This mackerel with lemon and chilli recipe is a lovely way to get fresh fish onto the family table without much fuss. It’s adapted from a recipe in Fresh from the Sea by Clodagh McKenna, and it comes together in a single pan in well under 15 minutes.
Mackerel is a great option for midweek cooking — it’s quick to fry, full of flavour, and pairs beautifully with the sharpness of lemon and a little heat from chilli. If you’re feeding kids who aren’t keen on spice, simply fry their portion first in plain butter, then add the chilli and garlic to the pan once their fish is set aside.
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 60g butter
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 4 mackerel fillets
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method
Heat a frying pan and add the butter, chilli and garlic. Once the chilli butter begins to foam, add the mackerel fillets, skin side down, and fry for 2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, turn the fillets over, squeeze the lemon juice over the fish, and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Remove the fillets to a plate and drizzle the chilli butter from the pan over the top before serving.
Tip for younger or spice-sensitive eaters: fry their fillets first in plain butter before adding the chilli and garlic to the pan for the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this less spicy for kids?
Yes — deseed the chilli well, or leave it out of the pan entirely while cooking your child’s portion, then add it back in for the adult servings.
What can I serve with mackerel with lemon and chilli?
It works well with simple sides like new potatoes, steamed greens, or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the fish.
Is mackerel a good fish for kids to eat?
Mackerel is an oily fish that’s often recommended as part of a varied family diet. If you have specific questions about how often to serve oily fish to children, it’s best to check current dietary guidance with your GP or a registered dietitian.
Can I use frozen mackerel fillets?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before frying so they crisp up nicely rather than steaming in the pan.
You Might Also Like
- Cajun Mackerel with Lime Mayo
- More quick family fish recipes on MyKidsTime
Have a favourite mackerel recipe of your own? We’d love to hear about it — share your version in the comments.
Save This for Later
Short on time this week? Bookmark this page or save it to your recipe folder so it’s ready to go the next time you pick up fresh mackerel.
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