SPECIES

Mackerel Tuna

Scombridae

Covering coastal waters across the northernmost 70% of the Australian coastline, the Mackerel Tuna is one of our most plentiful and affordable species of Tuna. Usually caught by line fishermen as bycatch, this species is currently experiencing an increase in handling practises that allow it to be served alongside the more well-known Tuna. When Bonito is in lower supply, prices of this fish can increase. These are a relatively small fish, with a maximum weight of about ten kilograms, which makes it an excellent choice as a single or double serve. Treat this fish as you would any other Tuna - it’s excellent raw, seared, or hot-smoked.

DIVE DEEPER

COMMERCIAL NAME

Mackerel Tuna

Method of Capture

Line

Region

Northern Australia
Eastern Australia

Other names

Northern Australia
Eastern Australia

Scientific Family

Scombridae

Seasonality

Peaking from November to May.

Size

Up to 100cm in length and can weigh up to 14kg.

Price range

Low priced.
Medium priced.

Alternative Species

Other Tunas, Blue Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel.

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

SHOPPING TIPS

Usually sold as steaks or cutlets (rarely as sashimi). Look for red to burgundy/brownish flesh (colour varies with cut) that is firm, lustrous and moist without any dull brown markings or oozing water and with a pleasant fresh sea smell.

STORAGE TIPS

Make sure whole fish is scaled, gilled, gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap steaks and cutlets in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC. Sashimi-grade fish should be eaten within 24 hours of purchase, or else cooked.

COOKING TIPS

Average yield is 70-75%. Has a medium flavour, medium oiliness and moist flesh, which quickly becomes dry if overcooked.The cooked flesh is creamy brown in colour and breaks into large flakes; there are very few bones to worry about. The centre bone of cutlets can be removed and a filling placed in the cavity. Cut thick steaks into serving-size portions to allow even heat penetration. Unsuitable for serving raw or rare unless it is sashimi-grade.

COOKING METHODS

Poach, pan-fry, stir-fry, bake, braise, grill, barbecue, smoke, pickle. The firm flesh holds together well in soups, curries and casseroles and can be cubed for kebabs.

Flavour pairings

Anchovies, balsamic vinegar, capers, capsicum, eggplant, garlic, ginger, lemon, lime, mayonnaise, olive oil, soy sauce, tomato, wasabi.

IMPORTS

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INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

5 Deep-Sea Fish To Try Before You Die

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar (what is looks like pre flip)

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chardonnay vinegar Salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
2 golden shallots, very finely diced Rock salt, for serving
 12 freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters Chervil sprigs, for garnishing

METHOD:
Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and pepper and stir in shallot.

5 Deep-Sea Fish To Try Before You Die

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar

Oysters With Shallot Vinegar (what is looks like pre flip)

Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

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Consectetuer Adipiscin

Far away, behind the word consonantia there live the blind texts n which roasted parts of sentences.

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