Mackerel is one of the most sustainable fish available from fish distributors. Using the smoked fish in recipes will give your meals a unique flavor. Here are a few ideas for dishes to make with smoked mackerel.

What Can You Make With Smoked Mackerel?

1. Tacos

This is a simple dish that’s fantastic for busy school nights or a special twist on taco Tuesday. Set up a taco bar with soft tortillas, the smoked fish, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a cheese blend. Instead of using taco mix, try fish sauces like tartar, and serve it with seasoned rice, corn, spicy salsa, and tortilla chips.

2. Smoked Mackerel Salad

Smoked mackerel salad can be served as a side on holidays or as a main course with rolls. The mackerel pairs best with spinach, kale, and arugula. Adding feta cheese, chopped toasted almonds, cucumber, citrus fruit, and a zesty dressing will create a salad that’s bursting with flavor. Dry white wines, sweet tea, and sparkling lemonade pair well with this dish.

3. Mackerel Dip

If you want a healthy afternoon snack or to add something new to a finger-food buffet, smoked mackerel dip is an excellent choice. It pairs well with vegetables, pita bread, or tortilla chips. Skin and shred 2-3 mackerel fillets in a large bowl, then stir in a cup of sour cream, a handful of chopped spring onions, and two tablespoons of horseradish. Add salt, pepper, or more horseradish to taste. 

4. Smoked Fish Carbonara 

This twist on carbonara pairs well with wine, rolls, and a side salad. Cook one box of penne pasta. Add one diced onion and one chopped zucchini to a frying pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper, simmer on medium for five minutes, then add two sprigs of chopped rosemary and 5 oz of sliced smoked mackerel and cook for another five minutes. Whisk two eggs and ½ cup of milk together, then add ⅓ of a cup of grated parmesan cheese. Drain the pasta and add it to the mackerel mixture, removing the pan from the heat. Add a splash of cool water to the pan before quickly stirring in the parmesan mixture. Serve topped with grated parmesan, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

High-quality smoked fish can give your dishes excellent flavor. Amor Nino Foods in Honolulu, HI, is a diverse fish distributor with products all around the island. Since 1985, they’ve distributed authentic Filipino and Hawaiian foods, including fish sauces, marinated milkfish, and smoked tako and mackerel. They’re USDA, FDA, and the Hawaii Department of Health certified and keep to an exacting standard of quality products. View some of their options online, or call (808) 845-1711 to find out where you can buy their products near you.