackerel is perfect for enjoying a flavorful, fresh, and light dish. Ideal to accompany a salad or to enjoy as a tapa.

Ingredients

• 1 mackerel or horse mackerel
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 leek
• 1 onion
• 1 chili pepper
• 100 ml apple cider vinegar
• 100 ml water
• 50 ml white wine
• Black pepper
• Wheat flour for dredging
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Arugula
• Seaweed

Preparation

• Peel and julienne the onion, carrot, and leek. Chop the chili pepper and set aside.
• Clean and fillet the mackerel or horse mackerel. To do this, make two horizontal cuts along the fish, open it, and remove the head. Trim the edges and the belly area. Debone the fish and cut off the tail tip. Use tweezers to remove any remaining bones from the fillets.

• Add a splash of oil to a pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the fish fillets with a pinch of salt and flour.
• Once the oil is hot, place the fillets in the pan and sear the fish on both sides until golden.

• Remove them and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• In the same pan, add the onion, leek, carrot, and chili pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
• Add the black pepper, bay leaves, a pinch of salt, apple cider vinegar, water, and white wine. Stir well and let it boil for a few minutes.

• Place the fish fillets back into the pan, turn off the heat, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Serve the pickled mackerel or horse mackerel cold, decorated with arugula leaves and some seaweed snacks.