Mackerel Escabeche, Sliced Sweet Capicola, Buttered Rye Crackers, and Celery Leaves

A sophisticated dish featuring grilled mackerel marinated in a flavorful Spanish-style escabeche with olive oil, vinegar, and spices, served alongside sweet capicola ham, buttered rye crackers, and fresh celery leaves. This elegant combination offers a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and fresh flavors.

4 servings
25 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup neutral oil
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red-wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic clove
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 stem fresh thyme
  • ¼ whole red onion
  • ¼ cup whole blanched almonds
  • 2 teaspoons smoked Spanish pimenton
  • 3 pound mackerel
  • ¼ pound sweet capicola ham
  • 8 pieces Ryvita dark rye crackers
  • 4 tablespoons sweet butter
  • ¼ cup celery leaves

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    In a nonreactive stainless steel pot, combine all the marinade ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to steep for 1 hour.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Brush the fish on the skin side with a neutral oil, then mark the skin-side of the mackerel fillets on the hot side of the grill (or using a grill pan).

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Place the fillets in a hotel pan, flesh side down, and cover with the warm marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 day.

    1440 min

  4. 4.

    Drain mackerel filets, reserving the marinade liquid.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Spoon two tablespoons marinade liquid over the fish. Assemble your plate with the onion, almonds, buttered crackers, and ham. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

    10 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes