Saba Shioyake
Salt-Grilled Mackerel
Saba Shioyake is a classic Japanese dish featuring mackerel fillets simply seasoned with salt and grilled until the skin is wonderfully crispy and the flesh is flaky. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, it's a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 Mackerel fillets(About 6-8 oz each, preferably with skin on. Ensure they are fresh.)
- 1 tbsp Coarse sea salt or kosher salt(For seasoning. Adjust to your preference.)
- 4-inch piece Daikon radish(For making daikon oroshi (grated daikon). If unavailable, omit or use a small amount of grated ginger.)
- for drizzling Soy sauce(Optional, for serving.)
- 1/2 Lemon(Cut into wedges for serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the mackerel: Gently rinse the mackerel fillets under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. If there are any small pin bones, carefully remove them with tweezers.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Season the mackerel: Generously sprinkle the coarse salt evenly over both sides of the mackerel fillets. Let the fish rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. The salt will draw out excess moisture and any gaminess, and will begin to form a slight crust.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Prepare the daikon oroshi (optional): While the fish rests, grate the daikon radish using a fine grater or a traditional oroshi stone. Squeeze out most of the excess liquid from the grated daikon using your hands or a cheesecloth. This concentrated daikon is served alongside the fish.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Preheat your cooking method: If using a grill or broiler, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 200-230°C / 400-450°F). If using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet, heat it over medium-high heat until very hot. You can also use an oven broiler.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Grill the mackerel: Place the mackerel fillets, skin-side down, onto the hot grill, grill pan, or under the broiler. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. You should hear it sizzling and see the skin starting to blister.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 6
Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the mackerel fillets. Cook for another 3-5 minutes on the flesh side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and your heat source.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 7
Serve immediately: Transfer the grilled mackerel to serving plates. Serve hot with a mound of daikon oroshi on the side, a drizzle of soy sauce (if desired), and lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Salting the fish beforehand is key to removing excess moisture, reducing any 'fishy' odor, and ensuring a perfectly crispy skin.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the grill or pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- ✓The skin should be deeply golden and audibly crisp. If it's not, continue cooking the skin-side for a bit longer.
- ✓Saba Shioyake is a traditional accompaniment to a Japanese breakfast, often served with steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles (tsukemono).
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute other oily fish like salmon, horse mackerel (aji), or sea bream (tai).
- For a different flavor profile, try marinating the fish briefly in a miso glaze before grilling.