Easy Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe

Are you looking for Spanish recipes that are easy to make and will also impress all of your guests? Then you are in the right place.

Spanish mackerel recipes, in general, are pretty simple to prepare, but the smoked mackerel pasta recipe blends simplicity with delightful flavor.

Keep reading this article and learn how to make this best mackerel recipe step by step, along with some helpful tips for storing and serving.

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Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish fish recipes? Have a look at my other posts: 

• Mackerel steaks recipe

• Pan-fried mackerel recipe

• Salted mackerel recipe

Background of the Dish

Most mackerel filet recipes have been enjoyed in Andalusia for ages, as mackerel is abundant in the region.

Recipes for Spanish mackerel pasta, in particular, were created in the last 100 years as a way to turn the fish filet into a full meal, especially during economic crises.

The mackerel pasta recipe remains an affordable main dish that not only provides a variety of nutrients but also offers amazing flavor.

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Things You’ll Need for Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe

To prepare this smoked mackerel pasta recipe you will need smoked mackerel filets, dried pasta noodles, olive oil, garlic, and onion.

As with most of the smoked mackerel pasta recipes, the only equipment that you need is a large pot to boil your noodles in.

Ingredients

• 500 gr dried pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 2 smoked mackerel filets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
• 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (15gr) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe – Step by Step Guide

1. To start with this smoked mackerel pasta recipe, fill 3/4 of a large pot with water and salt. Place it over medium heat until it boils.

2. As the water boils, peel and chop the onion and the garlic cloves. Set them aside.

3. Once the water is boiling, put the dried pasta noodles in. Cook them until al dente (It should take up to 15 minutes). Drain the pasta for this smoked mackerel recipe and set it aside.

4. To continue with this mackerel filet recipe remove the skin from the fish and flake the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.

5. Now using a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

6. Then, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 7 minutes, or until it starts to thicken slightly.

7. After that, add the lemon zest and lemon juice, and mix them into the sauce. Gently fold the Spanish mackerel fillet pieces into the sauce and let them warm for a minute or two.

8. Season the sauce for the Spanish seafood pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the smoked fish is already salty, so be careful with the salt. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for added flavor.

9. To finish this smoked mackerel pasta recipe divide the cooked Spanish fish pasta among five plates or small bowls. Top each serving with the smoked mackerel and creamy sauce. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each serving.

Substitution of Ingredients

This smoked mackerel pasta recipe has two key components: the fish (mackerel in this case) and pasta (preferably spaghetti), which means that you can look for some alternatives in those categories.

If you don’t want it to be smoked, you can check other ways of cooking Spanish mackerel, like a grilled mackerel recipe or the Spanish baked mackerel recipe.

In case you don’t like mackerel at all, you can check other Spanish pasta recipes like the paella with pasta or the Spanish sardine pasta.

Lastly, you can prepare this dish with any dried pasta, or go for a gluten-free alternative like other mackerel pasta recipes do.

Tips on Serving Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe

As soon as you finish preparing this smoked mackerel pasta recipe you will have a fantastic dish ready to be served either at lunch or dinner.

As well as most of the smoked mackerel recipes, they already have a smoked flavor so we recommend adding grated parmesan cheese on top as they complement each other.

Besides that, this smoked mackerel pasta can work as a main dish, or as an appetizer if you serve smaller portions.

We also recommend serving the Spanish mackerel pasta with a slice of toasted bread (better if you toast it with olive oil and garlic) so it will be easier to eat and you will add an extra texture.

You can also give this mackerel fish recipe a crunchy texture if you top it with toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.).

How to Store Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe

In general, smoked mackerel and pasta recipes aren’t meant to be stored for too long because the cooked noodles can get soggy and bland, but there are other things you can do.

Once you finish making the smoked mackerel pasta recipe you have to let it come to room temperature, and then you can place it in a bowl or container and cover it (with a lid or plastic wrap).

Then, you can store your mackerel pasta in the fridge for up to 4 days or you can freeze it, but the texture may change upon thawing, becoming slightly softer. 

To prevent the change in texture, you can slightly undercook the pasta before freezing (and make the sauce the day that you will eat the mackerel pasta).

Still, keep in mind that this smoked mackerel filet recipe is super simple to make, so we encourage you to enjoy it freshly made for a better experience.

Recipe Card: Smoked Mackerel Pasta Recipe

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