Mackerel Brine
Ingredients: 1 kg mackerel, 3 onions, 3 tomatoes, thyme, basil, rosemary, salt
Mackerel is a delicious fish, rich in omega-3, that can be prepared in a variety of ways. To get a tasty recipe, we start by thawing the mackerel. It should be fresh, so make sure to let it defrost gradually in the refrigerator or at room temperature, avoiding exposure to excessive heat. Once completely thawed, we cut the fish lengthwise, ensuring that each piece is even for uniform cooking.
After cutting the mackerel, we lightly score the outside, which will help the spices and flavors penetrate the meat. Salt is essential to enhance the taste, so we sprinkle salt over the fish. We let the mackerel absorb the salt for about 15 minutes. This process will help enrich the flavor and make the meat juicier.
In the meantime, we prepare the flavor landscape. We take a large pot and fill it with cold water, adding a generous amount of salt, so that the water is salty enough to simulate seawater. At this point, we slice the onion and tomatoes thinly. These vegetables will add a fresh note and a crunchy texture to the dish. We put them in the salty water along with our favorite spices: black pepper, bay leaves, and a handful of fresh dill for a refreshing taste.
Once we have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to cook. We heat the grill (or grill pan, if cooking indoors) to medium heat. Once the grill is hot, we carefully place the mackerel on the hot surface. We let the fish brown on one side until a golden crust forms, then we flip it to cook evenly on both sides.
After the mackerel is perfectly browned, we remove it from the grill and carefully place it in the pot with salted water, where the vegetables are already waiting. We let everything mingle for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and create a dish that delights the senses. This mackerel recipe can be served with a fresh salad or toasted bread, offering a delicious lunch or dinner, full of flavor and health.
