Mackerel fish is a nutritious, oily fish known for its rich omega-3 fatty acid content, protein, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D.
This fish has a bold flavour and can be prepared with different cooking methods because of its firm flesh.
It can be grilled, baked, fried, or smoked and cleaning it properly ensure better taste. In this step-by-step photo recipe, I will show you how to clean mackerel fish easily and safely at home.
Recipe details
- Prep time : 45mins
- Cleaning time : 10mins
What you need :
- 2 frozen mackerel fish
- Clean water
- Knife
- Gloves (optional)
How to Clean Mackerel
Step 1: Defrost frozen fish
- Place frozen fish in a big bowl.
- Fill it with room temperature water till it is covered.
- Allow to defrost and soften for 30-45 mins.
Step 2: Remove/ trim the fins
- Remove sharp fins.
- Cut of the bony tail.
- For easy handling use knife or kitchen scissors.
Step 3: Remove the Gills
- Open the fish head.
- Push the gill to the other side with your finger.
- Carefully pull it out with the other finger to prevent bitterness.
Step 4: Gut the Fish
- Make a shallow cut from the side of the fish head downwards to open the belly.
- Carefully pull out the internal organs and discard them properly.
Step 5: Clean the Bloodline
- Gently scrap out the dark bloodline from the fish belly with a knife.
- Rinse properly to remove any residue from the belly and the head.
Step 7: Final Rinse
- Get another clean bowl of water.
- Rinse inside and outside of the fish multiple times until fully clean.
- Now mackerel is ready for cooking.
Tips
- Use big bowls for cleaning.
- Defrosted fish is easier to clean than frozen fish.
- Cook immediately after cleaning.
- Preserve by storing in sealed bags and keep frozen.
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