How to Clean, Gut, and Oven Grilled Whole Mackerel | Easy Grilled Fish Recipe.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

whole mackerel

🥗Healthier: trout

💰Cheaper: sardines

Sardines are more affordable and still rich in omega-3s.

butter

🥗Healthier: ghee

💰Cheaper: margarine

Ghee is lactose-free and healthier, while margarine is cheaper.

Start with 3 whole mackerel and cut off all the fins using a kitchen shear.

Make a cut from the anus of the fish halfway up to the head and remove all the guts.

Take out the gills if desired, rinse the fish with water, and use a brush to clean it thoroughly.

Prepare a bowl of clean water with vinegar and fresh lemon juice to reduce the fishy smell, then scrub the fish with this mixture and give it a final rinse.

Score both sides of the fish with a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate and cook evenly.

Pat the fish dry to help the marinade stick.

Prepare the marinade with green seasoning, 1 tbsp lemon juice, fish seasoning, hot pepper sauce, ginger and garlic paste, thyme, cumin, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemongrass paste. Add oil and mix until combined.

Rub the marinade generously all over the fish and inside the cuts, adding fresh lemon, thyme, parsley, or rosemary inside the belly for extra flavor.

Transfer the fish to a grill rack and save some marinade for basting later. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if desired.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and rub oil on the grill rack for extra crispiness.

Grill the fish in the oven for 10 minutes on each side, basting every 5 minutes with the cooked marinade.

Once cooked, serve with green beans, tomato sauce, and jollof rice, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens