Tender Mackerel Steak with Buttery Goodness
How to Make Delicious Mackerel Steak (Easy Home Recipe)
Mackerel is incredibly versatile and delicious. While often enjoyed pan-fried or in stews, today we’re elevating it into a ‘Mackerel Steak.’ This recipe features mackerel pan-seared to golden perfection in butter, then topped with a savory soy sauce-based dressing and a medley of stir-fried vegetables. The result is a beautifully tender and flaky fish with a rich flavor profile enhanced by the aromatic sauce and fresh vegetables. It’s a dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Let’s discover how to make this delightful mackerel steak!
Main Ingredients- 1 whole Mackerel
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Sake (or Mirin)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- 40g Red Bell Pepper
- 40g Yellow Bell Pepper
- Scallion greens for garnish, thinly sliced
- Butter, generously
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes until fully rehydrated. Once softened, gently squeeze out excess water and thinly slice them.
Step 2
Rinse the fresh mackerel thoroughly. Carefully remove any remaining bones, especially along the backbone, and any internal organs or debris to ensure a clean fillet.
Step 3
Generously sprinkle the cooking sake (or mirin) and lemon juice over both sides of the prepared mackerel. This step is crucial for removing any fishy odor and adding a pleasant aroma. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Prepare the vegetables for the stir-fry. Mince the garlic cloves. Peel and thinly slice the half onion. Similarly, core and thinly slice the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized strips.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious soy sauce dressing. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, plum extract, corn syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and red vinegar. Whisk everything together until well combined to create a balanced sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce.
Step 6
Gently pat the marinated mackerel dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, evenly dust both sides of the mackerel with cornstarch. This coating will help achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior when pan-fried.
Step 7
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a generous amount of butter. Carefully place the cornstarch-dusted mackerel into the hot pan, presentation side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8
Once the first side of the mackerel is nicely browned, reduce the heat to low. Cooking on high heat can cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked through.
Step 9
While keeping the heat on low, use a brush to generously coat the top side of the mackerel with the prepared soy sauce dressing. Baste the fish as it cooks, allowing the sauce to gently reduce and caramelize. Be careful not to let the sauce burn. Flip the fish and repeat the basting process on the other side.
Step 10
While the mackerel is cooking, prepare another pan over medium heat. Melt some butter, then add the minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 11
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry briefly until they are slightly tender. Then, pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared soy sauce dressing and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are coated and slightly saucy.
Step 12
Taste the vegetable stir-fry and season with salt and pepper as needed, according to your preference. Be mindful not to over-salt.
Step 13
Arrange the beautifully cooked mackerel steak on a serving plate. Generously spoon the colorful vegetable stir-fry over the fish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced scallions for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. Your delicious Mackerel Steak is ready to be enjoyed!
