Delicious and Unique Grilled Mackerel Wrapped in Banana Leaves

How to Prepare Grilled Mackerel with Banana Leaves

• 1

  Prepare the mackerel

  After purchasing, clean the mackerel by scraping off the scales, washing it thoroughly, gutting it, and removing the gills.

  Use salt to rub both inside and outside to eliminate the fishy smell. Then, rinse the fish with clean water several times.

  How to Remove the Fishy Smell from Mackerel

  • Boil a little hot water, then pour it over the fish and use a knife to scrape off the scales on the back and tail; this method helps remove slime and the fishy smell very effectively.
  • You should also use a knife to scrape off the black membrane inside the fish’s belly to prevent it from being bitter and fishy.
  • After cleaning, you can soak the fish in diluted saltwater or rice washing water for about 15 minutes or rub salt on the fish, then rinse with clean water.
  • You can also dilute lemon juice, soak the fish in it for a few minutes, and then clean the fish as usual. This method is very useful for slippery fish like mackerel as it helps remove slime. Note that you should not soak it too long as it will cook the skin of the fish.

  See details: How to Remove the Fishy Smell from Mackerel

  
• 2

  Prepare the other ingredients

  Cut the leaf veins of the banana leaves. Keep the veins and cut them into strips to tie the grilled fish later. Wash the banana leaves thoroughly.

  Clean the accompanying vegetables, washing them twice to remove dirt and remaining sand. Next, soak the vegetables in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes to eliminate parasites, making them safer to eat. Then remove and let them drain.

  

  

  
• 3

  Wrap the fish

  Wrap the fish in about 4 – 5 layers of banana leaves tightly and then tie it securely with the banana strips.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Grilling Fish

  Grill the fish on the grill for 35 – 40 minutes until you can smell the fragrant aroma, and the banana leaves start to char.

  Tip:

  • The banana leaves will char during the grilling process, but the fish will not burn at all.
  • If you don’t have a charcoal grill at home, you can grill using an air fryer or an electric grill as well.
  • If you grill using an electric stove, grill for about 35 minutes until the mackerel releases a fragrant smell, then the fish is cooked.
  • If you grill using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes. Then, place the fish inside and grill for 35 minutes at 200 degrees for the fish to be cooked.

  
• 5

  Final Product

  Grilled mackerel with banana leaves retains the characteristic sweet and fragrant flavor of ocean fish, served with fresh vegetables, rice paper, and a little vermicelli, dipped in sweet and sour dipping sauce, is a perfect choice for this weekend gathering!