Name: Charred Mackerel Fillets with Herb Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 mackerel fillets (skin on, pin bones removed); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 50 g unsalted butter (softened); Zest of 1/2 lemon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 tbsp fresh dill or chives (finely chopped); 1 small garlic clove (finely grated); Pinch of salt and pepper

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Charred mackerel fillets with melting herb butter

Charred Mackerel Fillets with Herb Butter

Fresh mackerel fillets brushed with a simple herb and lemon butter, then grilled skin-side down until crisp and just cooked through. A great way to showcase local British fish on the barbecue.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the mackerel

4 mackerel fillets skin on, pin bones removed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the herb butter

50 g unsalted butter softened
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or chives finely chopped
1 small garlic clove finely grated
Pinch of salt and pepper

Method

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill or chives, garlic, salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2

Pat the mackerel fillets dry with kitchen paper. Lightly score the skin a few times, being careful not to cut into the flesh. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill is very clean and lightly oiled to reduce sticking.

Step 4

Place the mackerel fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh is mostly opaque.

Step 5

Carefully flip and cook for a further 1-2 minutes on the flesh side, just until cooked through. Fish cooks quickly, so avoid overdoing it.

Step 6

Move the fillets to a warm plate and immediately top each with a spoonful of herb butter so it melts over the fish.

Step 7

Serve with lemon wedges and a simple salad or new potatoes.

Notes

Mackerel is a sustainable British fish and works brilliantly on the BBQ thanks to its natural oiliness.

You can cook whole mackerel in a similar way; allow an extra couple of minutes per side, depending on size.