Celery Free Herb-Baked Mackerel with Lemon and Olive Oil
Flaky, golden-edged mackerel fillets hit the table fragrant with turmeric, smoked paprika, and a trio of fresh herbs — this is the kind of weeknight fish dinner that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. A hot oven does most of the heavy lifting, coaxing the skin crisp while the flesh stays moist and tender all the way through. Thin lemon rounds and slivered garlic roast right alongside the fillets, softening into something almost jammy and deeply savory. The finishing scatter of parsley, dill, and thyme adds a bright, garden-fresh lift that balances the richness of the mackerel beautifully. Every ingredient here is naturally free of celery in any form — no hidden mirepoix, no celery salt lurking in a spice blend — so you can cook with complete confidence. Serve it straight from the pan with an extra squeeze of lemon and you've got a restaurant-worthy plate with almost no cleanup.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle 1 tbsp of the olive oil evenly over the surface.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together the turmeric, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Pat the mackerel fillets dry with paper towels, then rub both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!