Tokyo Recipes by Nadia

Curry Pan-Fried Mackerel

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This simple yet flavorful dish features mackerel fillets coated in aromatic curry powder and lightly pan-fried—perfect for when you want a quick dinner that pairs beautifully with rice.

Curry powder, originally a blend of Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili pepper, was adapted by the British in the 18th century and later introduced to Japan in the Meiji era.It became a staple in Japanese home cooking, eventually inspiring the rich and comforting “Japanese curry” we know today.

Though pre-made curry roux is now common in Japan, curry powder remains a versatile pantry item, great for stir-fries, soups, and dry curries.

This recipe is a family-friendly favorite, loved by both kids and adults for its mild spice and savory depth.

Just coat and cook—so easy!

Curry Pan-Fried Mackerel
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COOKING TIME

20 minutes

RATE
Mikupon
Artist

Mikupon

I was born in 1990 and am a mother of two—ages 5 and 3. After getting married and having children, I realized how happy it makes me to hear my family say, “This is delicious!” That joy motivated me to keep improving and to create dishes that bring smiles to the table. As an ordinary mom raising kids in a typical household, I focus on sharing affordable, simple, and tasty recipes that don’t require much money or effort, yet still make everyone happy.

PROFILE

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 2

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.

  • 2 salted mackerel fillets
  • 1 tbsp. sake (or dry white wine)
  • 1 tsp. curry powder
  • 2 tbsp. potato starch (can substitute corn starch)
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1

    Cut the mackerel into bite-sized pieces. Pour the sake over the mackerel and let the pieces sit for about 5 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.

    Curry Pan-Fried Mackerel Process1
  • 2

    Place the mackerel and curry powder into a zip-top bag. Massage gently to coat. Add the potato starch, seal the bag with some air inside, and shake until the fish is evenly coated.

    Curry Pan-Fried Mackerel Process2
  • 3

    Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place the mackerel skin-side down and cook until golden brown. Flip and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked through.

    Curry Pan-Fried Mackerel Process3

RecipeID

106

Tips & Notes

・ Adjust the amount of curry powder to taste. For a milder flavor, use 1/2 tsp.
・ For small children, just a hint of curry powder gives a nice aroma without overwhelming spice.
・ This recipe uses large mackerel fillets; adjust cooking time if using thinner cuts.

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