Fried Horse Mackerel with Rice Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Get ready to dive into some tasty fried horse mackerel with rice! This dish features crispy, well-seasoned mackerel that pairs perfectly with fragrant rice. It's a comforting meal that's easy to whip up and sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a satisfying dinner ready in no time. Get ready to enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
• When frying the horse mackerel, ensure that the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding the fish. This prevents the fish from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy. A good test is to drop a small piece of corn flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• For a more flavorful rice, consider toasting the rice in a bit of olive oil with minced garlic and diced onions before adding water. This will enhance the nutty flavor and provide a richer base for the dish.
• Avoid overcooking the horse mackerel; it typically only needs about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough fish. Instead, look for a golden brown crust and ensure the fish is just cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute horse mackerel with another type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute horse mackerel with other firm white fish such as sardines, Spanish mackerel, or tilapia. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted according to the thickness of the fish.
How should I store leftover fried mackerel and rice?
Store the leftover fried mackerel and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried mackerel can be kept for up to 2 days, while the rice can last for up to 4 days. Reheat each separately before serving.
What can I do if the rice is too sticky or mushy?
If your rice turns out sticky or mushy, it may be due to overcooking or using too much water. In the future, use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water for best results, and consider rinsing the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
Recommended Drink Pairings
- Chardonnay: Its crisp acidity complements the fried fish and balances the richness of the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The citrus notes enhance the freshness of the mackerel and the lemon garnish.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Ginger Ale: The slight spiciness pairs well with the garlic and adds a refreshing sweetness.
- Green Tea: Its earthy tones provide a subtle contrast to the fried elements and enhance the meal's overall experience.
Ingredients
Equipment:
With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!
Directions
- Begin by cleaning and preparing the mackerel, if they are not clean, begin by taking the guts, you can remove the head or leave it, rinse and season with plenty of coarse salt and leave aside, you do this to season it.
- After at least two hours, shake off the excess salt from mackerel, scrub them with a paper towel so they become completely dry, then pass them through the corn flour and fry them in plenty of olive oil with a peeled garlic clove in the pan, fry them until they are golden brown than remove them and leave to drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add some oil, the finely chopped onion and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, followed by the bay leaf, sauté until onion is transparent.
- Remove the skin from the tomato, then cut into cubes, leaving the seeds, place the tomatoes in the pan followed by the chopped coriander (leave some aside), and let it cook a little more.
- Add the rice and let it absorb the liquid in the pan, then pour 2 hot water cups, followed by a little salt and let the rice cook, when it is close to being ready, taste it and add/adjust salt and pepper to your liking, add remaining coriander and serve with the mackerel with lemon wedges to garnish.
Tip: You can use a can of peeled tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes.
Adapted from a Recipe by: iguaria.com





