Plated on a stone dish, the bronzed, spiced mackerel boasts a charred, crispy skin. Next to it rest a sprinkle of salad, greens arranged whimsically. The thinly sliced apple and fennel add crisp whiteness and fresh contrast. A drizzle of stirring lemon-dill vinaigrette leads the eye around the plate.

Spiced Mackerel with Fennel and Apple Salad

Name: Spiced Mackerel with Fennel and Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: mackerel fillets, 2 skin-on, boneless; extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon; ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon; ground fennel, 1/2 teaspoon; lemon, 1 zested and juiced; fresh fennel, 1 thinly sliced; green apple, 1 thinly sliced; arugula, 2 handfuls; fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped; granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon; sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style French

Technique Marinating

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: August 20, 2024

This recipe merges seasonal ingredients with a classic French technique to offer something truly special. Spiced Mackerel, infused with aromatic hints of fennel and apple with a zesty citrus vinaigrette.

Ingredients (for 2)

Mackerel fillets - 2 - skin-on, boneless
Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon
Ground fennel - 1/2 teaspoon
Lemon - 1 - zested and juiced
Fresh fennel - 1 - thinly sliced
Green apple - 1 - thinly sliced
Arugula - 2 handfuls
Fresh dill - 1 tablespoon - chopped
Granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🧂🍋🐟

Combine ground coriander, ground fennel, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Rub this mix onto the mackerel fillets and set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2 - 🔥🍳🐟

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook mackerel fillets skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook other side for 2 minutes. Keep warm after cooking.
Step 3 - 🍋🌿🥣

Whisk together lemon juice, chopped dill, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until well mixed.
Step 4 - 🍏🥗🍽️

Combine arugula, thinly sliced fennel, and apple in a bowl. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss well.
Step 5 - 🍽️🐟🥖

Place cooked mackerel fillets with the salad. Serve immediately, possibly with crusty bread if desired.

Additional

Mackerel is a highly prized fish in French cuisine. The coriander and fennel give it a Mediterranean spin. Feel free to substitute the green apple with seasonal berries or fruits for a sweet-tart contrast. Kids can help with whisking the dressing and plating the salad.