Recommended recipes using mackerel (saba)

What kind of food is Mackerel (saba)??

Mackerel is a blue fish that has long been eaten in Japan.

While it’s classified as a blue fish, its flesh is actually lean (red flesh). Dark muscle accounts for 10-15% of the muscle, and it’s rich in iron and vitamins. Its vitamin B2 content is among the highest of any fish.

The EPA, IPA, and DHA contained in blue fish’s lipids are said to help prevent blood clots by preventing platelet coagulation.

Mackerel’s lipid content is highest from autumn to winter, when it’s in season.

Three types of mackerel are commercially available: chub mackerel, sesame mackerel, and Atlantic mackerel.

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is said to have excellent flavor, but the chub mackerel caught in the summer is of lower quality, so it’s recommended to choose sesame mackerel during the summer.

Atlantic mackerel is the variety most commonly consumed in households. It has a high lipid content and tender flesh. It is available year-round and is usually sold as shio saba, which means it is salted.

When mackerel spoils, histidine, the umami component, produces the harmful substance histamine. This can lead to food poisoning, so be careful. Its appearance remains unchanged, and there’s no foul odor, so it’s difficult to tell if it’s spoiled, so try to use fresh mackerel.

Recipes using Mackerel (saba)

Here are some recipes using Mackerel (saba) : Each article has details, so be sure to check them out.

Saba Misoni (Mackerel simmered in rich miso sauce)

Saba misoni is a dish of mackerel (saba) simmered in a rich miso soup. Saba no misoni is a dish that can be said to be representative of Japanese cuisine.

Saba sando :Garlic flavor mackerel hot dog with tartar sauce

This dish is made by grilling mackerel with garlic, chili peppers, and soy sauce until fragrant, then placing it in a hot dog bun. The combination of garlic and soy sauce is very popular in Japan, not just in this dish.

Rikyuyaki (Grilled Mackerel With Sesame Sauce)

Rikyuyaki is mackerel marinated in sesame sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds on the surface, and grilled. The fragrant aroma will whet your appetite.

Grilled mackerel marinated in shiso sauce

This fish dish is made by marinating mackerel in shiso sauce and grilling it in a frying pan. The sweet and salty sauce soaks into the mackerel well. The delicious aroma of shiso leaves adds an accent to the dish.