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    Home » Seafood Recipes

    Mackerel in Olive Oil

    Published: Oct 24, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 19 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A simple but flavorful way to prepare Mackerel in Olive Oil is to poach it in extra-virgin olive oil and aromatics. The best part is that it won't leave your kitchen smelling fishy.

    The inspiration for the dish comes from Spanish-style Sardines sold in tin cans and glass jars. They are delicious, shelf-stable, and an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. A homemade version is easy and inexpensive to make.

    Mackerel in Olive Oil in a serving plate.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Try other Spanish-inspired Filipino dishes
    • Other seafood recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Mackerel fillets on a parchment paper-lined cutting board
    Mackerel fillets
    Individual ingredients for Mackerel in Olive Oil
    Salt and pepper are not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Mackerel fillets: They are also called Atlantic Mackerel, Norwegian Mackerel, Boston Mackerel, or North Atlantic Mackerel. The distinctive wavy lines on their backs make them easy to identify.
    • Sweet pickles or gherkins: These are cucumbers pickled in a sweet brine. Gherkins are smaller cucumbers with bumpier skin.
    • Olives: Use green, pitted olives like Manzanilla olives. Substitute with any kind you prefer.
    • Extra-virgin olive oil: Aside from its health benefits, its rich flavor makes the fish and sauce delicious. You can also use regular olive oil.
    • Vinegar: Use white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or cane vinegar to get the fishy taste out.

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Make the sauce by combining ½ cup vinegar, ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon ginger, and ¼ cup of water in a cup. 

    Mixing the sauce ingredients in a cup.


    Step 2: Cut each fillet into 3 pieces and arrange them in a single layer in the sauté pan.

    Arranging cuts of fish fillet on the bottom of the pan.

    Step 3: Add 2 cups carrots, 1 cup sweet pickles, ½ cup olives, 1 cup shallot, 6 garlic cloves, 4 bay leaves, 4 chilies, and ground pepper to taste. Lay them out evenly, then pour the sauce.

    Pouring the sauce over the fish, aromatics, and vegetables.

    Step 4: Cover and simmer over medium heat until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust as needed. If it's too watery, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes.

    If you are like me (and a million other Filipinos), serve Mackerel with Olive Oil with hot steaming rice or Sinangag (garlic fried rice).

    Cooked Mackerel in Olive Oil in the pan.

    Recipe FAQs

    Why use mackerel?

    Mackerel is delicious, meaty, and doesn't get mushy when cooked. It is inexpensive, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and has low mercury levels. Proper handling and using the right ingredients eliminate its fishy odor.

    How can you tell if mackerel is fresh?

    A good indicator is the eyes—they must be bright, clear, and not sunken. The gills should be red, and the skin should be shiny and springs back when touched. It should not smell fishy at all.

    If you are buying fillets, the flesh should not be too soft or falling apart. For frozen mackerel, pick a well-sealed package with no freezer burn, frost, or ice crystals.

    What other types of fish can I use?

    Spanish mackerel is a delicious alternative. Sardines and milkfish are excellent but have a lot more pin bones. Some recipes require pressure cooking until the bones and heads become soft and safe to eat. Using fillets like salmon or tuna fillets will significantly reduce cooking time.

    Can I use vegetable oil?

    If you need to, you can. Since vegetable oil is neutral-tasting, the dish won't be as flavorful.

    Try other Spanish-inspired Filipino dishes

    • Escabeche: A Filipino adaptation of the Spanish dish, this is fried fish with a colorful stir-fry of vegetables bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce.
    • Paella: A festive Filipino rendition of the classic Valecian rice dish, this is often made with a mix of seafood, meat, and saffron-infused rice.
    • Gambas: A savory shrimp dish with plenty of sautéed garlic in extra-virgin olive oil.
    • Sarciado: Influenced by Spanish cuisine, this dish consists of fish cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and sometimes eggs.
    • Empanada: Pastry pockets filled with meat (commonly chicken or pork), potatoes, and raisins, typically fried until crisp and golden.
    • Morcón: Rolled and stuffed beef slices with sausages, eggs, and sometimes cheese, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
    • Rellenong Manok: Roasted deboned chicken stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, chorizo, raisins, and various spices.

    Other seafood recipes you may like

    • Adobong Pusit on a plate.
      Adobong Pusit
    • Holding a Peeled Garlic Butter Shrimp.
      Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
    • Steamed Fish with Ginger poked by a fork.
      Steamed Fish with Ginger Recipe
    • Ginisang Bagoong on a plate.
      Ginisang Bagoong Recipe
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    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.

    Mackerel in Olive Oil

    A simple but flavorful way to prepare mackerel is to poach it in extra-virgin olive oil and aromatics.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Filipino
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 621kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $10-$12

    Equipment

    • Sauté pan

    Ingredients

    • 4 mackerel fillets from 2 whole fish (about 1¼ pounds) (see note)
    • ½ cup vinegar (see note)
    • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil (see note)
    • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
    • 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
    • 1 tablespoon grated or minced ginger
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 cups sliced carrots
    • 1 cup sweet pickles or gherkins bite-size pieces (see note)
    • ½ cup pitted green olives whole or cut in half (see note)
    • 1 cup shallots or red onion bite-size pieces
    • 6 cloves garlic smashed
    • 4 bay leaves dried or fresh
    • 4 Bird's eye chilies sub:crushed red pepper
    • Ground pepper or whole peppercorns to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Make the sauce by combining vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fish sauce, paprika, salt, sugar, ginger, and ¼ cup of water in a cup.
    • Cut each mackerel fillet into 3 pieces and arrange them in a single layer in the sauté pan.
    • Add carrots, sweet pickles, olives, shallots, garlic, bay leaves, chilies, and ground pepper to taste. Lay them out evenly and pour the sauce.
    • Cover and simmer over medium heat until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.
    • Give it a taste and adjust as needed. If it's too watery, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes.

    Notes

    • Mackerel fillets: They are also called Atlantic Mackerel, Norwegian Mackerel, Boston Mackerel, or North Atlantic Mackerel. The distinctive wavy lines on their backs make them easy to identify.
    • Sweet pickles or gherkins: These are cucumbers pickled in a sweet brine. Gherkins are smaller cucumbers with bumpier skin.
    • Olives: Use green, pitted olives like Manzanilla olives. Substitute with any kind you prefer.
    • Extra-virgin olive oil: Aside from its health benefits, its rich flavor makes the fish and sauce delicious. You can also use regular olive oil.
    • Vinegar: Use white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or cane vinegar to get the fishy taste out.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 621kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 47gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 909mgPotassium: 1231mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5903IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

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    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen

      June 24, 2024 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      This has been my go-to recipe for Norway mackerel ever since I tried this. Everyone in the family loved this! Thank you for sharing! Mabuhay!

      Reply
      • Nora Reyes

        June 30, 2024 at 11:24 pm

        Hello Karen,

        Kumusta! Thank you so much for letting me know! Your message has brightened my day, and I appreciate you taking the time to share. =)

        Reply
    2. Colleen

      October 11, 2023 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      My mom's favorite! I made this for her many times and she says this was the best one yet, so yummy!

      Reply
      • Nora Reyes

        October 12, 2023 at 2:35 am

        Ohhh that makes me so happy! Thanks so much, Colleen!

        Reply
    3. Colleen

      October 11, 2023 at 6:35 am

      My mom's fsvorite! I made this for her many times and she says this was the best one yet, so good!

      Reply
      • Nora Reyes

        October 12, 2023 at 2:35 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    4. jomelyn

      January 27, 2022 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      Ive never thought of this recipe for mackerel, great idea.

      Reply
      • Nora

        January 27, 2022 at 8:04 pm

        The original idea was for sardines, but I like mackerel because they're meatier and also inexpensive. =)

        Reply
    5. Dennis

      September 01, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      Your making it very simple make, I’ll try to do this my self, thanks Nora

      Reply
    6. Tin

      September 01, 2021 at 1:37 am

      5 stars
      Perfect for healthy meals at home! Love this!

      Reply
    7. Chato

      August 30, 2021 at 2:08 am

      5 stars
      Super yummy

      Reply
      • Apol

        August 30, 2021 at 10:45 am

        5 stars
        Flavorful

        Reply
    8. Ana

      August 29, 2021 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing. Easy to make and it is so healthy! Will definitely try with other fish

      Reply
    9. Maileen

      August 29, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. It works with other kinds of fish too.

      Thank you

      Reply
    10. Lian Reyes

      August 28, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      I often see mackerel in the fish market here but I never buy them cos I never knew what to do with them except to grill. This was easy to prepare. I think mackerel tastes better than sardines and the flesh is not as delicate.

      Reply
      • Nora

        August 28, 2021 at 6:31 pm

        Hi Lian! I know exactly what you mean! And yes I agree, mackerel is meatier and has a better texture. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    11. Jaymie

      August 28, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe. So easy, healthy and delicious! Love this!

      Thank you Nora💕

      Reply
      • Nora

        August 28, 2021 at 6:41 pm

        Hello Jaymie! Thank you and glad you liked it!

        Reply
        • Bim

          August 29, 2021 at 11:49 pm

          5 stars
          This recipe is healthy and easy to make. I’ll try this using brancino. Thank you Nora!

          Reply
    5 from 15 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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