Mackerel Fried Rice Recipe

Ever wondered how to transform a humble can of mackerel into a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures? Let me take you on a culinary adventure with this mackerel fried rice recipe that’ll have your taste buds dancing with every bite!

I adore making meals that are as wholesome as they are tasty, which is why my Mackerel Fried Rice makes the cut. It’s a balanced plate, set on a base of jasmine rice and topped with protein-rich mackerel and plenty of not-so-secret colorful stir-fry veggies.

Red bell pepper, carrot, and pea are my go-to frying trio. And the essential oil of choice?

A drizzle of sesame oil just rounds off the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

• Cooked Jasmine Rice: Provides carbohydrates; forms the base of the dish.
• Mackerel: Rich in omega-3 fats and protein; adds a savory flavor.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune health; offers pungent zest.
• Carrot: Supplies dietary fiber and vitamins; adds crunch.
• Peas: Offer plant-based protein and sweetness; high in fiber.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C; adds color and sweetness.
• Eggs: Packed with protein; enrich the dish’s texture.
• Soy Sauce: Imparts umami flavor; adds saltiness.
• Fish Sauce: Enhances depth with umami; adds saltiness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice, chilled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 200g canned mackerel in oil, drained
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make this

1. In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, chopped, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.

2. Introduce to the pan the garlic that has been minced, the carrot that has been diced, and the red bell pepper. Stir-fry these ingredients in the pan for about 5 minutes, and do so until the vegetables have reached a tender state.

3. Move the veggies to the side of the pan, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space, and scramble until they’re fully cooked.

4. After the eggs have been cooked, they are next combined with the vegetables that have been sautéed. To the pan, you then add the chilled jasmine rice, and everything is stirred together.

5. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.

6. Include the peas that have been thawed and the mackerel that has come from a can in the pan. Break the mackerel into small pieces with a gentle touch and stir to make sure it is mixed throughout the rice mixture at least as evenly as a first attempt at egg folding into a batter.

7. To taste, add salt and pepper to the fried rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes, ensuring everything is mixed well and heated through.

8. Take the pan off the heat and combine it with the chopped green onions.

9. Move the fried rice to plates or bowls for serving. If you wish, you can finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

10. Accompany with wedges of lime on the side for squeezing over the rice pre-consumption. Relish your fried rice with mackerel!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pan or wok
2. Stove
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Bowls (for holding prepped ingredients)
8. Can opener
9. Plates or bowls (for serving)

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?Indeed, you are allowed to use brown rice, a more nutritious option, in place of white rice. Just make sure it is thoroughly cooked and has been allowed to chill before you attempt to use it in fried rice. This will give the dish the best possible texture.
• Is it necessary to chill the rice before using it in the recipe?To keep the rice from becoming mushy when frying, chill it. When you do that, you help give yourself the perfect texture for fried rice.
• Can I use fresh mackerel instead of canned?You can use fresh mackerel, but it must be cooked first and added to the rice later. Canned mackerel is easy to use and gives the rice a nice flavor.
• What can I use instead of fish sauce if I have a seafood allergy?If you are avoiding fish sauce because of allergies, soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute.
• How do I make the dish vegetarian?Exclude the mackerel and fish sauce. Instead, you can substitute tofu or add more vegetables as a protein-rich alternative.
• Can I use other vegetables?Of course! You may incorporate or replace additional vegetables such as broccoli, corn, or zucchini, according to your taste.
• How do I adjust the spice level?To increase the heat, add sliced hot peppers or a splash of hot sauce. Alter the amounts to suit your palate.

Mackerel Fried Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use basmati or brown rice instead of jasmine rice.
Replace cooking oil with olive oil or canola oil.
Swap red bell pepper for yellow or green bell pepper.
Replace canned mackerel with fresh mackerel fillets.

Do this with fresh ingredients:
1. Mackerel, either fresh or canned.
2. Fresh herbs.
Should soy sauce not be within reach, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-chill the Rice Make sure the jasmine rice is thoroughly chilled before using it in the recipe. This helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy and allows it to fry better, giving the dish a better texture.

2. High Heat for Cooking Use high heat during stir-frying to achieve a better fry on the rice, which will also enhance the flavors. Be attentive to stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Evenly Dice Vegetables Ensure that the carrot and red bell pepper are diced evenly. This ensures that they cook uniformly and quickly without leaving some pieces undercooked.

4. Drain Mackerel Well Drain the canned mackerel thoroughly to avoid adding excess oil to the dish, which could make it greasy. Break it into small pieces gently to distribute evenly throughout the rice.

5. Adjust for Saltiness Both soy sauce and fish sauce add salt to the dish. Taste the fried rice before adding extra salt to ensure it’s seasoned to your preference without becoming overly salty.