Mackerel baked in foil with sweet pepper

6 servings

40 minutes

Mackerel baked in foil with sweet pepper is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines the rich flavor of sea fish with the aroma of herbs and the gentle sweetness of pepper. Historically, such recipes emerged as a way to preserve the juiciness of fish and enhance its flavor with minimal ingredients. The lemon tang complements the spicy thyme and rosemary, creating a vibrant flavor palette. Baking in foil allows the ingredients to exchange aromas, making the fish soft and tender. The dish is perfect for a light dinner or festive table, and its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible even for culinary beginners.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 522.4
• Proteins: 38.5g
• Fats: 38.8g
• Carbohydrates: 5.6g

Ingredients

• Mackerel: 3 pc
• Dried thyme: to taste
• Dried rosemary: to taste
• Garlic: 4 clove
• Onion: 1 pc
• Vegetable oil: 5 tbsp
• Lemon: 0.5 pc
• Red sweet pepper: 1 pc

Cooking steps

1. We gut the fish and rinse it well. We make three small cuts at equal intervals.

2. We prepare a mixture for dressing. Pour vegetable oil into a separate plate, squeeze in some lemon juice, add dried thyme, rosemary, and spices to taste (it would be better to have a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme). Also, chop a couple of garlic cloves (I just sliced the cloves). Finally, add salt. Mix everything.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 5 tablespoon
   • Lemon: 0.5 piece
   • Dried thyme:  to taste
   • Dried rosemary:  to taste
   • Garlic: 4 cloves
   • Red sweet pepper: 1 piece

3. We cut the pepper into long thin slices. We place each slice inside the fish. The remaining garlic cloves are cut into large pieces and placed inside the fish in equal amounts. We chop the onion and also put it inside the fish. We drizzle seasoning over everything inside.

   Required ingredients:

   • Red sweet pepper: 1 piece
   • Garlic: 4 cloves
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Vegetable oil: 5 tablespoon

4. Cut enough foil to wrap the whole fish. In the center of the foil, place sliced onions in rings, then put the fish on top. You can add a few slices of pepper on the sides. Also, add a slice of lemon, possibly from the one you juiced. Drizzle with dressing on top.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Red sweet pepper: 1 piece
   • Lemon: 0.5 piece
   • Vegetable oil: 5 tablespoon

5. Wrap the foil so that the fish's body, except for the tail, is exposed. Fold the edges. You can also place a few rings of onion on the fish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 1 piece

6. Place in a preheated oven at 180–200 degrees for 35–40 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.

7. When the mackerel's eyes turn white — the fish is ready.