Oven Roasted Mackerel with Lemon & Herbs

 

Oven Roasted Mackerel with Lemon & Herbs

This recipe uses simple ingredients that complement the rich flavor of the fish.

Ingredients: 

• 2 whole mackerel, cleaned and gutted (head on is optional)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus extra wedges for serving
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• A handful of fresh herbs (dill, parsley, rosemary, or thyme work well)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

1. Prep the oven and fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season the fish: Make two or three shallow diagonal cuts (slashes) on both sides of each fish; this helps the flavors penetrate. Rub the inside cavity and the outside skin generously with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity: Stuff the cavity of each fish with the lemon slices and fresh herbs. You can also add minced garlic here.
4. Add oil and bake: Drizzle the outside of the fish with the olive oil. Place the prepared mackerel on the lined baking sheet.
5. Cook: Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The fish is cooked when the flesh near the bone is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, or when the eyes have turned white.
6. Serve: Carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter using two spatulas. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fish and serve immediately with additional lemon wedges.