Perfectly Grilled British Mackerel with Zesty Horseradish Cream

There is something undeniably rustic and deeply satisfying about grilling oily fish like mackerel. It is a staple of the British coast, prized for its robust flavor, rich omega-3 oils, and beautiful, iridescent skin that crisps up perfectly over an open fire. Unlike delicate white fish that can get lost on a grill, mackerel demands high heat and bold accompaniments. That is where the horseradish cream comes in—a classic British pairing. The sharp, peppery bite of the horseradish cuts right through the natural richness of the fish, creating a balance that is nothing short of spectacular.

Using an Arteflame grill elevates this simple dish into a gourmet experience. The center grill grate imparts a lovely wood-fired smokiness, while the flat cooktop allows you to sear the skin until it cracks like glass without the fear of the meat falling apart. This recipe is not just about cooking dinner; it is about celebrating fresh ingredients with fire, resulting in a meal that feels both elegant and primal.

Ingredients

The Fish

• 4 fresh whole mackerel, gutted and cleaned (heads on or off, per preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or rapeseed oil
• Sea salt flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• A handful of fresh thyme sprigs

The Horseradish Cream

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche or high-quality sour cream
• 2-3 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mackerel

1. Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Dry skin is essential for getting that perfect crispness.
2. Score the skin of the fish 3 or 4 times on each side with a sharp knife. This helps the heat penetrate evenly and prevents the fish from curling up on the grill.
3. Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, then season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs.

Step 2: Make the Horseradish Cream

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the crème fraîche, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in the chopped chives and season with salt and a pinch of white pepper. Taste and add more horseradish if you want a stronger kick. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in your Arteflame grill using hardwood charcoal or wood. Let it burn down until the center grate is hot and the flat cooktop reaches a medium-high searing temperature.
2. Lightly oil the surface of the flat cooktop to ensure the fish does not stick.

Step 4: Grill the Fish

1. Place the mackerel on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame. If you want intense smoke, you can place them on the center grate for a minute before moving to the flat top.
2. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side. Do not try to move the fish too early; once the skin is crisp, it will release naturally from the metal.
3. Carefully flip the fish and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the mackerel from the grill and let it rest for a minute or two.
2. Serve hot, with a generous dollop of the cool horseradish cream on the side and extra lemon wedges.

Tips

Mackerel is an oily fish, which makes it forgiving on the grill, but it can still overcook if left too long. The secret to success on the Arteflame is managing your heat zones. Start searing on the hotter part of the flat top to crisp the skin, then move the fish to the outer, cooler edge of the ring to finish cooking through gently. This ensures the skin remains crunchy while the meat inside stays moist and tender.

When buying mackerel, look for bright, clear eyes and shiny skin. The fish should feel firm to the touch and smell like the fresh ocean, not overly fishy. If you are using fresh horseradish root instead of jarred, grate it finely just before mixing it into the cream for the most potent flavor impact. A microplane works best for this to avoid stringy textures.

Variations

While the classic British pairing is hard to beat, mackerel is versatile enough to handle various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your palate or whatever herbs you have growing in your garden. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Smoked Paprika Rub: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne to the oil rub for a Spanish twist.
• Herbed Butter: Skip the cream and serve with a compound butter made of dill, parsley, and garlic, melting over the hot fish.
• Asian Fusion: Glaze the mackerel with soy sauce, ginger, and lime in the last minute of grilling.
• Beetroot & Horseradish: Mix cooked, diced beetroot into the horseradish cream for a vibrant pink sauce that tastes earthy and sweet.
• Mustard Glaze: Brush the fish with a mix of whole-grain mustard and honey before grilling.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you need sides that can stand up to the bold flavors of the fish and the sauce. Since you already have the grill going, consider using the Arteflame to cook your sides simultaneously. The richness of the mackerel calls for acidity or starch to cleanse the palate between bites.

• New Potatoes: Boiled or grilled baby potatoes tossed in butter and parsley are the traditional accompaniment.
• Grilled Asparagus: Charred on the flat top with a little lemon zest.
• Pickled Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers in vinegar provide a sharp crunch that cuts the oiliness.
• Sourdough Bread: Thick slices of toasted bread to mop up the juices and cream.
• Drink Pairing: A crisp, dry cider or a sharp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the oily fish and creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Grilled Mackerel with Horseradish Cream is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when treated with respect and cooked over real fire, can produce restaurant-quality results. The combination of the smoky, charred skin, the tender, flaky meat, and the cool, sharp sauce creates a symphony of textures and temperatures that is incredibly satisfying.

Cooking this on the Arteflame not only imparts that distinct wood-fired flavor but also makes the process effortless and enjoyable. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a healthy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, this British classic is sure to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire. Gather your ingredients, light the fire, and enjoy the taste of the coast right in your backyard.