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a plate of grilled saba fillets
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5 from 1 vote

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
Cook Time10 minutes
Marinating Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keyword: grilled mackerel, grilled saba
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 799kcal
Author: Sophie

Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

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