Your guide to Summer Mackerel from The Boathouse Fisheries

British Mackerel have a distinctive, streamlined body with a blue-green back, marked with wavy black lines, and a silver underbelly. They typically measure between 30 and 50 cm in length. It is prized for its rich, oily flesh, making it a popular choice for grilling, smoking, and curing. It is a staple in British cuisine and is often served fresh, smoked, or canned.

Mackerel is a versatile and flavourful fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Here are some popular dishes you can make with mackerel:

Grilled Mackerel

Simple Grilled Mackerel: Marinate mackerel fillets in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Grill until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through.

Japanese Style (Saba Shioyaki): Season mackerel fillets with salt and grill them until the skin is crispy. Serve with a wedge of lemon and grated daikon radish.

Smoked Mackerel Salad: Flake smoked mackerel and mix with new potatoes, green beans, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette.

Smoked Mackerel Pâté: Blend smoked mackerel with cream cheese, lemon juice, horseradish, and chives. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Mediterranean Baked Mackerel: Bake mackerel fillets with tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

Miso Baked Mackerel: Marinate mackerel fillets in a mixture of miso paste, sake, mirin, and sugar. Bake until caramelized and tender.

Pan-Fried Mackerel with Garlic and Herbs: Coat mackerel fillets in flour and fry in a mixture of butter and olive oil with garlic and herbs like parsley and thyme.

Crispy Skin Mackerel: Simply season the fillets with salt and pepper and pan-fry skin-side down until crispy.

Mackerel Sashimi: Serve thin slices of fresh mackerel with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Mackerel Sushi (Saba Nigiri): Place slices of mackerel on small beds of sushi rice, with a touch of wasabi in between.

Mackerel Escabeche: A Spanish dish where mackerel is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, onions, garlic, and spices after being lightly fried.

Scottish Cullen Skink: A rich and creamy soup made with smoked mackerel, potatoes, onions, and milk.

Mackerel and Beetroot Salad: Combine smoked or grilled mackerel with roasted beetroot, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing.

Mackerel and Avocado Toast: Top slices of toasted bread with mashed avocado, flaked mackerel, and a sprinkle of chili flakes and lemon juice.

These dishes highlight the versatility of mackerel and its ability to be prepared in various ways, from grilling and baking to smoking and using it in salads. Whether fresh or canned, mackerel's rich flavor and nutritional benefits make it a great addition to many recipes.

As well as being a deliciously versatile fish, Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins (especially vitamin D and B12), and minerals. These nutrients contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

British Mackerel is a vital species both ecologically and economically, known for its distinctive appearance, migratory behaviour, and nutritional value. Sustainable fishing practices are essential to ensure that mackerel populations remain healthy for future generations.