Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe: Steamed Mackerel with Herbs

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Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Steamer or steaming basket, large pot, knife, cutting board, serving platter

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Mackerel:
• 4 whole mackerel cleaned and gutted
• 1 lemon sliced
• 4 sprigs of fresh parsley
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• Fresh herbs such as dill, basil, or chives, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
• Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Season the inside of each fish with salt and pepper.
• Stuff the cavity of each fish with lemon slices, parsley, and thyme.
• Step 2: Set Up the Steamer
• Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
• Place a steaming basket or rack inside the pot. Ensure that the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
• Step 3: Steam the Mackerel
• Arrange the stuffed mackerel in a single layer in the steaming basket.
• Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fish for about 15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
• While the fish is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
• Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs and lemon juice.
• Step 5: Serve
• Once cooked, carefully transfer the mackerel to a serving platter.
• Drizzle the garlic herb sauce over the fish and garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
• Serve immediately.
• Variations
• Different Fish: You can use other types of fish, such as trout or sardines, if mackerel isn't available.
• Herb Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference or availability—basil and dill work particularly well.
• Add Vegetables: Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers to the steamer for a complete meal.
  

Keyword Pesce, Sgombro, Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe

Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe is a delightful and healthy Italian dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of fresh mackerel steamed with fragrant herbs. This method preserves the fish’s natural moisture and creates a beautifully tender result that is both light and satisfying. From my own personal experience, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with something elegant yet simple. The good news is that it’s easier to make than you might think! Let me show you how I make this delicious dish at home.

Notes on What to Expect

When you prepare Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe, you can expect a dish that is not only flavorful but also visually appealing with the vibrant colors of the herbs and lemon. The steaming method ensures that the fish remains moist, and the herbs impart a wonderful aroma that enhances the overall experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Steamer or steaming basket, large pot, knife, cutting board, serving platter
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe  here.

Ingredients

• For the Mackerel:
  • 4 whole mackerel, cleaned and gutted
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 4 sprigs of fresh parsley
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, or chives), finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe  here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Rinse the mackerel under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season the inside of each fish with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity of each fish with lemon slices, parsley, and thyme.

Step 2: Set Up the Steamer

1. Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Place a steaming basket or rack inside the pot. Ensure that the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.

Step 3: Steam the Mackerel

1. Arrange the stuffed mackerel in a single layer in the steaming basket.
2. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fish for about 15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the fish is steaming, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs and lemon juice.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooked, carefully transfer the mackerel to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the garlic herb sauce over the fish and garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
3. Serve immediately.

Variations

• Different Fish: You can use other types of fish, such as trout or sardines, if mackerel isn’t available.
• Herb Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preference or availability basil and dill work particularly well.
• Add Vegetables: Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers to the steamer for a complete meal.

Tips and Substitutions

• Low-Sodium Diet: Use less salt or omit it entirely if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mackerel and stuff it a few hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to steam it.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

I hope this guide has made making Sgombro al Vapore con Erbe seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!