Shin Dong-min's Mackerel Quick Pickle

Authentic shime saba recipe that removes fishy odor and maximizes umami flavor through proper cleaning of fresh mackerel and maturation with salt and vinegar

Ingredients needed 2 servings

Recipe

Cooking tips

  • The salting time should be proportional to the mackerel’s size—larger, thicker-fleshed fish require 25 to 30 minutes, while average-sized ones need about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • For exceptionally fresh mackerel, using only pure vinegar and salt without additions like lemon or kombu allows the natural, clean, and deep flavor of the ingredient to shine.
  • The flesh is very delicate—handle with care, avoid letting your hands touch it directly, and use a sharp knife at a vertical angle to prevent crushing the meat.

Recommended for

  • Those who want to perfectly recreate high-end Japanese restaurant-style shime saba at home.
  • Those eager to master fish preparation techniques and authentic Japanese quick-pickling maturation methods.

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