Braised Mackerel with Pepper
Ingredients for Braised Mackerel with Pepper
- 300g mackerel
- 40g green peppercorns
- Scallions, chili, black pepper
- Seasonings: bouillon powder, MSG, sugar, salt, fish sauce, coloring…

Preparation of Ingredients
- Rinse the mackerel, gut it, and remove its intestines.
- Use 1 teaspoon of salt to rub the inside and outside of the fish to eliminate any fishy odor.
- Finally, rinse the fish again with clean water and pat it dry.
- Clean the green peppercorns and let them air dry. Grind the black peppercorns, and finely chop the scallions and chili.

Marinating the Mackerel
Place the fish in a pot and add 1 teaspoon of bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 4 teaspoons of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of coloring, and 40g of green peppercorns. Mix well and marinate the fish for 10-15 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.

Braising the Mackerel with Green Peppercorns
Add about 1 cup of filtered water to the pot with the marinated fish. Turn on the heat and start braising. It’s best to use low heat and braise the mackerel for about 20 minutes before turning off the stove. Transfer the fish to a plate and garnish with chopped scallions and chili for a mouthwatering presentation.

Final Product

With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a delectable braised mackerel dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The combination of fatty mackerel and the subtle spiciness of pepper creates an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal.
When served with steamed white rice, this braised mackerel will have you asking for seconds and thirds!
Notes on Braising Mackerel
- For a more aromatic dish, avoid using chilled mackerel and opt for fresh fish. You can refer to tips on selecting fresh fish above.
- Feel free to add ginger, pepper, or any other spices according to your preference.
- If you prefer softer fish and want to retain its natural flavor, skip the frying step and ensure that the fish is marinated for at least 30 minutes before braising.
- You can use an electric pressure cooker or a conventional pressure cooker to cook the dish, which helps the fish cook faster while retaining its flavor. However, be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking the fish.