Delicious & Nutritious Baked Mackerel with Cheese Recipe
Baked Mackerel with Cheese
Hello! A strong spirit comes from a hearty meal. Today, we’re making ‘Baked Mackerel with Cheese,’ a dish loved by everyone from kids to adults, using nutritious mackerel. Mackerel is rich not only in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA but also in essential nutrients for our bodies, such as iodine beneficial for nerve development, vitamin D, and selenium, making it a healthy choice. This dish is perfect as a side for rice or as a special treat. Let’s get started on this delightful baked mackerel with cheese!
Main Ingredients- 1 pack prepared mackerel (approx. 2-3 pieces)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- 30g pizza cheese (shredded)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (brewing type)
- 1 Tbsp cheongju (rice wine or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of ginger powder (or a tiny amount of minced fresh ginger)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce (brewing type)
- 1 Tbsp cheongju (rice wine or mirin)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of ginger powder (or a tiny amount of minced fresh ginger)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the mackerel. If you’re not using low-sodium mackerel, soak it in rice water for about 30 minutes to remove any fishy smell, then rinse and pat it dry. Low-sodium mackerel can be used directly after thawing. Before cooking, carefully remove any large bones or fins that might be bothersome.
Step 2
Gently pat the mackerel dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the starch coat adhere well and ensures a crispier texture when pan-frying. Now, evenly coat both sides of the mackerel with cornstarch. (Potato starch can also be used).
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the starch-coated mackerel in the pan. Pan-fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The surface should look appetizingly cooked.
Step 4
Voilà! The mackerel is cooked to a beautiful golden brown. It should be crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the sauce that will bring this dish to life. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cheongju, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of ginger powder, 1 Tbsp plum extract, a pinch of black pepper, and finally, 1 Tbsp chopped green onion. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6
Prepare the pizza cheese, which will be the perfect partner to the sauce. You can also use mozzarella or any shredded cheese you have on hand.
Step 7
If using an oven: Line an oven-safe dish with parchment paper. Place the pan-fried mackerel in the dish. Spread the prepared sauce evenly over the mackerel, then generously top with pizza cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 200-220°C (400-425°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you don’t have an oven: You can use a microwave. Place the sauced mackerel in a microwave-safe dish, top with pizza cheese, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 8
Wow! Freshly out of the oven or microwave, here’s our Baked Mackerel with Cheese! The pizza cheese is perfectly golden and melty. The combination of savory cheese and the spicy-sweet sauce looks incredibly delicious!
