Grilled Mackerel with Sicilian Caper-Tomato Salsa

"Give mackerel a chance," begs Michael White. The Spanish fish he imports from Europe is grilled, which makes the skin enticingly crisp, then topped with a refreshing tomato-caper salsa.More Healthy Fish Recipes

Grilled Mackerel with Sicilian Caper-Tomato Salsa
Photo: © John Kernick
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound new potatoes

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

  • 1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 3/4 pound ripe tomatoes—peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice, or 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 tablespoons capers

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for serving

  • 4 Spanish mackerel fillets with skin (about 6 ounces each), pin bones removed

Directions

  1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let cool slightly, then cut into quarters.

  2. In a medium skillet, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the potatoes and cook over high heat until lightly browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the potatoes are browned and the garlic is crisp, about 3 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.

  3. Heat a grill pan. In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, capers and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Brush the mackerel with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat for 7 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred and cooked through. Transfer the fish to plates and top with the salsa. Serve the potatoes alongside.

Suggested Pairing

White wines work best with mackerel (which can make reds taste metallic). Try an Italian blend of Fiano and Greco grapes.

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