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Broccoli Stir Fry with Salted Mackerel

A comforting and vibrant stir fry made with tender broccoli, crispy salted mackerel, and flavorful garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mackerel
  • 1 filet mackerel filet (fresh or frozen) Look for wild-caught if possible; it has better flavor and nutritional value.
  • as needed coarse sea salt Essential for curing the mackerel; it's key to enhancing flavors without over-salting.
For the Stir Fry
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped Fresh garlic is aromatic and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  • 2 oz cooked salted fish, chopped (such as anchovies) They add umami richness; feel free to leave this out if you want a milder taste.
  • 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets Fresh broccoli is best! If using frozen, simply thaw it beforehand.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce Gives a savory, rich flavor; check for vegetarian options if needed.
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce Adds a hint of saltiness; low-sodium versions can be used for a healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Just a touch to balance the flavors.
  • 2 Thai chilies, chopped or ground white pepper Adjust to your spice level! I love the heat from the chilies.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the mackerel filet dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle coarse sea salt on both sides, and let it cure in the fridge for anywhere between 2 to 24 hours.
  2. Rinse the mackerel under cold water to remove excess salt, pat dry.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish for 2 minutes on each side until it’s golden and crispy. Set aside on a plate.
  2. In a wok (or a large skillet), over high heat, add a little oil, then add half the broccoli florets. Sear for 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned. Remove them from the pan and repeat for the remaining broccoli.
  3. Using the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!), then add the seared mackerel back into the mix.
  4. Toss in the sautéed broccoli along with the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of water to create steam. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes; you want everything to be heated through and well coated in the sauce.
  5. If desired, sprinkle in the chopped Thai chilies or ground white pepper right before serving.
  6. Spoon the delicious stir-fry over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, and dig in while it’s hot!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; this can lead to steaming instead of that beautiful caramelization. Chop your veggies and garlic ahead of time to make cooking a breeze.