Tangy Glazed Mackerel

Prep: 30 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Tangy glazed mackerel features a flavorful sauce with lemon, ketchup, mustard, and spices, offering a perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Ideal for quick, flavorful meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. Spanish mackerel fillets
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Cut the fish into serving size portions and place in a baking dish.
  2. Combine melted butter, ketchup, frozen lemonade concentrate, prepared mustard, salt, garlic powder, and bay leaf; blend well and pour over the fillets.
  3. Turn the fish to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Drain the fish, setting the sauce aside.
  5. Arrange the fish, skin side up, on a greased broiler pan.
  6. Brush the fish with the remaining sauce.
  7. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes until cooked and slightly browned.
  8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you don't have frozen lemonade concentrate, fresh lemon juice mixed with a bit of sugar can work as a substitute. Make sure to monitor the broiling closely to prevent overcooking, as fish can dry out quickly. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Southern Seafood Bake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tangy glazed mackerel with lemon wedges to enhance its flavor. It pairs well with a light salad like Cucumber-Shrimp Salad or steamed veggies for a fresh contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding some rice or quinoa on the side and a light sauce for moisture, or browse more seafood recipes for additional ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover mackerel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place under the broiler for a few minutes to warm through and retain some crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals but be cautious to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tangy Glazed Mackerel contains roughly 483 calories, with 6g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1951mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

483 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.7g 11% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 118.2g 43% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 83.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1951.3mg 85% DV
Potassium 538.2mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 2.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 70.7mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 34.5mg 38% DV
Calcium 201.2mg 15% DV
Iron 10mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Spanish mackerel with other firm fish like salmon or trout. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets, as different fish may require different broiling times.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the fish before broiling for an extra kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can marinate the fish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to cook it fresh when ready to serve to maintain its flavor and texture. Pair with prepped sides for quick meals.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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