Baked mackerel in a sleeve

2 servings

60 minutes

Baked mackerel is a refined dish of European cuisine that combines simplicity of preparation with rich flavor. In ancient times, mackerel was a popular fish among sailors due to its nutritional value and ease of cooking. Baking in a sleeve preserves the juiciness of the meat, giving it a tender texture. Lemon and spices create a harmony of freshness and spiciness, while thin rings of onion add a soft sweetness. This dish is perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings as its appetizing aroma gathers guests around the table. It can be served with vegetables or a light salad, and baked fish becomes a true decoration of the meal. Such a treat brings the taste of sea breeze and warmth of home.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 379.1
• Proteins: 38.1g
• Fats: 23.8g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

Ingredients

• Mackerel: 1 pc
• Lemon: 0.5 pc
• Onion: 0.5 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Vegetable oil: to taste
• Seasoning for fish: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Wash the mackerel, cut off the fins, and remove the gills. It has no scales, so no cleaning is needed. Slit the belly from head to tail (without touching the gallbladder), remove the entrails and black membrane. Optionally, remove the backbone and small bones (however, without the backbone, the fish may break and won't look as nice on the table). Make three shallow diagonal cuts on each side of the fish's outer surface.

   Required ingredients:

   • Mackerel: 1 piece

2. Rinse thoroughly. Dry the fish with paper towels.

3. Salt and pepper the fish on all sides. Season with fish spices on all sides. Place the carcass with the inner side facing out. Optionally season with vegetable oil and lemon juice. On one half, place onion rings (can be left whole), on the other half - lemon slices. You can season again with spices.

   Required ingredients:

   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Seasoning for fish:  to taste
   • Vegetable oil:  to taste
   • Lemon: 0.5 piece
   • Onion: 0.5 piece

4. Place the fish back in its original position. Insert lemon half-rings into the skin cuts.

   Required ingredients:

   • Lemon: 0.5 piece

5. Place the mackerel in a baking bag with its head at the bottom. Wrap the bag tightly around the fish's body and tie it. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 35 minutes, then cut the bag and leave it in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.