Sweet & Savory Braised Mackerel Fillets: The Ultimate Rice Thief Recipe!
Easy and Delicious Mackerel Soy Braised Recipe for a Perfect Home-Cooked Meal
Mackerel is delicious when simply grilled, but when braised in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze, it becomes an irresistible ‘rice thief’ dish that will have you reaching for seconds! Let’s get this flavorful dish ready.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Mackerel fillet (approx. 350g)
- 4 cloves whole garlic
- 7cm section of white part of a leek
- 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger (or ginger powder)
- Pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
Sweet & Savory Sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup/honey)
- 1.5 Tbsp mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup/honey)
- 1.5 Tbsp mirin (rice wine for cooking)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the ingredients! Gently wash the fresh mackerel under running water. Make 2-3 shallow diagonal cuts on each side of the fillet. This helps the sauce penetrate deeply and prevents the fish from breaking apart during cooking. Thinly slice the white part of the leek into matchsticks for garnish; you can soak them briefly in cold water and then drain to make them crisp. Halve or quarter the whole garlic cloves for a pleasant texture. Grated ginger will add a wonderful aromatic note.
Step 2
Now, let’s season the mackerel to enhance its flavor and remove any potential fishiness. Lightly sprinkle salt on both sides of the mackerel and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Afterwards, pat the fish dry with paper towels. Then, evenly coat the mackerel pieces with cornstarch. This coating will help create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist, and it also ensures the sauce adheres beautifully.
Step 3
It’s time to pan-fry the mackerel until golden brown. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the cornstarch-coated mackerel into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until each side is beautifully golden brown. Once the exterior is nicely browned, transfer the mackerel to a plate temporarily.
Step 4
Let’s make the delicious braising sauce. In a clean pan over low heat, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1.5 Tbsp mirin. Add the prepared garlic cloves and grated ginger to the sauce. Stir gently and simmer the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t burn, until it starts to thicken slightly. The corn syrup will add a lovely sweetness and a glossy sheen.
Step 5
Finally, let’s bring the mackerel and sauce together for braising! Carefully add the pan-fried mackerel to the simmering sauce in the clean pan. Also, add the thinly sliced leeks. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Using a ladle, spoon the sauce over the mackerel repeatedly for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors. Once the sauce has thickened and coats the mackerel beautifully, your delicious braised mackerel is ready! Serve it over hot steamed rice for a perfect meal.
