Delicious Vietnamese Mackerel Braised in Fish Sauce: A Family Favorite

Mackerel braised in fish sauce is a traditional dish commonly enjoyed in Vietnamese family meals. With its rich flavor from fish sauce combined with the fatty, tender mackerel, this dish not only complements rice perfectly but also brings a warm, homely feeling. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to prepare this authentic Vietnamese mackerel braised in fish sauce!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Mackerel Braised in Fish Sauce (Serves 4)

• Mackerel: 500 grams
• Garlic: 5 cloves
• Chili: 2 pieces
• Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Cooking oil: 50 ml
• Water: 3 tablespoons
• Common seasonings: Salt, seasoning powder, pepper

Ingredients for Mackerel Braised in Fish Sauce
Essential ingredients for making mackerel braised in fish sauce.

How to Choose Fresh Mackerel

To ensure the perfect flavor of mackerel braised in fish sauce, choosing fresh mackerel is crucial:

• Select fish with bright, clear, slightly bulging eyes. The gills should be bright red and firmly attached to the body.
• The belly of the fish should be flat and the vent should be tucked inside.
• Avoid buying fish with cloudy, sunken eyes or dark red, detachable gills.

Read more: How to Choose Fresh Mackerel

Steps to Make Mackerel Braised in Fish Sauce

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Prepare the mackerel: Rinse the mackerel with diluted salt water to remove any fishy smell. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it drain.
  Tips to remove the fishy smell from mackerel:

  • Soak the fish in rice water for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse clean.
  • Dilute vinegar or white wine in water, soak the fish for 5 minutes, then rinse.
  • Use crushed ginger mixed with water, soak the fish for 5 minutes.

• Prepare the garlic and chili: Peel and finely chop the garlic. Rinse the chili, remove the stems, and finely chop.

Preparing Mackerel and Ingredients
Preparing mackerel and other ingredients.

2. Marinate the Mackerel

• Place the mackerel in a bowl, add half of the chopped garlic and chili, 1/3 teaspoon of salt, and 1/3 teaspoon of seasoning powder.
• Mix well to ensure the mackerel is evenly coated, and marinate for 20 minutes.

Marinating Mackerel
Marinating mackerel enhances the flavor of the dish.

3. Prepare the Fish Sauce Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of pepper, 2 tablespoons of water, and the remaining chopped garlic and chili.
• Stir well to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.

Note: Adjust the amount of sugar and fish sauce according to your family’s taste.

Preparing Fish Sauce Mixture
Preparing fish sauce mixture – the secret to the distinctive flavor.

4. Fry the Mackerel

• Heat the cooking oil in a pan, and when the oil is hot, add the mackerel and fry until both sides are golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove the mackerel and let it drain on a plate.

Frying Mackerel
Frying mackerel ensures the meat is firm and does not break apart when braised.

5. Braise the Mackerel in Fish Sauce

• Heat the pan used for frying the mackerel, add the prepared fish sauce mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of water, and simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
• Add the mackerel to the pan, stir gently to coat the mackerel evenly with the sauce. Continue braising for another 8-10 minutes until the sauce is thick and clings to the mackerel.

Braising Mackerel in Fish Sauce
Braising mackerel in fish sauce creates a rich, savory flavor.

6. Finish and Serve

• Transfer the mackerel to a serving plate, garnish with a sprinkle of pepper or green onions. The mackerel braised in fish sauce is ready to be served!

Finished Mackerel Braised in Fish Sauce
Mackerel braised in fish sauce – a delicious, rice-complementing dish.

Conclusion

With this simple recipe for mackerel braised in fish sauce, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious dish for your family. The tender, sweet mackerel, infused with the spicy chili and aromatic garlic, combined with the savory sweetness of fish sauce, will make your meal more appealing. Try it out and share your results!

Wishing you success and a delicious meal!

References:

• How to Choose Fresh Mackerel
• Tips to Remove Fishy Smell from Mackerel