Grilled Mackerel with Lemon Garlic Butter
Bring the Mediterranean to your table with this grilled mackerel recipe! Juicy mackerel fillets are infused with lemon, garlic, and butter for a crisp, flavorful, and friendly seafood meal that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh mackerel fillets about 170–200g each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the mackerel:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the mackerel fillets evenly and let them marinate for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill:
- Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high, around 400–450°F (200–230°C). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the mackerel fillets:
- Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes without moving them. Flip carefully and grill for another 2–3 minutes until the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily.
- Prepare the lemon garlic butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Finish and serve:
- Brush the grilled mackerel with the lemon garlic butter, let rest for 3 minutes, and garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For whole mackerel, grill 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Avoid overcooking mackerel is best when slightly flaky but still juicy.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a Mediterranean salad.