British Grilled Mackerel with Horseradish Cream

Introduction

Grilled mackerel with a rich, smoky sear pairs beautifully with a creamy horseradish sauce. The Arteflame grill ensures the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy, flavorful fish. Using the reverse sear method, we lock in juices before gently finishing on the flat cooktop. This British-inspired dish is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it an outstanding choice for outdoor grilling enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 4 fresh mackerel fillets
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped chives
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare the Mackerel

1. Pat dry the mackerel fillets with a paper towel.
2. Rub the fillets with butter, ensuring an even coating.
3. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Sear the Mackerel

1. Place mackerel fillets skin-side down on the 1,000°F center grill grate.
2. Sear for about 1 minute to crisp the skin and lock in juices.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the fillets to the outer flat cooktop surface to cook gently.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature is 135°F.
3. Remove the fillets from the grill as they will continue cooking.

Step 5: Make the Horseradish Cream

1. Stir together sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, mustard, and chives in a bowl.
2. Set aside for serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Place grilled mackerel on a plate and drizzle with horseradish cream.
2. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips

• Always remove mackerel 15°F below the desired final temperature.
• Use fresh mackerel for the best texture and flavor.
• Let the mackerel fillets rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

1. Spiced Honey Mackerel: Add a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cayenne for a sweet and spicy twist.
2. Garlic Herb Mackerel: Rub the mackerel with minced garlic and fresh thyme before grilling.
3. Sesame-Ginger Mackerel: Brush the fillets with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
4. Citrusy Mackerel: Use orange and lime zest for a bright, citrus burst.
5. Smoky BBQ Mackerel: Coat the fillets with your favorite BBQ seasoning before grilling.

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill makes grilling British-style mackerel effortless and flavorful. The combination of a high-heat sear with the gentle reverse-searing technique ensures a juicy, perfectly cooked fish with a crispy skin. Pair this dish with fresh greens or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a complete meal packed with rich, smoky flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
• Charred baby potatoes with rosemary
• Freshly baked sourdough
• Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc