Grilled Saba
This simple Japanese dish features mackerel fillets marinated in sake and soy sauce, then perfectly grilled until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender. It's a quick and flavorful meal that highlights the rich taste of fresh saba.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 362 kcal
Allergen information: may contain fish, gluten, soy, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 2 pcssaba fillet, skin on, scaled, deboned
- 1 pinchsalt
marinade
- 2 tbspsake
- 1 tbspsoy sauce
- 1 tbspmirin
- 1 pcsginger, grated
garnish
- 2 pcslemon wedge(optional)
Equipment
tongs · grill · shallow dish · whisk
The method
Step by step
- 1
Pat the saba fillets dry with paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt on both sides.
About 1 min
- 2
In a shallow dish, whisk together the sake, soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
About 1 min
- 3
Place the saba fillets skin-side up in the marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not marinate for too long, as the fish can become too salty or tough.
- 4
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- 5
Remove the saba fillets from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- 6
Place the fillets skin-side down on the hot grill.
- 7
Grill for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and slightly charred.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Avoid moving the fish too much during this time to get a good char.
- 8
Carefully flip the fillets and grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- 9
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 362.2kcal
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbs
- 8g
- Fat
- 24.1g
- Fibre
- 1g
- Sugar
- 3.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store any leftover grilled saba in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through, though it is best eaten fresh.
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