Simmered Mackerel in Soy Sauce Recipe & Video
Hi everyone! It’s mackerel season, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite go-to recipes: Simmered Mackerel in soy sauce, also known as Saba no Nitsuke in Japan. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The savory combination of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger really elevates the rich taste of mackerel. Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide!
What is Simmered Mackerel?
Simmered Mackerel is a classic Japanese dish where fresh mackerel is cooked in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth. It’s an incredibly comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, and with just a few ingredients, it’s super easy to make. This dish has a long history in Japan, with different regions preparing it slightly differently. For example, in Kanto, miso is often used for a richer, sweeter taste, while in Osaka and the Kansai region, the dish is simmered in a soy sauce broth to highlight the freshness of the fish.
Health Benefits of Mackerel
Not only is Simmered Mackerel delicious, but mackerel is also a super healthy fish! It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Mackerel is also high in protein and rich in vitamins such as B12 and D, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.
Japanese Simmered Mackerel Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pieces of fresh mackerel filets (approximately 6 oz)
- 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 4 tbsp sake (or substitute with water)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 thin ginger slices
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mackerel
Make an X-shaped cut on the middle of the mackerel. This prevents the skin from tearing during cooking.
Step 2: Make the Simmering Sauce
In a medium-sized pan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, water, and ginger slices. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add the Mackerel
Place the mackerel into the simmering sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the fish. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Optional Step: Let the Fish Rest
If you have time, after the initial simmering, turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 20–30 minutes. This allows the mackerel to absorb even more flavor. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Continue Simmering
Turn the heat back on. Remove the lid and simmer the mackerel for another 5–6 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish frequently. The sauce should thicken and become shiny, with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid remaining.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully transfer the mackerel to a serving plate and pour the remaining sauce over the top. If you enjoy ginger, the simmered slices are delicious alongside the fish!
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve your Simmered Mackerel with warm cooked rice, miso soup, and any side dishes you like. This dish is both comforting and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dinner choice! Enjoy!
There You Have It!
This easy-to-follow recipe for Simmered Mackerel is perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at Japanese cooking. With ingredients like soy sauce and mirin, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Simmered Mackerel in Soy Sauce
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This easy-to-follow recipe for Simmered Mackerel is perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at Japanese cooking. With ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Mackerel
Make an X-shaped cut on the middle of the mackerel. This prevents the skin from tearing during cooking. - Make the Simmering Sauce
In a medium-sized pan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, water, and ginger slices. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. - Add the Mackerel
Place the mackerel into the simmering sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the fish. Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. - Optional Step: Let the Fish Rest
If you have time, after the initial simmering, turn off the heat and leave the lid on for 20–30 minutes. This allows the mackerel to absorb even more flavor. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. - Continue Simmering
Turn the heat back on. Remove the lid and simmer the mackerel for another 5–6 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish frequently. The sauce should thicken and become shiny, with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of liquid remaining. - Serve
Carefully transfer the mackerel to a serving plate and pour the remaining sauce over the top. If you enjoy ginger, the simmered slices are delicious alongside the fish! - Enjoy!
Serve your Simmered Mackerel with warm cooked rice, miso soup, and any side dishes you like. This dish is both comforting and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dinner choice!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
