20 Jul Atlantic Mackerel: 3 Easy Braai Recipes

Nothing brings South Africans together quite like a good old-fashioned braai. So why not try something new and surprise your friends and family with a delicious fish braai this weekend? Our Atlantic Mackerel offers a rich and succulent meat that is absolutely packed with flavour, ensuring your guests will still be thinking about the meal long after their plates have been cleared.

Here are some of our top favourite recipes to up your fish braai game this weekend:

Mackerel with Tomatoes, Pesto, & Onions

Mackerel & Sauce Ingredients:

• 4-6 whole mackerel (cleaned and gutted)
• 30ml olive oil
• 2 large onions (chopped)
• 450g tomatoes (chopped)
• Slice of fresh lemon (per person)
• Sea salt & ground black pepper (to taste)

Pesto Ingredients:

• 50g pine nuts
• 30g basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 30ml parmesan cheese (grated)
• 150ml extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. To make the pesto, blend the pine nuts, basil leaves, and garlic cloves in a food processor until you have a rough paste. Add the parmesan and, with the blades still running, gradually add in the extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
2. For the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and sauté the chopped onions until soft and golden brown. Stir the chopped tomatoes into the saucepan and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, and also set aside.
3. Season the mackerel with a generous amount of sea salt and black pepper. Cook on the braai over medium-hot heat for 5 minutes each side.
4. Serve the fish on top of the tomato mixture and top with a generous spoonful of pesto. Remember to squeeze the fresh lemon over your mackerel for added flavour.

Zesty Garlic & Herb Mackerel

Ingredients:

• 4-6 whole mackerel (cleaned and gutted)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
• 30ml olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic (crushed)
• Sea salt & ground black pepper (to taste)
• Parsley and lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Score the skin of the mackerel on both sides, allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat. Place the fish in a container and pour the mixture over the mackerel, and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Place the mackerel on the braai over medium-hot heat. Allow the fish to cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, while basting with leftover marinade.
4. Serve fresh off the coals, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Apricot & Soy Glazed Mackerel

Ingredients:

• 2 whole mackerel (butterflied)
• 2 tbsp apricot jam
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 clove of garlic (crushed)
• 15g melted butter
• Sea salt & ground black pepper (to taste)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:  

1. Create a glaze by gently heating the apricot jam, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and butter in a pot until it forms a smooth, sticky glaze.
2. Take your mackerel and lightly oil the skin of the fish while seasoning the flesh side with salt and black pepper.
3. Place the mackerel in a clean and oiled braai grid. Braai the fish meaty side down over medium heat, for a few minutes on each side.
4. Keep turning every few minutes, brushing the fish with the glaze until cooked through.
5. Serve as soon as possible with lemon wedges and garnish.

While these dishes don’t require much else in terms of accompaniment, you cannot go wrong with some fresh, crusty bread with butter and a simple fresh salad.

Blake’s Fine Foods’ fresh and deliciously flavourful Atlantic Mackerel is sure to impress at your next braai!

CONTACT US to place your order today.