Mackerel Cured in Onion Skins and Tea Brine
Exceptionally tasty, beautiful, appetizing and piquant! Mackerel salted in onion skins and tea turns out much healthier and tastier than store-bought, because only a natural, harmless coloring is used. The onion peel and tea give the fish not only a lovely color but also a pleasant aroma.
Updated : 01 December, 2025
Easy
More than 1 hour.
Ingredients
1 kilograms
Mackerel
Brine
800 milliliters
Water
to taste
Onion peel
2 teaspoon
Black tea
1 tablespoon
Sugar
2 tablespoon
Salt
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
If the mackerel is frozen, defrost it first. It’s best to do this gradually by moving it from the freezer to the bottom shelf of the fridge. I used tea in bags - this is convenient because you don’t have to clean the fish from loose leaves later. You can also use regular loose tea. The tea should be plain black, without flavorings. In addition to salt and sugar, you can add any spices you like.
Step 2
First, prepare the brine. How to make the brine? Take a suitable pot and pour in the water. Add salt, sugar and spices if you are using them. Add the tea or tea bags, removing any paper tags. Add the onion skins. Press them down with a spoon so they are submerged.
Step 3
Put the pot with the brine over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Boil the brine for one to two minutes, then turn off the heat. Let the brine cool down to room temperature.
Step 4
Gut the defrosted fish. To do this, cut it along the belly from head to tail and remove the innards. It’s better to remove the dark inner membrane that lines the belly as well.
Step 5
Cut off the head; you can also remove the tail. Rinse the gutted fish thoroughly.
Step 6
Strain the cooled brine through a sieve.
Step 7
Place the prepared mackerel into a suitable container for curing. It can be a plastic or glass container, a jar, or a plastic bottle with the top cut off. Pour the brine over the fish. Put the container in the refrigerator. From time to time, take it out and turn the mackerel over so it salts evenly. You can start eating the fish after 3 days. Enjoy!
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