Skip to Content

16 Easy Sauces for Mackerel I Can’t Get Enough Of

Mackerel is a delicious, nutritious fish that can be enjoyed as a main dish or part of a side dish.

Adding the right sauce can really enhance the flavor of your mackerel dish.

From traditional sauces to more modern takes, there are many sauces to try with mackerel.

In this blog post, I’ll explore 16 of the best sauces for mackerel dishes.

So if you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your mackerel dish, keep reading!

Sauces for Mackerel

1. Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce for Mackerel

This lemon garlic cream sauce is a great way to bring out the flavor of mackerel.

The acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, while the garlic adds a nice kick.

This sauce pairs well with other seafood dishes as well, such as salmon or cod.

Pro Tip: For an extra zing, add some chopped capers and dill to your sauce!

Here are 3 ways you can change up this lemon garlic cream sauce:

  • Add some chili flakes for a spicy kick
  • Swap out regular cream for coconut milk for a more tropical flavor
  • Add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor

2. Tomato Sauce for Mackerel

I love Italian flavors, so tomato sauce is one of my go-to’s for mackerel.

It’s simple to make – just sauté garlic and onions, add a splash of white wine, then add the tomatoes and seasonings.

This sauce pairs perfectly with mackerel, but it can be used for other seafood dishes too!

Pro Tip: If you want to add a bit more depth of flavor, try adding some anchovies or capers.

Here are 3 ways to change this sauce up:

  • Add herbs like oregano or basil
  • Try swapping out the tomatoes for roasted red peppers
  • Swap out the white wine for chicken broth

3. Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing for Mackerel

If you like something fresh, vibrant, and creamy, this cilantro lime dressing is the perfect accompaniment to any seafood dish.

It’s made with a blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

The tangy acidity from the lime pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try adding some chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick!

3 ways to change this sauce:

  • Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Swap out half of the mayo for sour cream
  • Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley

4. Lemon Sauce for Mackerel

This lemon caper sauce always makes me think of summer.

It’s light, tangy, and pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like mackerel or salmon.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

If you want to change up the recipe, here are some ideas:

  • Add fresh herbs for an herby twist
  • Swap out the capers for olives
  • Try it with white wine instead of lemon juice

5. Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce for Pan Fried Mackerel

How do you feel about spicy food?

If you’re like me and love it, then this sauce is a must-have.

It’s a great accompaniment to any seafood dish, but especially mackerel.

The creamy texture of the yogurt and mayonnaise are balanced with the spiciness of the green chillies – making for an addictive combination!

Pro Tip: To make this sauce even more flavorful, add some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Swap out green chillies for jalapenos if you want it extra spicy!
  • Add in some garlic powder if you want an extra kick of flavor.
  • Try adding in some diced tomatoes for a hint of sweetness.

6. Mushroom Sauce

I’ve loved mushroom sauce ever since I can remember.

It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like mackerel.

Pro Tip: To give the sauce a little extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice.

If you want to change up the sauce, here are three ideas:

  • Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
  • Swap out the mushrooms for other vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus
  • Try adding some cream cheese for an even richer flavor

7. White Wine Sauce

When I think about white wine sauce, I think about the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes.

This sauce is light and buttery, with a subtle flavor of white wine that doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of fish.

It’s also great for adding a little bit more depth to your favorite mackerel dish.

Pro Tip: To make this sauce even richer, add a tablespoon of cream or half-and-half before serving.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Add some garlic for an extra kick
  • Use lemon juice in place of white wine for a brighter flavor
  • Swap out the butter for olive oil for a healthier version

8. Mustard Sauce

Whether you go for a honey mustard version or a whole grain one, mustard sauce is an easy and delicious way to add flavor to your seafood dishes.

This tangy condiment pairs particularly well with mackerel, giving it an extra zing that really brings out the flavors of this fish.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about the acidity! A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can go a long way in brightening up your mustard sauce.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Add some herbs like thyme or oregano for an herbal kick
  • Swap out the mustard for Dijon for a deeper flavor profile
  • Mix in some mayonnaise for extra creaminess

9. Creme Fraiche

Yes, even something as simple as creme fraiche can take a seafood dish from boring to delicious.

It’s creamy, it’s tangy, and it pairs perfectly with fish like mackerel.

Pro Tip: If you want to add more depth of flavor, try adding some garlic or herbs like dill or parsley.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Add some lemon juice for a zesty kick
  • Mix in some horseradish for an extra spicy punch
  • Stir in smoked paprika for smoky flavor

10. Creamy Parmesan Sauce

I swear I put parmesan on anything these days, and this creamy parmesan sauce is no exception.

It’s a great way to add flavor to any fish, especially mackerel.

Pro Tip: Add a dash of lemon juice for extra zing!

If you want to change up the sauce, here are 3 ideas:

  • Swap out the cream for yogurt or sour cream
  • Add some garlic powder or roasted garlic cloves
  • Top with fresh herbs like parsley, basil or chives

11. Sour Cream Sauce

This sauce is usually a hit or miss for people, but I love it!

It’s tangy and creamy at the same time, making it a great accompaniment for fish.

My favorite is mackerel – the sour cream sauce helps to balance out the strong flavor of the fish.

Pro Tip: To make this sauce even more flavorful, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Add some diced tomatoes for a bit of sweetness and crunch
  • Stir in some capers for a briny kick
  • Add smoked paprika for smoky flavor

12. Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish

Something magical happens when you combine butter, garlic and lemon juice.

This lemony butter sauce is a simple way to elevate any dish, especially fish like mackerel.

Pro Tip: To make this sauce extra special, add some capers for an added bit of briny goodness.

Here are 3 ways to change up this sauce:

  • Add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for more flavor
  • Swap out the butter for olive oil for a lighter version
  • Add some white wine for extra depth of flavor

13. Creamy Pepper Sauce

Creamy and peppery – oh dear, it’s no wonder why this sauce is so popular.

It adds a delicious kick to fish and seafood dishes, like mackerel.

My pro tip: if you’re looking for an extra bit of flavor, add in some garlic powder or onion powder.

This creamy pepper sauce is versatile too – here are three ways you can change it up:

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter taste
  • Spice things up with some cayenne pepper
  • Drizzle in some honey for a hint of sweetness

14. Tomato-Cream Sauce

How about some color and flavor with your fish?

Tomato-cream sauce is a great way to dress up any meal.

It’s creamy, tangy and slightly sweet – perfect for any fish recipe.

Pro Tip: Make sure you stir the sauce often while it’s cooking so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Here are 3 ways to change this sauce:

  • Add some herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor
  • Swap out cream for coconut milk if you’re looking for something lighter
  • Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of spice

15. Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce comes in many forms, but my favorite is the classic white sauce.

It’s creamy and cheesy, with a hint of garlic and nutmeg that really brings out the flavor of whatever you’re serving it with.

My go-to pairing for this deliciousness is mackerel – such an underrated fish!

Pro Tip: If you want to add a bit more oomph to your cheese sauce, try adding some smoked paprika or chili flakes.

Here are 3 ways to change up your cheese sauce:

  • Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
  • Swap out the milk for cream
  • Add some bacon lardons

16. Homemade Tartar Sauce

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE tartar sauce.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to any fish dish.

I like to make my own homemade tartar sauce with mayonnaise, capers, dill pickles, lemon juice and garlic powder.

Pro Tip: For a more intense flavor, add some horseradish or mustard!

Here are 3 ways you can change up this sauce:

  • Add in other ingredients such as chives or shallots for a unique flavor.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthy twist.
  • Add some Sriracha to give it a spicy kick!

Related:

What to Serve with Mackerel: 10 Easy Sides

What Sauces Go with Chicken and Rice? (15 Best Sauces)

What Sauce Goes with Beef Wellington? 14 Best Sauces

20 Tasty Sauces for Cod I Can’t Resist

13 Sauces for Pork Belly I Can’t Resist

28 Best Sauces for Chicken Cordon Bleu

16 Easy Sauces for Mackerel I Can't Get Enough Of

16 Easy Sauces for Mackerel I Can’t Get Enough Of

If you're looking for delicious ways to enhance the flavor of your mackerel, try out these 16 easy sauces! From classic favorites like tartar and garlic-lemon to unique spins like chipotle-mango, these sauces are sure to make your mackerel dishes unforgettable. Read on to explore all the tasty options and pick your favorite!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 378 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce for Mackerel
  • Tomato Sauce for Mackerel
  • Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing for Mackerel
  • Lemon Sauce for Mackerel
  • Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce for Pan Fried Mackerel
  • Mushroom Sauce
  • White Wine Sauce
  • Mustard Sauce
  • Creme Fraiche
  • Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  • Sour Cream Sauce
  • Lemon Butter Sauce for Fish
  • Creamy Pepper Sauce
  • Tomato-Cream Sauce
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Homemade Tartar Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite sauce from this list to serve with your meal.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword Sauces for Mackerel
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.