What Is Horse Mackerel?
Horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) is a schooling fish recognized by its silvery-blue skin and a line of hard scales along its lateral line. It is caught in abundance along nearly all of Türkiye’s coasts, from the Black Sea to the Aegean.
It is generally sold at 12–20 cm long; its flesh is white, slightly fatty, and medium-firm. Its affordable price and availability make it a staple of everyday cooking.
Horse Mackerel Nutrition Facts
Horse mackerel is a moderately fatty fish; 100 g contains about 118 kcal, 18.5 g of protein, and 4.5 g of fat. It is slightly fattier than white-fleshed fish, but leaner than true mackerel.
What Are the Benefits of Horse Mackerel?
Despite its affordable price, horse mackerel provides high-quality protein and can easily be included in weekly fish consumption as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; horse mackerel is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Horse Mackerel
Fresh horse mackerel has a firm body that springs back immediately when pressed with a finger.
- The eyes should be bright and full; sunken eyes are a sign that the fish is stale.
- The gills should be bright red; brownish gills indicate that the fish is no longer fresh.
- The fish should remain upright when held; a drooping body is a sign of staleness.
How to Store Horse Mackerel
Cleaned horse mackerel stays fresh for up to 1 day in the refrigerator on ice. For bulk purchases, it can be cleaned and washed, then stored in the freezer for 2–3 months.
How to Use Horse Mackerel in the Kitchen
Horse mackerel is most often coated in flour and pan-fried; grilling and steaming are also common methods.
How to Clean Horse Mackerel
Gently scrape off the scales, cut open the belly, and remove the internal organs and gills. Because the fish is small, the process is quick and it is generally cooked whole.
How to Pan-Fry Horse Mackerel
Salt the cleaned fish, coat it in a thin layer of fine cornmeal or wheat flour, and fry it in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Keep the flour coating thin so the fish does not absorb too much oil.
Which Recipes Use Horse Mackerel?
Pan-fried horse mackerel, grilled horse mackerel, and steamed horse mackerel are the most common recipes. Pan-fried horse mackerel served with an onion-and-lemon garnish is a classic fish-house meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is horse mackerel good for?
Despite its affordable price, horse mackerel provides high-quality protein and is among the fish that can be part of a balanced diet. It is a food and does not claim to treat disease.
How long should horse mackerel be cooked?
Because it is small, 2–3 minutes per side in a pan or on a grill is enough; longer cooking dries out the flesh.
Are horse mackerel and mackerel the same fish?
No, they belong to different families. Horse mackerel (Trachurus) is a leaner schooling fish, while mackerel (Scomber) belongs to the true mackerel family and is fattier.
Can horse mackerel be eaten raw?
Although it is usually cooked, very fresh horse mackerel can also be eaten marinated under appropriate hygienic conditions; however, it is generally preferred pan-fried or grilled.
Can horse mackerel be frozen?
Yes. After it is cleaned and washed, it can be stored for 2–3 months in an airtight package in the freezer.