Best Pan-fried Mackerel Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 Spanish mackerel filets (deboned)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tablespoons olive oil (plus 3 tablespoons for cooking)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Chop the lemon into round slices. Mince the...: Chop the lemon into round slices. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl mix the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, then set it aside.

2. 2

   Rinse the clean mackerel filets under cold water...: Rinse the clean mackerel filets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Place the Spanish mackerel fish on a plate...: Place the Spanish mackerel fish on a plate and cover them with the olive oil and spices mix. Let them sit for a few minutes so that the flavors penetrate the fish.

4. 4

   In a large skillet or frying pan, heat...: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the fish.

5. 5

   Carefully place the seasoned mackerel filets into the...: Carefully place the seasoned mackerel filets into the hot skillet, skin-side down. Cook without moving them for about 4 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.

6. 6

   As the mackerel is cooking, add lemon slices...: As the mackerel is cooking, add lemon slices to the pan and cook them for a minute or two on each side until they become slightly caramelized and fragrant.

7. 7

   Gently flip the filets using a spatula and...: Gently flip the filets using a spatula and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side, or until you can flake the fish easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the filets.

8. 8

   Once the mackerel is cooked through and the...: Once the mackerel is cooked through and the lemon slices are caramelized, remove everything from the pan.

9. 9

   Place the pan fried mackerel filets on a...: Place the pan fried mackerel filets on a serving platter, and garnish with the caramelized lemon slices and fresh chopped parsley.