What with red tide and Hurricane Michael, there’s been little opportunity to catch and cook Spanish Mackerel in our kitchen lately. With the King of the Beach fast approaching we really wanted to get off the Kings and focus on Spanish Mackerel in the kitchen this go around. So, we’ve collected a list of 5 great recipes for your consideration.  Three of the five recipes have been prepared and enjoyed by one or more of the Old Salt crew. The last two are presented as “we intend to try these next”.

For anytime you look to prepare and cook Spanish Mackerel we have three strong recommendations:

1. Where possible, fresh is always best.
2. If you catch it –  bleed it right away. You will be rewarded.
3. Where a recipe includes marinading the fish…. a longer marinade time is always better – err on the high side.

——Cook Spanish Mackerel – We Did——

Oven Roasted Spanish Mackerel

From the pages of Sweet and Savory Meals, our first great recipe is a true winner. It has the perfect blend of complimenting ingredients to balance the distinct flavor of a good piece of Spanish Mackerel. For our tastes, this recipe is best when employed on whole fish.

Explore the recipe: Oven Roasted Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel Escabeche

International in nature, escabeche is often associated with Mediterranean cuisines. This particular recipe, pulled from the pages of Slow Burning Passion, provides a robust presentation of Spanish Mackerel. A pinch of Saffron and perhaps a little more of the Jalapenos work well to move this already wonderful recipe along a bit.

Explore the recipe: Spanish Mackerel Escabeche

Spanish Mackerel Sushi

You don’t need to cook Spanish Mackerel to enjoy some. Instead, when you catch them fresh, take a spin eating them raw. The folk at Sushi Everyday do a fine job of walking you through the whole process.

Explore the recipe: Spanish Mackerel Sushi

——On Our List Of Recipes To Try Next——

Saikyo–zuke with Spanish Mackerel

The folk at Dining With The Chef have put together a straight forward easy to follow recipe for a tasty (we think) Japanese standard. This method is used on a wide range of species but, we want to cook Spanish Mackerel this way first to see how it works with a nice oily fish.

Explore the recipe: Saiko-zuke with Spanish Mackerel

Barbecued Mackerel with Ginger, Chilli & Lime Drizzle

If you have followed the Old Salt recipes over the years, having this one (ginger, chili, lime) on the wish list will come as no surprise. The Thai inspired approach to cook Spanish Mackerel is right down our alley. If you try it before we do, let us know how it turns out.

Explore the recipe: Barbecued Mackerel with Ginger, Chilli & Lime Drizzle

Now you have at least 5 great ways to prepare and cook Spanish Mackerel. As always, we’d love to hear from you on these or other preparations you use.

Tight lines and Bon Appétit