Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro: A Delicious Italian Recipe

Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets fresh or thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the mackerel fillets are cleaned and ready to cook.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the dried oregano and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the Mackerel
- Gently place the mackerel fillets into the simmering tomato sauce, skin side down. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the fillets.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mackerel is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the mackerel and sauce to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro!
- Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute mackerel with firm tofu or eggplant slices.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley.
Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro, or mackerel in tomato sauce, is a classic Italian dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of fresh fish combined with a rich and tangy tomato sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward, making it a perfect choice for beginners who want to explore Italian cooking. From my own personal experience, this dish is particularly delightful served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Let me show you how I make Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro.

Notes on What to Expect
When making Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro, you can expect a beautifully rich and slightly tangy tomato sauce that complements the tender, flaky mackerel. The dish is flavorful but not overwhelming, making it a delightful choice for both fish lovers and those new to seafood.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $12-15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro here.
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the mackerel fillets are cleaned and ready to cook.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the dried oregano and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Cook the Mackerel
- Gently place the mackerel fillets into the simmering tomato sauce, skin side down. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the fillets.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mackerel is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the mackerel and sauce to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges if desired.
6. Enjoy!
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro!
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute mackerel with firm tofu or eggplant slices.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro here.
Tips and Substitutions
- If fresh mackerel is not available, canned mackerel in water or oil can be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure that any bread served is gluten-free.
- To enhance the sauce, consider adding olives or capers.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
I hope this guide has made making Sgombro in Salsa di Pomodoro seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below! I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!

Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>