Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this grilled mackerel recipe, you will need:
- 4 fresh mackerel fillets
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)
Prepare the Mackerel
Start by cleaning the mackerel fillets under cold running water. Remove any scales and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the fish is clean and ready to be cooked.
Season and Marinate
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Generously brush the mixture onto both sides of the mackerel fillets, ensuring they are well coated. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and top them with a few slices of lemon.
Fire up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A well-heated grill will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are thoroughly ignited before placing the mackerel on the grill.
Grill the Mackerel
Place the marinated mackerel fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Close the lid and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes. This cooking time allows the skin to crisp up and the fish to cook through without becoming dry. Avoid flipping the fish too frequently to prevent it from sticking to the grill.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the mackerel is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the grill using a spatula. Serve it immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing of flavor. Grilled mackerel pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
There you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to cook grilled mackerel. With just a few simple ingredients and some grilling skills, you can create a delicious seafood dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, fire up your grill and get ready to savor the flavors of tender and flavorful grilled mackerel!