Easy Grilled Mackerel Fillets (Air-fryer Adaptable)
This grilled mackerel fillet with Asian spices is a quick, easy, healthy and flavorful fish recipe to make for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Marinating Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keyword: grilled mackerel, grilled saba
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 799kcal
- 2 mackerel fillets (about 12 oz/340g)
- 1 tablespoon sake or rice wine
For the Marinade
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2-3 teaspoons chopped cilantro (or parsley)
Rub the mackerel fillets with the sake or rice wine. Set aside for about 4-5 minutes, then pat dry.
Mix together all ingredients for the marinade except the chopped cilantro. Rub the marinade over the fillets and set aside at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
While marinating the fish, preheat your grill pan (or outdoor grill) over medium heat. Once it is hot, oil the grates.
Shake off excess aromatics on the mackerel and then cook on the grill until just cooked through, about 3 minutes each side. Adjust cooking time as needed and avoid overcooking the fish.
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the flesh side of the mackerel fillets. Remove from the grill and serve right away.
To serve: serve the fish with a wedge of lime or lemon on the side. It goes great with steamed rice.
Air-fryer suggestion: preheat your air-fryer and cook the mackerel fillets at 180°C (350°F) until just cooked through. It may take 5-6 minutes, but exact cooking time will depend on your air-fryer and the size/thickness of the mackerel fillets.
Calories: 799kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 92g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 212mg | Sodium: 897mg | Potassium: 1896mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 6mg