Silesian-style Smoked Mackerel Salad

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we replace the traditional Japanese bonito fish with locally sourced smoked mackerel, adding a distinct smoky flavor to the dish. The original dish is typically served with soy sauce and ginger, but in this Silesian version, we use a tangy vinaigrette dressing to enhance the flavors. Additionally, we incorporate Silesian vegetables to give the salad a regional touch. We alse have the original recipe for Katsuo no tataki, so you can check it out.

• 4 smoked mackerel fillets (200g / 7oz) 4 smoked mackerel fillets (200g / 7oz)
• 2 cups (200g) mixed salad greens 2 cups (200g) mixed salad greens
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette dressing.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
3. 3.
   Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
4. 4.
   Flake the smoked mackerel fillets into bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad.
5. 5.
   Toss the salad once again, ensuring the mackerel is evenly distributed.
6. 6.
   Serve the Silesian-style Smoked Mackerel Salad immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked Mackerel — Ensure the mackerel fillets are properly smoked and have a rich smoky aroma. If fresh smoked mackerel is not available, you can use canned smoked mackerel as a substitute.
• Salad Greens — Choose a mix of fresh and crisp salad greens such as lettuce, arugula, and spinach for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Cucumber — Use a seedless cucumber or remove the seeds before slicing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
• Red Onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its sharp flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes to add a burst of sweetness to the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can lightly grill the mackerel fillets before flaking them into the salad.
• Add a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Customize the salad by adding sliced radishes or grated carrots for additional color and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the salad.
• Serve the salad on a bed of boiled potatoes for a heartier Silesian twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Silesian-style Smoked Mackerel Salad as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs well with crusty bread or Silesian rye bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and mackerel to shine through. Garnish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for an added touch of freshness.