How to Cook Horse Mackerel? A Guide to Pan-Fried and Cast Iron Horse Mackerel

Summary

One of the most practical ways to cook horse mackerel is in a frying pan. Pan-fried horse mackerel can be prepared using a small amount of oil, while cooking in a cast iron pan can help provide more even cooking across the surface. In this guide, you can find a horse mackerel recipe, cooking time and practical tips.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients for Pan-Fried Horse Mackerel

500 g cleaned horse mackerel
4–5 tablespoons cornmeal
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Black pepper, optional
Lemon, to serve
Rocket and red onion, optional

How to Cook Horse Mackerel?

Rinse the cleaned horse mackerel thoroughly and drain off any excess water.
Pat the fish dry with kitchen paper.
Season the horse mackerel with salt.
Place the cornmeal on a wide plate and lightly coat the fish with it.
Preheat the frying pan over a medium heat.
Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
Arrange the horse mackerel in a single layer in the pan.
Cook one side for approximately 3–4 minutes.
Carefully turn the fish with a spatula and cook the other side for around 3 minutes.
Once both sides are browned, remove the fish from the pan and serve hot.

How to Cook Horse Mackerel in a Cast Iron Pan?

When preparing horse mackerel in a cast iron pan, preheating the pan is important. Allow the cooking surface to heat sufficiently before adding the fish.

Coat the horse mackerel lightly with cornmeal and arrange the fish in a single layer in the pan. Cook both sides until browned, turning the fish only when necessary.

Thanks to the heat-retaining properties of cast iron, the surface temperature can be maintained more evenly during cooking. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fish and the temperature of the pan.

Tips for Cooking Pan-Fried Horse Mackerel

For well-cooked pan-fried horse mackerel, it is important to dry the fish thoroughly before adding it to the pan. Excess moisture can make it more difficult for the fish to brown properly.

Instead of using a thick layer of cornmeal, lightly coat the surface of the fish with just enough to cover it.

Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking the fish in a single layer without overlapping helps the surface brown more effectively.

Using a thin, wide spatula to turn the horse mackerel can also help prevent the fish from breaking apart during cooking.

How Long Does Pan-Fried Horse Mackerel Take to Cook?

Pan-fried horse mackerel can take approximately 6–8 minutes in total, depending on the size of the fish and the temperature of the pan. Around 3–4 minutes on the first side and approximately 3 minutes on the other side may be sufficient.

You can check whether the fish is cooked when the outside is browned and the flesh separates easily.

How to Serve Horse Mackerel?

Serve hot pan-fried horse mackerel with lemon, rocket and finely sliced red onion. Seasonal salad and fresh greens can also be served alongside the fish.

When prepared in a cast iron pan, horse mackerel can be served hot directly from the pan, helping it retain its warmth for longer at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cook Horse Mackerel

How do you cook horse mackerel?

Horse mackerel can be cooked in a frying pan, oven or on a grill. For the pan-frying method, coat the cleaned fish with cornmeal and cook both sides in a hot frying pan using a small amount of oil.

How do you make pan-fried horse mackerel?

Clean and dry the horse mackerel, season with salt and coat lightly with cornmeal. Cook both sides in a preheated frying pan using a small amount of oil until browned.