Delicious Tomato-Braised Mackerel Recipe

Tomato-braised mackerel is a simple yet incredibly appealing dish that offers a rich flavor, perfect for winning over the taste buds of every family member. With an easy preparation method and familiar ingredients, you can easily cook this dish at home. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe for making a delicious and authentic tomato-braised mackerel.

Ingredients Preparation

To make tomato-braised mackerel, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Mackerel: 500g (can be substituted with Japanese mackerel, silver pomfret, or other sea fish according to preference).
• Tomatoes: 4-5 ripe ones, choose medium-ripe tomatoes for a vibrant color and balanced sweet and sour taste.
• Onion: 1 bulb, peeled, washed, and finely chopped.
• Fresh Chili: 1 piece, washed, stem removed, and thinly sliced.
• Ginger: 1 small piece, peeled, washed, half crushed, the rest julienned.
• Scallions: 1 stalk, washed and finely chopped.
• Seasonings: Salt, seasoning powder, fish sauce, cooking oil, sugar.

Delicious Tomato-Braised Mackerel

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Mackerel

Choose fresh mackerel of medium size to ensure flavor and ease of preparation. Clean the fish by removing the guts, rinsing with a bit of salt to remove any fishy smell, then rinse thoroughly and drain. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long.

Cleaning the Mackerel Thoroughly

Step 2: Preparing the Tomatoes and Other Ingredients

Wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, halve and deseed, then cut into small pieces. Peel and wash the onion, then finely chop it. Wash and thinly slice the chili. Peel and wash the ginger, crush half and julienne the rest. Wash and finely chop the scallions.

Carefully Preparing the Tomatoes

Step 3: Lightly Frying the Mackerel

Heat a pan over the stove, add cooking oil and heat it up, then add the mackerel and lightly fry both sides until firm. Be careful not to over-fry to prevent the fish from drying out when braised.

Lightly Frying the Mackerel for Firmness

Step 4: Sautéing the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Place a pot on the stove, add the remaining oil from frying the fish. Sauté the onion until fragrant, then add the tomatoes and cook thoroughly. Add 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder and 1/3 teaspoon of sugar to enhance the flavor and balance the taste.

Sautéing Tomatoes for Vibrant Color

Step 5: Braising the Mackerel with Tomatoes

Once the tomatoes are soft, add the lightly fried mackerel to the pot, along with the crushed ginger and sliced chili. Pour in a bowl of boiling water to cover the fish. Lower the heat and simmer gently until the fish is tender and well-seasoned. If you want to shorten the cooking time, you can use a pressure cooker.

Braising the Mackerel on Low Heat to Absorb Flavor

Step 6: Finishing the Dish

When the mackerel is cooked, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and the julienned ginger to the pot, gently stirring to blend the flavors. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped scallions on top to enhance the flavor and color of the dish.

Finishing the Tomato-Braised Mackerel Dish

Conclusion

The recipe for tomato-braised mackerel is not only simple but also delivers a rich, flavorful dish perfect for enjoying with steamed rice. The firm, well-seasoned fish combined with the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes creates an unforgettable flavor. Try this recipe to add variety and appeal to your family meals.

Wishing you success and delicious meals!