Steamed mackerel is one of the typical dishes of Central cuisine, carrying the sweet taste of the ocean. Mackerel is selected from the freshest fish, steamed with spices such as onions, ginger, garlic, and chili, preserving the natural, rich flavor of the fish. Steamed mackerel is not only delicious but also very nutritious, providing lots of protein and omega-3, making it the perfect choice for family meals or small parties.
Main Ingredients of Steamed Mackerel
Steamed mackerel dish from Central Vietnam is made from fresh ingredients, combined with simple spices but brings a delicate, rich flavor.
Fresh Mackerel – Main Ingredient
Fresh mackerel is the main ingredient of the dish, caught directly from the Central region sea. The mackerel meat is soft and chewy, naturally sweet, not fishy, and retains its freshness when steamed.
Onion, Ginger and Chili
Scallions, ginger and chili are the main spices in steamed mackerel, helping to enhance the flavor of the dish. Scallions and ginger reduce the fishy smell, while bringing an attractive aroma. Chili helps the dish to be more flavorful, with a slight spiciness that stimulates the taste buds.
Fish Sauce – Rich Flavor
Sweet and sour fish sauce is an indispensable accompaniment to steamed mackerel. The fish sauce is mixed from good fish sauce, lemon, garlic, and chili, creating a harmonious, rich flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness of the fish.
How to Make Steamed Mackerel from Central Vietnam at Home
Steamed mackerel can be easily made at home with the simple steps below, so you can enjoy the fresh taste of the ocean right in your family meal.
Materials Needed
- Fresh mackerel: 3-4 fish
- Green onion, ginger, garlic, chili
- Fish sauce, lemon, sugar
- Salt, pepper, cooking oil
- Herbs: lettuce, basil
Steps to Take
Step 1: Prepare mackerel
After buying the mackerel, clean the intestines and wash thoroughly with diluted salt water to remove the fishy smell. Use a knife to lightly score the fish so that the spices are evenly absorbed when steaming.
Step 2: Marinate the fish
Marinate the fish with sliced ginger, chopped green onions, minced garlic and chili, add salt, pepper and a little cooking oil. Let the fish absorb the spices for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Steam the fish
Place the fish in a steamer, add some ginger and green onions on top for extra flavor. Steam the fish for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is tender and fragrant.
Step 4: Mix the dipping sauce
Mix fish sauce with lemon, sugar, garlic, and chili to make a sweet and sour fish sauce mixture.
Step 5: Enjoy
After steaming the mackerel, serve it on a plate with raw vegetables, sweet and sour fish sauce, and white rice or fresh noodles. You can add some herbs to enhance the fresh flavor.
Steamed Mackerel – A Delicacy From The Sea
Steamed mackerel from the Central region is not only a delicious dish but also has the typical flavor of the ocean. The fish meat is fresh and sweet, steamed with light spices, not too fussy but leaves an unforgettable aftertaste. This is a nutritious dish, easy to make and very suitable for cozy family meals.
Central seafood
Steamed mackerel from the Central region is a dish with a strong taste of the ocean, with a simple preparation method but still retains the freshness and nutrition of the fish. This steamed fish dish is not only delicious but also brings a light feeling, easy to eat, suitable for every meal. Try making steamed mackerel at home to feel the rich taste of the ocean and enjoy a nutritious meal with your family.
