Jamaican Salt Mackerel

This Jamaican Salt Mackerel recipe is a staple in Caribbean cuisine. Pan-fried with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and aromatics, salted mackerel bursts with savoury, tangy, vibrant flavours. Enjoy it for breakfast or lunch.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Soaking Mackerel1

Total Time1 40

Course: Breakfast & Brunch, Fish & Seafood, Jamaican

Cuisine: Jamaican

Keyword: How to cook salt mackerel, jamaican mackerel, mackerel fish recipe, salt mackerel, salt mackerel fillets, Salted mackerel, Salted mackerel fish, Salted mackerel recipe, simple mackerel recipes

Servings: servings

Author: Taneisha Morris

Equipment

Large Pot for soaking the mackerel
Large Skillet for sautéing and simmering

Ingredients

3 whole Salted Mackerel cleaned and cut into 3 pieces
1/2 lrg Tomato cut into chunks
1/2 med Onion chopped
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
1/2 Scotch Bonnet Pepper finely chopped, adjust to taste
1 tbsp White Vinegar
1 tbsp Grace Fish and Meat Sauce or pickapeppa sauce, optional
1 tbsp Ketchup
3 tbsp Oil
Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Mackerel

Rinse the salted mackerel under cold water to remove excess salt. Place the mackerel in a bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to remove additional salt. You can change the water halfway through if needed.
Bring a stockpot filled with water to a boil and add the mackerel, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove, drain, and debone, removing fins and gently scraping off the skin. Pick the mackerel flesh to make smaller pieces and set aside.

Salt Mackerel

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, tomatoes, thyme and scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the mackerel pieces to the skillet, as well as the vinegar, fish and meat sauce and ketchup. Stir gently to combine the ingredients then allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste, adjust seasoning as needed, serve hot and enjoy.

Nutrition