Soy Free Herb-Baked Mackerel with Lemon and Olive Oil
Mackerel is one of those bold, rich fish that absolutely shines when it gets a little heat and the right seasoning, and this oven-baked version delivers on every front. A fragrant spice rub of turmeric, smoked paprika, and black pepper gives the fillets a gorgeous color and a warm, earthy depth before they even hit the oven. Thin lemon rounds and sliced garlic roast right alongside the fish, softening and caramelizing into something almost jammy and intensely aromatic. The whole thing comes together on a single baking sheet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. A generous finish of fresh parsley, dill, and thyme scattered straight from the oven keeps everything bright and herbaceous against the richness of the fish. Every ingredient here is naturally free from soy — no marinades to scrutinize, no sauces with hidden additives, just honest pantry staples and good olive oil doing the heavy lifting. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and you have a restaurant-worthy plate that took almost no effort at all.
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!