
A historical main dish from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Fresh mackerel can be served the same way as salt mackerel, and broiled ones are very nice with cream sauce or egg sauce as an alternative.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Cook fresh mackerel in water salted, with a little vinegar added
Serve in the same way as the salt mackerel
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Serve with cream sauce or substitute egg sauce
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Adding vinegar to the poaching liquid helps firm the delicate mackerel flesh by denaturing surface proteins, preventing the fish from falling apart during cooking. The acidulated water also neutralizes fishy amines, reducing strong odors. Salting the water seasons the fish from the outside in through osmosis and raises the boiling point slightly, allowing for more controlled, gentle cooking that keeps the fish moist.
The cream sauce or egg sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm in a double boiler or bain-marie, whisking occasionally. The fish itself must be cooked immediately before serving for best texture and flavor.
Leftover poached mackerel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature after storage, as reheating will dry out the delicate flesh. Flake leftovers into salads or use for fish cakes.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The cream sauce or egg sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm in a double boiler or bain-marie, whisking occasionally. The fish itself must be cooked immediately before serving for best texture and flavor.
Leftover poached mackerel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature after storage, as reheating will dry out the delicate flesh. Flake leftovers into salads or use for fish cakes.