| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 24 hours (marination) + 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 24g | 5g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 25g | 3.5g |
Why I Love Romanian Marinated Mackerel
A Taste Adventure With My Romanian Marinated Mackerel Recipe
There are countless recipes out there that I have fallen for, but my discovery of this Romanian delight, the marinated mackerel, has certainly left a special mark on my culinary journey. This simple, yet flavourful recipe was a refreshing detour from my usual Tex-Mex fusion style cooking. While the dish doesn’t necessarily line up with my Southern origins, it offers a unique blend of flavours that remind me of my beloved coastal Texas catch-of-the-day.
Simple Ingredients, Delicate Flavours, Big Impressions
The marinated mackerel delivers an exquisite play of delicate flavours on your palate. It may seem intimidating because it’s a whole fish, but trust me, the most laborious part is just the gutting and cleaning, which your fishmonger can take care of for you. Post that, the magic happens mostly in the marinade. It’s all about patience as you let the fish absorb the symphony of flavors from the concoction of white wine vinegar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, salt, onions, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of fresh herb aromatics made up of parsley and dill.
While I don’t usually draw from a particular chef for this recipe, I’ve always been fascinated by legendary chef Mircea Eliade‘s love for traditional Romanian cuisine. It’s that same fascination and passion that I see mirrored in my cooking, which led to this Romanian gem finding its way into my kitchen.
Perfect Standalone and Pairs Well Too!
This marinated mackerel is versatile that you could serve it as a standalone dish, or as an excellent sidekick to a variety of other courses. It could be a standout alongside buttered potatoes, fresh vegetables, or even a simple salad. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can pair it with dishes that are similar to other marinated fish recipes- think Spanish escabeche or Italian pesce all’acqua pazza. The recipe’s beauty lies in how well it elevates a simple meal into a delightful gourmet experience.
So, if you’re ready for a culinary journey like no other, give this Romanian Marinated Mackerel a shot. You might just find yourself sharing my love for this beautiful recipe.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the mackerel. Ensure they’re gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Set aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the following ingredients: 4 cups of white wine vinegar, 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns, 6 bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.
Step Three
Next, add the sliced onions and the crushed garlic to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step Four
Gently place the mackerel in the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mackerel is cooked through.
Step Five
Carefully remove the mackerel from the pot using a slotted spoon and allow it to cool.
Step Six
Once the mackerel is cooled, place it in a shallow dish. Pour the remaining mixture from the pot over the mackerel to marinate. Make sure each mackerel is submerged in the marinate.
Step Seven
Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the mackerel.
Step Eight
Before serving, drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil over the marinated mackerel. Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley and dill over the top as garnish. Enjoy your Marinated Mackerel!
