Description
Mediterranean Baked Mackerel brings fresh coastal flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Delicate fish gets dressed up with herbs, lemon, and olive oil, creating a simple yet delicious meal that feels like a seaside escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 whole mackerel
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 1 large lemon
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Finishing Ingredients:
- Salt
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Crank the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack sits in the center position for even heat distribution.
- Pat your 2 mackerel fish completely dry using paper towels, removing any excess moisture that could prevent crispy skin.
- Create diagonal slashes approximately 1-inch apart on both sides of each fish, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.
- Combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, and a generous pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl.
- Massage the aromatic seasoning mixture thoroughly over the entire fish surface, ensuring full coverage inside and outside the cavities.
- Arrange 1 sliced lemon and 1 sliced red onion inside the fish cavities, then place them in a ceramic or glass baking dish.
- Scatter 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes around the fish, drizzling an additional tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkling extra salt.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for exactly 22 minutes, watching for golden edges and fish that flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley leaves, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Opt for fresh mackerel with bright, clear eyes and a clean ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
- Swap out herbs based on personal preference or what’s growing in your garden – fresh oregano, thyme, or dill all work beautifully with mackerel.
- Choose whole mackerel for a more authentic Mediterranean experience, but fillets work perfectly fine if whole fish feels intimidating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg