Delicious and Flavorful Braised Mackerel for a Meal

How to cook braised mackerel in clay pot

• 1

  Prepare the mackerel

  The mackerel has a smooth skin and is scaleless. Therefore, before cooking, you need to wash the fish with salt water, which helps to clean the fish and remove the fishy smell.

  Then, use a knife to cut the fins, make a light incision on the belly of the fish, and remove all the internal organs inside the fish.

  After cleaning, cut the fish into pieces about the thickness of one finger. Do not cut the fish too thick because when braising, the fish will not absorb the seasoning well. Place the fish in a basket to drain.

  Effective ways to remove fishy smell

  • To reduce the fishy smell of mackerel, the simplest method is to use coarse salt or rub lemon on the body and then wash it thoroughly with water.
  • Alternatively, you can soak the fish in a bowl of water mixed with a little coarse salt, 3-4 slices of fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  • After that, rinse the fish again and let it drain; you can use a towel to pat the fish dry.

  See details: Effective ways to remove fishy smell

  

  
• 2

  Prepare other ingredients

  Wash the green onions thoroughly with water, then cut the bulb from the leaves. Cut the bulb into small pieces to sauté with shallots, and cut the leaves into sections about 1/2 finger length.

  Peeled shallots, wash clean, then slice thinly.

  Peeled garlic, wash clean, then mince.

  Wash the chili, then chop finely or leave whole as desired.

  

  
• 3

  Marinate the fish

  Put the fish into a clay pot specifically used for braising.

  Add sliced shallots, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of coconut caramel, 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon of cooking oil into the pot, then use a spoon to spread the seasoning evenly on both sides of the fish.

  Evenly marinate both sides of the fish to absorb the seasoning. This marinating step is extremely important, as it determines 70% of the deliciousness of the dish. Marinate the fish for 30 minutes.

  How to make coconut caramel

  • You can make your own coconut caramel for the braised fish to taste delicious and just right for you.
  • First, add one tablespoon of sugar to a pan along with 3 tablespoons of water.
  • Heat them until the sugar completely melts and turns golden brown.
  • Continue to add a small cup of fresh coconut water and cook until it reaches a sticky, thick consistency and has a beautiful even color, then turn off the heat immediately.

  See details: How to make coconut caramel – homemade caramel for more delicious braised dishes

  

  
• 4

  Cook the Fish

  After marinating the fish for 30 minutes, place the marinated fish pot on the stove and turn on the heat to cook.

  Add half a cup of water to the pot and keep the heat low so that the fish doesn’t burn and the water doesn’t evaporate.

  After cooking for 5 minutes, flip the fish so that both sides absorb the seasoning evenly. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

  During the process of cooking the mackerel, you need to use a low flame just enough for the pot to simmer gently for about 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

  Cook until the fish sauce thickens and becomes slightly sticky, and the fish is tender, then turn off the heat and serve the fish on a plate to enjoy.

  

  

  

  
• 5

  Final Product

  Braised mackerel in clay pot is a familiar dish in family meals, as it not only provides ample nutrition but is also very appetizing.

  The delicious, rich flavor of mackerel combined with the salty and sweet taste of various spices will make the meal more appealing and tasty. Why hesitate? Let’s get into the kitchen and make it right away!