Macadamia Free Herb-Baked Mackerel with Lemon and Olive Oil
Flaky, golden-edged mackerel fillets rubbed in smoky, turmeric-laced spices and finished with a shower of fresh herbs — this is the kind of weeknight dinner that looks far more impressive than the effort it takes. A hot oven does most of the heavy lifting, coaxing the fish to tender, flaky perfection in under twenty minutes while the lemon rounds and sliced garlic caramelize gently around it. The combination of smoked paprika, turmeric, dill, parsley, and thyme creates a layered, aromatic crust that makes every bite feel intentional and bright. Mackerel is an underrated hero in the kitchen — rich, meaty, and deeply satisfying — and olive oil keeps it beautifully moist without masking any of those bold spice flavors. For anyone navigating tree nut concerns, this recipe is naturally free of the usual suspects, built entirely from pantry staples, fresh herbs, and quality fish with no need for substitutions or label-checking. A squeeze of lemon wedge at the table ties everything together and cuts through the richness in the best possible way. It's the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
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!