Servings
Font
Back
Saba no Shioyaki (Japanese Style Grilled Mackerel)
5 from 14 votes

Saba no Shioyaki (Japanese Style Grilled Mackerel)

Saba no Shioyaki is a Japanese grilled mackerel dish featuring mackerel fillets marinated briefly in sake, salted, and cooked under a grill or broiler. The fish skin crisps up while the flesh remains moist and tender. This simple preparation highlights the natural flavor of mackerel enhanced by a light seasoning of sake and salt. Serving with sudachi (a citrus wedge) and grated daikon radish brightens the dish traditionally.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings: 2 portions
Calories: 218 kcal
Course: Main Course, Breakfast, Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

  • 2 mackerel skin-on, fillets
  • 1 tbsp sake
  • salt
  • 1 wedge sudachi optional
  • daikon radish daikon oroshi) optional, grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash 2 mackerel fillets under cold running water and place them in a container. Pour 1 tbsp sake over the surface and rub it over both sides.Cover the container and rest in the fridge for 15 minutes, 30 minutes if you have time.
  2. Once rested, remove the mackerel from the fridge and preheat your oven grill or broiler on a medium-high/high setting. While you wait, dry the surface of the mackerel with kitchen paper on both sides.
  3. Sprinkle a generous pinch of salt from a height on each side, this will help evenly distribute it.
  4. Make 3 shallow, diagonal incisions on the skin of the mackerel.
  5. Place the fillets on the grill with the skin side down and grill the flesh side for 4 minutes. (Exact time might vary depending on the strength of your oven grill and the thickness of your fish.)
  6. Flip over and grill the skin side for 3 minutes or until crispy and lightly browned.
  7. Serve each portion 1 wedge sudachi and grated daikon radish drizzled with a dash of soy sauce (optional).
  8. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This dish is typically served with Japanese rice, pickles, and miso soup for a complete meal.
  • Sudachi citrus and grated daikon radish add brightness and counterbalance the rich flavor of grilled mackerel.
  • Marinate in sake to help minimize fishiness and enhance flavor before grilling.
  • Make shallow incisions in the skin to ensure even cooking and prevent curling.

Nutrition Information

Calories 218kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 6.5g (2%) Protein 18.3g (37%) Fat 12.8g (20%) Saturated Fat 4.6g (23%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2.6g (15%) Cholesterol 61mg (20%) Sodium 234mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 portions

Amount Per Serving

Calories 218

% Daily Value*

Calories 218kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 6.5g 2%
Protein 18.3g 37%
Fat 12.8g 20%
Saturated Fat 4.6g 23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.6g 15%
Cholesterol 61mg 20%
Sodium 234mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.