Oven-Baked Mackerel with Potatoes and Onions
A simple yet flavorful Greek-style baked fish dish, where tender mackerel rests on a bed of soft potatoes and sweet red onions, all infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano.
- Prep15 min
- Cook1h
- Total1h 15m
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings3
This baked mackerel recipe is a classic Greek home-cooking dish that highlights the natural flavors of fresh fish. The potatoes soak up all the juices from the fish and olive oil, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful, while the onions add a touch of sweetness.
The key to success is using good-quality mackerel and not overcooking it. A final broil gives the fish a beautiful golden crust, while the inside stays moist and flaky. Serve with extra lemon and oregano for a bright, authentic taste.
Ingredients
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Clean the mackerel: open the belly, remove the innards, and rinse well under cold water. Pat dry.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 392°F.
- Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in a 28 x 18 cm (11 x 7-inch) baking dish. Scatter the sliced onion and half of the garlic over the potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tablespoon of dried oregano. Drizzle with the lemon juice.
- Stuff the cavity of each fish with 2 lemon slices and a few garlic slices.
- Place the fish on top of the potatoes. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining oregano.
- Pour ¼ cup of water into the dish from the side, being careful not to rinse the potatoes or fish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 50 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Switch the oven to broil (grill) function. Uncover the dish and place it on the top rack.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes, until the fish is nicely browned and roasted on top.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes (you can cover it again with foil). Serve with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of dried oregano, if desired.
💡 Tips
- If your mackerel is very large, you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh oregano or thyme to the baking dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven.
Inspired by a recipe from Real Greek Recipes
