Fried Spanish Mackerel with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Name: Fried Spanish Mackerel with Cilantro Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 garlic cloves, thickly sliced; 3 Thai chiles or 1 large jalapeno, thickly sliced; 3 medium shallots, 1 thickly sliced, 2 thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons sugar; 3 packed cups cilantro leaves and small sprigs; 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water; 4 ounces fresh pork fat, cut into small dice, or 1/2 cup rendered lard; Six 6-ounce Spanish mackerel fillets with skin; Salt and freshly ground pepper

Servings: persons

5 garlic cloves, thickly sliced
3 Thai chiles or 1 large jalapeno, thickly sliced
3 medium shallots, 1 thickly sliced, 2 thinly sliced
3 tablespoons sugar
3 packed cups cilantro leaves and small sprigs
3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
4 ounces fresh pork fat, cut into small dice, or 1/2 cup rendered lard
Six 6-ounce Spanish mackerel fillets with skin
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1
In a large mortar, pound the garlic to a paste with the chiles, thickly sliced shallot and sugar.
2
Add the cilantro and pound to a paste.
3
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice and water.
4
In a large skillet, cook the pork fat over moderately low heat until 1/2 cup of fat has rendered, about 20 minutes.
5
Discard any solid bits of fat.
6
Season the mackerel with salt and pepper.
7
Heat the fat until shimmering.
8
Add the fish, skin side down, and cook over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 4 minutes.
9
Reduce the heat to moderate, turn the fillets and cook for 2 minutes longer.
10
Transfer to plates.
11
Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet and fry, stirring, until browned and crisp.
12
Scatter the shallots over the fish.
13
Spoon some of the cilantro sauce alongside and pass the rest of the sauce at the table.

319

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 garlic cloves, thickly sliced, 3 Thai chiles or 1 large jalapeno, thickly sliced, 3 medium shallots, 1 thickly sliced, 2 thinly sliced, 3 tablespoons sugar, and more.

Yes, Fried Spanish Mackerel with Cilantro Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Fried Spanish Mackerel with Cilantro Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions