| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 336 | 22g | 5g | 7g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 23g | 0.77g |
Why I Love Nigerian Grilled Mackerel with Coleslaw
If ever there’s a dish that somehow manages to perfectly encapsulate my Afro-Southern roots and my ever-burgeoning passion for delectable home cooking, it must be this – the Grilled Mackerel with Coleslaw. This unique recipe blends the mind-blowing spice and warmth of traditional Nigerian cooking with a grounding touch of good ol’ Southern charm. The result, if I may say so myself, is a fabulously harmonious, warming, and flavor-packed meal that I can’t fall out of love with. And I’m betting you won’t either.
Ties to My West African Heritage
Rooted in Nigerian cuisine, grilled mackerel is a beloved dish in West Africa that has stolen my heart countless times. Just as my childhood dinners often smelled of searing meats and familiar spices, this recipe brings back that nostalgic warmth. Each bite transports me back to Nigeria, as I remember my mother in our kitchen, her hands skillfully working with a blend of spices and fresh mackerel to create what seemed like magic.
Be it the bold flavors of garlic and ginger, or the zesty punch of fresh lemon juice in the marinade, this dish encapsulates the flavors that are dear to West African cooking. These ‘notes’ would certainly strike a chord with anyone who shares my love for Nigerian dishes. Additionally, “Aunty Lola’s Fish roll” recipe, which is another delightful way Nigerians enjoy mackerel, speaks to the versatility of this humble fish.
A Touch of Southern Influence
Coming from Atlanta, I’m innately drawn to Southern coleslaw. The crispness of the carrots and cabbage, coupled with the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the sweet-sour balance from the vinegar and sugar, provides a beautiful contrast to the spiced, grilled mackerel. It’s like enjoying a warm Southern afternoon picnic and a traditional Nigerian dinner at the same time!
If you’ve tried and loved Southern style fish tacos, especially those from “Chef Ford Fry’s The Optimist” restaurant in Atlanta, I can guarantee that you’d find this Grilled Mackerel and Coleslaw recipe just as mind-blowing!
In conclusion, each time I cook up this delightful Grilled Mackerel with Coleslaw, my multicultural upbringing rekindles itself in my kitchen. Whether you have a strong affinity for the dynamic flavors of West African cooking or a preference for Southern warmth, I believe you’ll love this cross-cultural fusion dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 6 whole mackerels
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- For The Coleslaw:
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One:
Start by preparing your mackerels. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
Step Two:
Next, you need to season your mackerels. Begin by mixing the salt, black pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger and vegetable oil in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the mackerels, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
Step Three:
While your mackerels are marinating, you can start preparing your coleslaw. Mix the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and finely chopped onion in a large bowl. Set aside.
Step Four:
In a separate bowl, blend the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture, and stir well to combine. Cover and let it chill in the fridge.
Step Five:
Preheat grill on a medium heat. Grill the mackerels for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Step Six:
Once your mackerels are duly cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Step Seven:
Serve your grilled mackerels with the chilled coleslaw on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!
