Pickled Mackerel with Lemon and Orange
Escabeche de Caballa con CítricosMackerel's firm flesh is a great choice for escabeche due to its ability to hold up in the tangy brine. This recipe further elevates the dish with the bright flavors of citrus juices.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
Makes 4 to 6 Servings / Preparation: 8 to 12 hours in advance.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 cups water
- Peel of 1 lemon yellow part only, cut into very thin strips
- Peel of 1 orange orange part only, cut into very thin strips
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 7 whole cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Kosher or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound onions slivered
- 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds mackerel
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, vinegar, and 2 cups of water until the sugar syrup caramelizes and turns golden.
- Stir in the fresh lemon and orange juices, bay leaves, thyme, cardamom pods, cloves, grated ginger, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture until it’s well blended and slightly thickened.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the slivered onions and finely chopped garlic.
- Cook, stirring, until the onions become wilted and translucent and the garlic turns golden, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir this mixture into the sugar mixture.
- Cut the mackerel into bite-size pieces and add them to the marinade.
- Bring the marinade to a simmer over low heat and cook until the mackerel is heated through.
- Let the mixture cool, and then remove the bay leaves.
- Cover the dish and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- Serve this Pickled Mackerel with Lemon and Orange cold and enjoy the vibrant combination of flavors.
Notes & Wine Advice
This dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the firm texture of mackerel with the zesty and aromatic notes of citrus and spices in the escabeche. Enjoy!