Equipment
* optional
Ingredients
Rhubarb Chutney
- 300 g rhubarb, chopped into 2cm pieces
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 80 ml apple cider vinegar
- 70 g light brown sugar
- 10 g fresh ginger, grated
- 3 g mustard seeds
Mackerel
- 4 mackerel fillets, skin-on, pin-boned
- 15 ml olive oil
- 2 g salt
- black pepper
Salad
- 80 g watercress, washed and dried
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Combine the diced red onion, grated ginger, mustard seeds, sugar, and vinegar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the chopped rhubarb. Continue to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the rhubarb breaks down and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
Pat the mackerel fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make 3 shallow diagonal scores in the skin of each fillet to prevent curling.
Season the fish generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press down gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, and the flesh is opaque 2/3 of the way up.
Flip the fillets and cook for 30-60 seconds on the flesh side until just cooked through. The internal temperature should reach approx 60°C/140°F.
In a mixing bowl, toss watercress and sliced radishes with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season lightly with salt.
Plate the salad, place a mackerel fillet alongside (skin-side up to maintain crispiness), and spoon a generous amount of rhubarb chutney on the side.
Chef's Notes
- Mackerel is an oily fish, which is why it pairs so beautifully with acidic ingredients like rhubarb and vinegar—the acid cuts through the richness.
- If you cannot find fresh rhubarb, frozen works well; you may just need to reduce the chutney a few minutes longer.
- Always sear mackerel skin-side down for 80-90% of the cooking time. The flesh side needs very little heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: 2 days — Fish is best eaten immediately; chutney keeps for 2 weeks.
Reheating: Serve fish fresh. Chutney can be served room temperature or warm.










