Prepare the Mackerel

Start by cleaning and filleting the mackerel if it’s not already done. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the fish cooks evenly.

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the mackerel with flavor. If you enjoy a bit of extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.

Marinate the Fish

Place the mackerel fillets in the marinade, ensuring they're well coated. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the fish moist during grilling.

Preheat the Grill

While the fish is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It's essential to have the grill hot enough to get those lovely grill marks and to cook the fish quickly.

Grill the Mackerel

Remove the mackerel from the marinade and place it skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and grill for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the mackerel from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Herbed Version: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil for a unique flavor profile.

Vegetarian Alternative: For a vegetarian twist, try marinating and grilling thick slices of eggplant or zucchini using the same marinade.