Sgombro al Vino Bianco (Mackerel in White Wine)
Sgombro al Vino Bianco
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Fish spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets about 6 oz each, skin on
- 1 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Method
- Prepare the Mackerel:
- Pat the mackerel fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step is essential to enhance the fish's natural flavors.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Fish:
- Place the mackerel fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully.
- Deglaze with Wine:
- Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. The wine will deglaze the pan, picking up all the lovely flavors.
- Add Lemon and Parsley:
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Let Stand:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the fish stand in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavors as it rests in the wine sauce.
- Serve:
- Gently plate the mackerel and spoon some of the white wine sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
- Variations
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add sliced cherry tomatoes or olives to the skillet while the fish is cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Sgombro al Vino Bianco is a delightful Italian dish that showcases the rich, flavorful qualities of mackerel, complemented by the bright notes of white wine and fresh herbs. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also quite straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for beginners. From my own personal experience, cooking fish can be intimidating, but I assure you, this recipe will have you feeling confident in the kitchen. So, let me show you how I make this delicious dish.
Notes on What to Expect
When you make Sgombro al Vino Bianco, expect a dish that is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of the rich mackerel and the zesty, aromatic sauce. The wine will reduce and create a slightly sweet, tangy glaze that perfectly complements the fish. The garlic and herbs will provide an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in.
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 per Serving: Approximately 300
- Cost of Ingredients: $12 – $15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Fish spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Vino Bianco here.
Ingredients
- 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Vino Bianco here.
Method
- Prepare the Mackerel:
Pat the mackerel fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step is essential to enhance the fish’s natural flavors. - Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. - Add the Fish:
Place the mackerel fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. - Deglaze with Wine:
Carefully flip the fillets using a fish spatula. Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. The wine will deglaze the pan, picking up all the lovely flavors. - Add Lemon and Parsley:
Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. - Let Stand:
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the fish stand in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavors as it rests in the wine sauce. - Serve:
Gently plate the mackerel and spoon some of the white wine sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Variations
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add sliced cherry tomatoes or olives to the skillet while the fish is cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Sgombro al Vino Bianco here.
Tips and Substitutions
- Freshness of Fish: Always choose the freshest fish you can find. If mackerel isn’t available, try another oily fish like sardines or salmon.
- Wine Choices: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with vegetable broth for a similar effect, though the flavor will be different.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
Closing Thoughts
I hope this guide has made making Sgombro al Vino Bianco seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking!
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! =>>