BONITO FISH PICKLED IN BRINE RECIPE FROM MOLDOVA - Amazingly delicious!

bonito fish

🥗Healthier: mackerel

💰Cheaper: sardines

Mackerel offers a similar flavor profile while sardines are more affordable.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note, while white vinegar is often less expensive.

Pour the ingredients needed for brine 1 into a large pan, bring to a boil then turn off the heat and let cool completely.

Rinse the fish steaks and using a thin-clean wire, gently remove the spinal cord.

Place the cleaned steaks into the brine 1 and cover with ice cubes.

Put a plate on top to keep them completely submerged.

Cover with a lid and refrigerate for 9 hours.

Prepare the brine 2 in a bottle, then refrigerate and let cool.

After 8 hours drain the steaks and place back into the pan.

Pour the brine 2, put the plate back on top, cover and refrigerate 4 more hours.

Drain after 4 hours.

Coarsely crack the spices in a mortar and pestle, separately.

Pour them into a bowl and mix.

Dip both sides of the steaks in spice mixture then transfer into the jars.

Sprinkle the remaining spices on top.

Clean the edges of the jars then fill them with sunflower oil.

Add 1-2 cracked bay leaf into each jar.

Close the lids tightly and refrigerate for 4 days.

Remove steaks from the jar whenever you want to eat and place on paper towels to shed any excess oil.

Place on a serving dish and serve with lemon wedges, onion slices, fresh dill, olive oil or whatever your heart desires.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens