Pan Fried Whole Mackerel Food

ROASTED WHOLE MACKEREL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Put a baking sheet on the rack in the center of the oven and close the door. Drizzle both sides of the fish with olive oil and season the inside and outside with salt. Stuff the cavity with the lemon slices and the leftover fennel stalks and fronds.
• Open the oven door and carry the fish over squarely in both of your hands. Put the fish in the center of the hot sheet pan and quickly close the door so minimal heat escapes. You should hear the fish sizzle slightly as it hits the hot sheet pan. Reduce the heat to 450 degrees F and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, then open the door to look at the fish. The eyes will turn white when it s cooked. Touch the fish near the head. It should feel fairly firm, if cooked. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and allow it to rest a few minutes as is.
• Use 2 spatulas, 1 under the head and the other under the midsection, to transfer the fish to a serving platter. Use a paring knife to gently cut around the head and the tail. Cut down the length of the back until you can insert 1 of your spatulas down the length of the top fillet and lift it off the bone. Then, lift the head and the full backbone off the fish, unveiling the second fillet. Season the fish with a pinch of salt and lemon juice. Serve with lemon slices.

PAN-FRIED WHOLE MACKEREL

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large frying pan (skillet) and gently cook the garlic until it just starts to brown.
• Add the tomatoes and basil, season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in about 1 teaspoon of the lemon juice then remove from the pan and keep warm.
• Wash the mackerel and pat dry with kitchen paper. Rub the remaining lemon juice over the fish, inside and out, and season with salt and pepper.
• Wipe the pan clean with kitchen paper and add the remaining oil. Heat until smoking then add the fish and fry for about 10 minutes, turning carefully from time to time, or until the fish is nicely browned and cooked through.
• Serve the fish with the tomatoes.

PAN-FRIED MACKEREL WITH ORANGE SALSA

Steps:

• Rub the fillets on both sides with the paprika and a little salt, then set aside. Mix the orange segments with the shallot, olives, parsley and a good grinding of black pepper.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the mackerel on both sides for 2-3 mins. Serve with the salsa and some new potatoes and green beans, if you like.