Grilled mackerel with Spanish sauce

Grilled mackerel with Spanish sauce: A recipe full of flavor

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe, grilled mackerel with Spanish sauce is the perfect choice. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, providing you with a balanced and satisfying meal. Let's venture together into preparing this delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For mackerel:
- 4 fresh mackerel fish
- Salt (about 2-3 tablespoons, to taste)

For garnish:
- 500 g potatoes
- Water, for boiling

For Spanish sauce:
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1/2 onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (preferably wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For salad:
- Lettuce
- 1 red onion (optional)
- Fresh coriander

Necessary utensils

- Grill (electric or charcoal)
- Pots for boiling
- A bowl for mixing the sauce
- Knife and cutting board

Step by step

1. Preparing the fish
Start by cleaning the mackerel fish. Make sure to remove all the innards and scales, then rinse them well under cold water. After cleaning, place them in a dish and sprinkle salt on each fish, ensuring to cover both the inside and outside well. Let them marinate in salt for about 3 hours. The salt will not only flavor the fish but also help preserve it.

2. Boiling the potatoes
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes or quarters, depending on your preference. Boil them in a pot of salted water. Cook for 10-15 minutes until they become tender but not completely soft. Check them with a fork; if it goes in easily, they're ready. Drain the water and set them aside.

3. Preparing the Spanish sauce
In a bowl, finely chop the parsley, onion, and garlic. Add the olive oil, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth sauce with a slightly thick consistency. This sauce is the key to the dish, bringing a refreshing note and intense flavor.

4. Grilling the fish
Preheat the grill (electric or charcoal) to medium heat. After the fish have been salted, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and dry them with a paper towel. Place them on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the flesh becomes opaque and easily flakes off the bones. The grill will give them a delicious flavor and a crispy texture.

5. Serving
Place the fish on plates, alongside the boiled potatoes drizzled with the Spanish sauce. Add a fresh note by including a salad of green lettuce leaves, red onion, and fresh coriander. You can drizzle everything with a little lemon juice for an extra tang.

Personal tip

To add a touch of originality, you can try adding a few slices of lemon on the grill alongside the fish. The caramelized lemon aroma will blend wonderfully with the mackerel's flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe has a caloric content of about 400-450 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used. Mackerel is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another fish instead of mackerel?
Yes, you can use any fatty fish, such as sardines or salmon. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of fish chosen.

2. What other sides can I use?
Besides potatoes, you can serve mackerel with rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables. A side of fresh or sautéed vegetables will perfectly complement the flavors.

3. How can I adapt the Spanish sauce?
You can experiment with different herbs, such as marjoram or basil, to change the sauce's flavor. Additionally, adding chopped chili can provide an extra kick.

Possible variations

If you want a spicier recipe, you can add a few slices of chili pepper to the Spanish sauce. You can also make a marinade for the fish with herbs and garlic, letting it sit for a few hours before cooking.

This grilled mackerel with Spanish sauce recipe is not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to enjoy relaxing moments with loved ones. Whether you serve it at a special dinner or at lunch with family, it's impossible not to impress with this simple yet tasty dish. Enjoy your meal!