Soused Mackerel

Invite a taste of coastal tradition to your table with this vibrant soused mackerel recipe, where tender fillets are gently poached in a tangy, aromatic brine of white vinegar, fresh lemon, and subtle spices like bay leaves, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Infused with the natural sweetness of onions and carrots, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of flavors that deepen as it marinates in the refrigerator. Perfectly refreshing when served chilled, soused mackerel makes an elegant appetizer or light main, especially when paired with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes and a make-ahead option, this classic recipe is your go-to for an effortlessly impressive dish that captures the essence of seaside dining.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 fillets Fresh mackerel
• 250 ml White vinegar
• 250 ml Water
• 1 whole Lemon
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 medium Carrot
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 10 pieces Whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the mackerel fillets under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

Slice the lemon, onion, and carrot into thin rounds.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, bay leaves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, salt, and sugar. Stir briefly to dissolve the salt and sugar.

Step 4

Add the lemon slices, onion, and carrot rounds to the saucepan.

Step 5

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Once the liquid is simmering, carefully lower the mackerel fillets into the saucepan. Ensure the fillets are fully submerged in the liquid.

Step 7

Poach the mackerel gently for 10–12 minutes or until the fish is opaque and just cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mackerel and pickling liquid to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 9

Transfer the mackerel, vegetables, and liquid to a non-reactive container, such as a glass or ceramic dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve chilled with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1186.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	992.9

Total Fat 56.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 280mg	0%
Sodium 2773.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g	0%
Total Sugars 15.0g
Protein 77.7g	0%

Vitamin D 1552IU	0%
Calcium 159.7mg	0%
Iron 7.8mg	0%
Potassium 1937.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.7%

Protein: 33.0%

Carbs: 13.3%