This Portuguese fried horse mackerel with tomato rice is a simple and flavorful dinner that brings together crispy golden fish and creamy, homemade tomato rice. It's a traditional Portuguese recipe that's easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
The horse mackerel is lightly coated in flour and fried until crisp on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful inside. The tomato rice is cooked with ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil, creating a rich and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the fish.
This traditional Portuguese recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but also makes a delicious meal when you want to enjoy something a little different. If you love Mediterranean and Portuguese recipes, this is one worth trying!
If you enjoy traditional Portuguese meals made with simple ingredients and the fresh, comforting flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love these recipes. Try this Portuguese Cod Stew (Caldeirada de Bacalhau), Portuguese Clams (Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), and Portuguese Octopus Rice. Three delicious and comforting dishes that showcase the rich flavors and traditions of Portuguese cuisine.
Ingredients for Portuguese Fried Horse Mackerel with Tomato Rice
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Horse mackerel - The main of the recipe, providing a rich fishy flavor and firm, tender texture. When fried, it develops a crispy golden exterior while keeping the fish moist and flavorful.
- All-purpose flour - Creates a light coating around the fish, helping it to become crispy and golden during frying.
- Vegetable oil - Used for frying the fish, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a crisp texture.
- Salt - Enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
- Long-grain rice (or medium-grain rice) - Forms the base of the tomato rice. Long-grain rice creates a lighter, fluffier texture, while medium-grain rice produces a softer and creamier consistency.
- Tomatoes - Add a rich tomato flavor, moisture, and vibrant color to the rice, creating the characteristic taste of this Portuguese side dish.
- Onion - Enhances the overall flavor of tomato rice, creating a richer and more aromatic dish.
- Olive oil - Adds richness and a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic - Adds a light aromatic flavor.
- Water - Cooks the rice and helps the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil combine into a flavorful, comforting tomato sauce.
- Salt - Seasons the rice and brings out the flavors of the tomatoes, garlic, and other ingredients.
For the Fish:
For the Tomato Rice:
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
How to Make Portuguese Fried Horse Mackerel with Tomato Rice
Step 1: For the Fish:
Clean the fish and season with salt. Let it marinate for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Remove the excess salt from the fish and dry it with a clean cloth. Coat the fish evenly with flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish and fry on both sides until golden and crispy. Turn off the heat and transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: For the Tomato Rice:
In a saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and peeled tomatoes cut into small pieces. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
Step 5: Add the rice and season with salt. Stir, pour in the water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Recipe Variations
• Use another fish - If you can't find horse mackerel, substitute another firm fish that is suitable for frying, such as sardines or another locally available fish.
• Add fresh herbs - Finish the tomato rice with chopped fresh parsley or coriander for extra freshness.
• Make the rice more flavorful - Cook the rice with green and red peppers for extra flavor and color.
• Use medium-grain or long-grain rice - Medium-grain rice absorbs more liquid and produces a creamier tomato rice, while long-grain rice gives you a slightly looser texture.
• Serve with lemon - Add fresh lemon wedges alongside the fried fish. A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich, crispy fish and balances the tomato rice.
Tips for Portuguese Fried Horse Mackerel with Tomato Rice
• Choose the right fish - Horse mackerel has firm, flavorful flesh, ideal for frying. When buying fresh fish, look for clear eyes, shiny skin, and a fresh sea smell.
• Dry the fish well - After removing the excess salt, dry the fish well before coating it in flour. This helps the flour adhere properly and gives the fried fish a crispier exterior.
• Keep the oil hot - Make sure the frying oil is hot before adding the fish. If the oil isn't hot enough, the fish may absorb excess oil instead of developing a golden, crisp crust.
• Don't overcrowd the pan - Fry the fish in batches if necessary. Leaving enough space around each piece helps maintain the oil temperature and promotes even browning.
• Cook the rice gently - Once the tomato rice comes to a boil, reduce the heat and cook it gently with the pan covered. This helps the rice cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.
FAQs
What is horse mackerel?
Horse mackerel is a small, flavorful saltwater fish commonly eaten in Portugal and other Mediterranean countries. It has firm, flavorful flesh and is especially delicious when lightly floured and fried.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes. If horse mackerel is difficult to find, you can use another small whole fish or a firm fish suitable for frying. Sardines or other locally available fish can work well, although the flavor will be slightly different.
What is Portuguese tomato rice?
Portuguese tomato rice is a traditional side dish made by cooking rice with tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and water. Depending on the type of rice used and the amount of liquid, it can have a loose, creamy consistency.
How do you keep fried fish crispy?
Dry the fish well before coating it with flour and make sure the frying oil is hot before adding the fish.
What can I serve with fried horse mackerel?
Creamy tomato rice makes an excellent side dish for fried horse mackerel. You can also serve the fish with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
You May Also Like
- Portuguese baby cuttlefish (Algarve style)
- Fish with lemon onion sauce
- Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe)
- Portuguese style baked fish
- Fish in tomato sauce
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Portuguese Fried Horse Mackerel with Tomato Rice
This Portuguese fried horse mackerel with tomato rice is a simple and flavorful dinner that brings together crispy golden fish and creamy, homemade tomato rice. It's a traditional Portuguese recipe that's easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
- 1 kg (2 1/4 pounds) horse mackerel
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil to fry the fish
- Salt (to taste)
- 250 grams (1 1/4 cups) long-grain rice (or medium-grain rice)
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- 700 ml (3 cups) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Fish:
Clean the fish and season with salt. Let it marinate for about 1 hour. - Remove the excess salt from the fish and dry it with a clean cloth. Coat the fish evenly with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fish and fry on both sides until golden and crispy. Turn off the heat and transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- For the Tomato Rice:
In a saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and peeled tomatoes cut into small pieces. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down. - Add the rice and season with salt. Stir, pour in the water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
INGREDIENTS
- For the Fish:
- For the Tomato Rice:
