“A Delicious and Non-Fishy Take on Braised Blue Mackerel”

20 September, 2024

Preparation
20 minutes Cooking
30 minutes Servings
2 – 3 people

Mackerel fish can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. In today’s article, let’s explore the detailed steps to make a mouthwatering and flavorful mackerel and pineapple stew for your family’s dinner!

1 Ingredients for Mackerel and Pineapple Stew

700g mackerel fish
½ pineapple
5 shallots
5 – 6 sprigs of scallions
3 cloves of garlic
Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, pepper, seasoning powder, MSG, and food coloring

Ingredients for the mackerel and pineapple stew

Tips for choosing fresh mackerel:
– Select mackerel that is sized appropriately for your needs. Mackerel typically ranges from small to medium in size. Fresh mackerel should have a uniform shape, without any bends or abnormalities. The eyes of fresh mackerel will be transparent and protrude. Sunken or cloudy eyes may indicate that the fish is not fresh.
– The belly of fresh mackerel should be firm and not soggy, with no abnormal signs. A sunken belly or swollen appearance could be a sign that the fish is not fresh.

2 How to Make Mackerel and Pineapple Stew

Step 1 Prepare the Ingredients

Preparing the ingredients

After purchasing the mackerel, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and rub it with salt or lemon to remove any slime. Next, gut the fish, remove the internal organs and bile, clean the fins and scales, and finally, rinse it again. Cut the mackerel into bite-sized pieces.

For the pineapple, peel and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the scallions, mince the shallots, and finely chop the garlic and chili.

Step 2 Fry the Fish and Pineapple

Frying the fish and pineapple

Heat a pan over the stove and add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the mackerel pieces in the pan and fry until both sides are cooked.

Similarly, add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan and stir-fry the pineapple for about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the pan to balance the sourness of the pineapple. Once the fish and pineapple are lightly cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3 Stew the Fish

Stewing the fish

Prepare another pot or pan and heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the minced shallots and chili to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, ½ teaspoon of MSG, ⅓ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of food coloring. Stir well to combine.

Now, add the fried mackerel and pineapple to the pot and stew for about 10 minutes. Then, add 1 teaspoon of ground pepper and chopped scallions. Continue cooking over medium heat for another 2 – 3 minutes before turning off the heat.

Step 4 Final Touches and Serving

Final touches and serving

Once the stew is ready, carefully transfer the mackerel to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped chili and scallions to enhance its appeal. This mackerel and pineapple stew goes perfectly with steamed white rice, so be sure to give it a try!

3 Enjoy Your Hearty Meal

Enjoy your meal

The combination of mackerel’s rich, buttery flavor and the subtle sourness of pineapple creates an incredibly tasty and flavorful dish. This mackerel and pineapple stew is sure to become a family favorite and a regular addition to your dinner table.

We hope that with today’s recipe, you’ll be able to prepare this delicious dish for your family and make your mealtimes more enjoyable and memorable!

Frequently asked questions

Braised blue mackerel is a traditional Vietnamese dish, often associated with a strong, fishy smell and taste. The bad reputation stems from the use of lower-quality fish or improper preparation methods, resulting in an unpleasant dining experience.

The key to a delicious and non-fishy braised blue mackerel dish lies in the quality of the fish and the cooking technique. Firstly, select fresh, high-quality blue mackerel from a reputable source. Clean and gut the fish thoroughly, removing any traces of blood and internal organs. Marinate the fish with a mixture of lemon or calamansi juice, fish sauce, and spices to reduce the fishy smell and add flavor. Finally, braise the fish slowly in a well-ventilated area, ensuring that it is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

For the marinade, you will need lemon or calamansi juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, shallots, and black pepper. You can also add other spices like lemongrass or chili for extra flavor. For braising, a mixture of water or broth, fish sauce, and sugar is typically used, along with additional ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and ginger to enhance the taste.

It is recommended to marinate the blue mackerel for at least 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish. As for braising, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the fish and your preferred cooking method. Generally, it should take around 15-20 minutes on a stovetop or in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Braised blue mackerel pairs well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles. Pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce like fish sauce or soy sauce with chili can also enhance the flavors of the dish.