Pan-Seared Mackerel with Citrus-Braised Fennel
A vibrant and nutritious pescatarian dish featuring omega-3 rich mackerel fillets served over tender, citrus-infused fennel. A quick, elegant, and heart-healthy meal perfect for any night of the week.

*Image is for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual recipe (AI generated).
1030 calories
$9 per serving
$25 min
2 servings
keto, flexitarian, pescatarian, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 2 large mackerel fillets (around 300g total), skin-on
- 1 large fennel bulb (approx. 300g)
- 1 orange
- 1 small red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 50ml vegetable stock or water
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1.Prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the red onion and mince the garlic. Trim the fennel bulb, reserving some fronds for garnish. Cut the bulb in half and then into thin slices.
- 2.Zest the orange and then juice it into a small bowl. Set both aside.
- 3.In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced onion and fennel for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4.Pour the orange juice and vegetable stock over the fennel. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it braise for 10-12 minutes until the fennel is tender.
- 5.While the fennel braises, prepare the mackerel. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel and score the skin lightly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 6.Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the mackerel fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- 7.Flip the fillets and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat.
- 8.Stir the orange zest into the braised fennel. To serve, spoon the fennel mixture onto two plates and top each with a crispy mackerel fillet. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds or fresh dill.
Nutrition Information
73g
fat
42g
carbs
13g
fiber
55g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3s from mackerel for brain and heart health. Fennel provides excellent fiber for digestion, while orange offers a natural, vitamin C-rich sweetness, creating a balanced and highly nutritious meal.