Pan-Seared Mackerel with Tangy Rhubarb Chutney

Pan-Seared Mackerel with Tangy Rhubarb Chutney

Crispy skin-on mackerel fillets rich in healthy oils, balanced perfectly by a sharp, sweet-and-sour rhubarb chutney and a peppery watercress salad. A celebration of seasonal contrast.

50mIntermediate4 servings

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Large non-stick frying pan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Fish spatula*
Mixing bowl

* optional

Ingredients

4 servings

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)

304
Calories
26g
Protein
26g
Carbs
10g
Fat
2g
Fiber
20g
Sugar
400mg
Sodium

Method

01

Combine the diced red onion, grated ginger, mustard seeds, sugar, and vinegar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

02

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens.

5m
03

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.

15mLook for: Thick, glossy, rhubarb has broken downFeel: Jam-like consistency
04

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.

05

Season the fish generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

06

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.

4mLook for: Skin is crispy brown, flesh turning white from bottom up
07

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.

1m
08

In a mixing bowl, toss watercress and sliced radishes with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season lightly with salt.

09

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 daysFish is best eaten immediately; chutney keeps for 2 weeks.

Reheating: Serve fish fresh. Chutney can be served room temperature or warm.

More Like This

Powered by recipe-api.com