Simple Whole Grilled Mackerel Recipe | Gloucester's Fresh Catch

As the summer sun warms the waters of Cape Ann, a special time arrives in Gloucester—mackerel season. This is when we're fortunate enough to find these beautiful, torpedo-shaped fish at their absolute freshest, often straight from the boat. This recipe for whole roasted mackerel is a celebration of that bounty, a simple and elegant dish that lets the natural flavor of the fish shine.

Simple Whole Grilled Mackerel Recipe | Gloucester's Fresh Catch

Mackerel is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. It's an oily fish, which means it's packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. These essential fats are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support brain health. Mackerel is also an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing the building blocks our bodies need for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, it's rich in important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium, which play crucial roles in bone health, nerve function, and immune support. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe transforms fresh mackerel into a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully good for you.

Ingredients

  • 2 Whole Boston Mackerel – Cleaned (gills & guts removed)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil - high quality
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • Salt & Pepper

Prep: 15 Min | Cook: 20-25 Min

Cooking Instructions

  1. Clean the Boston Mackerel by making an incision from the bottom of its mouth all the way down the stomach.  Remove the guts from the stomach and cut out the gills. Rinse the fish thoroughly after to make sure it’s completely clean. You can choose to either leave the head on or remove the head.

  2. Make 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, all the way right through the bone. Set aside on a plate.

  3. Make your marinade by combining spices, salt and pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil into a jar with a lid, shake it all together.

  4. Brush both sides of fish with the marinade thoroughly and let it sit in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes, all the way up to 1 hour.

  5. Preheat oven or grill to 450 degrees.

  6. Place the fish in a pan lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle some olive oil on the aluminum foil so the fish does not stick.

  7. Bake whole fish on the top rack for 20-25 minutes.  Broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

  8. Serve the mackerel hot with your favorite side dish (we recommend something light in flavor to bring out the taste of the  mackerel) and enjoy!