Horse Mackerel

What Is Horse Mackerel?

Horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) is a schooling fish known for its silvery-blueish skin and a row of hard scutes running along its lateral line. It is caught in abundance almost everywhere along Turkey's coasts, from the Black Sea to the Aegean.

It is usually sold at 12–20 cm in length; its flesh is white, slightly oily, and medium-firm. With its affordable price and easy availability, it is one of the staples of everyday cooking.

Nutritional Value of Horse Mackerel

Horse mackerel is a moderately oily fish; 100 g contains approximately 118 kcal of energy, 18.5 g protein, and 4.5 g fat. It is a little oilier than white-fleshed fish, but lighter than true mackerel.

What Are the Benefits of Horse Mackerel?

Despite its affordable price, horse mackerel provides 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 and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Horse Mackerel Selected?

Fresh horse mackerel's body is firm and springs right back when pressed with a finger.

• The eyes should be bright and full; sunken eyes are a sign of staleness.
• The gills should be a vivid red; gills turned brown indicate freshness has faded.
• When held in the hand, the fish should stand firm; a drooping body is a sign of staleness.

How Is Horse Mackerel Stored?

Cleaned horse mackerel stays fresh for at most 1 day on ice in the refrigerator. For bulk purchases, once cleaned and washed it can be stored in the freezer for 2–3 months.

Using Horse Mackerel in the Kitchen

Horse mackerel is most often eaten floured and fried in a pan; grilling and steaming are also common methods.

How Is Horse Mackerel Cleaned?

The scales are lightly scraped off, the belly is cut open and the innards and gills are cleaned. Because of its small size the process is quick and it is usually cooked whole.

How Is Pan-Fried Horse Mackerel Made?

Cleaned horse mackerel is salted and dusted in fine corn flour or wheat flour, then fried in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. The flour should be a thin layer so it doesn't 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-lemon garnish is a classic fisherman's-table dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is horse mackerel good for?

Horse mackerel is one of the fish that, despite its affordable price, provides quality protein and stands out as part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it carries no claim to treat any disease.

How long should horse mackerel be cooked?

Because of its small size, 2–3 minutes per side in the pan or on the grill is enough; long cooking dries out the flesh.

Are horse mackerel and mackerel the same fish?

No, they belong to different families. Horse mackerel (Trachurus) is a less oily schooling fish, while mackerel (Scomber) belongs to the true mackerel family and is oilier.

Is horse mackerel eaten raw?

Although its common use is cooked, very fresh horse mackerel can also be marinated and eaten under appropriate hygiene conditions; however, the general preference is pan-frying or grilling.

Can horse mackerel be frozen?

Yes, once cleaned and washed it can be stored in an airtight package in the freezer for 2–3 months.