Cold Marinated Mackerel

I love fish in any combination, and the marinated fish recipe I recently tried truly impressed me. It is an excellent way to enjoy fish, and the final result is delicious and full of flavor. The preparation process may seem a bit laborious, but every step is worth it, and the flavors that develop during marination are simply spectacular.

To start, we let the fish thaw, making sure it is well-defrosted before beginning the cleaning process. After it has thawed, we clean the fish, removing the heads and irrelevant scraps, then wash it well under a stream of cold water. The next step is to cut the fish into evenly thick slices so that it marinates evenly. We let the slices drain, and then generously salt them, making sure to cover each piece. Once we are done, we place the salted fish in a covered container and leave it in the fridge for 24 hours, which will help intensify the flavors.

In the meantime, we prepare the brine. In a pot, we put water, vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, we add the bay leaves and peppercorns, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. It is important to let the brine cool completely before using it, so as not to affect the texture of the fish. After the fish has marinated for a day, we wash off the excess salt and let it drain again.

To complete the recipe, we peel the carrots and cut them into thin slices, and we slice the onion into scales. In an airtight jar, we layer the fish with the carrot slices and onion, making sure to distribute the ingredients evenly. We add a few mustard seeds for extra flavor, then pour in the cold brine, ensuring that the fish is completely covered. We close the jar and place it in the fridge.

After a week of waiting, the marinated fish is ready to be enjoyed. It can be served as an appetizer or as part of a varied platter. The flavors blend harmoniously, and each bite is an explosion of tastes. This marinated fish recipe is not only tasty but also an excellent method of preserving fish and enhancing its natural flavor. Enjoy your meal!