We've got that killer mackerel (an oily, pelagic fish in the family Scombridae) recipe in mind, but - surprise! - no mackerel in sight.
No need to sweat it. We've all been there, standing in the grocery aisle, scratching our heads.
Here's a nugget: there are plenty of fish in the sea. Literally!
Subbing for mackerel doesn't have to be a headache. Some alternatives will even improve your dish.
Each brings its own twist.
Get ready to shake up your cooking game with some easy-to-find, flavorful options. After all, who said you can't improvise in style?
7 Easy Substitutes for Mackerel
While mackerel has a unique flavor, there are other fish that can add an intense and delicious touch to your dishes. Here are seven of our top picks for mackerel substitutes:
1 - Sardines
First, let's talk sardines. Sardines are a top-notch swap for mackerel.
They have that same oily richness and strong flavor (with a briny, slightly smoky flavor) that we love.
They're smaller, so you might need more of them, but they can seriously amp up your dish.
Sardines are a bit saltier and have a firmer texture. Think mackerel's feisty little cousin.
Perfect for grilling or tossing on a salad.
If you're curious about more fish swaps, check out this list of sardine substitutes.
One can of sardines equals about one fillet of mackerel. Give them a try next time, we promise, you won't miss the mackerel.
2 - Anchovies
Anchovies pack a bold, salty flavor (with pronounced umami and briny notes).
They're smaller, but don't be fooled. Their intense taste can improve many dishes.
These little fishies are often packed in oil, making them extra rich. T4Think of them as mackerel's intense older brother.
Perfect in pasta sauces or on pizzas. They melt in and give that umami kick.
Normal usage: one anchovy fillet equals one mackerel fillet. Want more ideas with anchovies?
Check out this list of anchovy substitutes. Use them liberally; you won't miss mackerel.
3 - Tuna
While mackerel is hard to find, tuna is our go-to fish.
Tuna (a firm, meaty fish from the genus Thunnus) has a mellow, versatile flavor compared to mackerel's boldness.
Short on mackerel? Use an equal amount of tuna.
Great in salads, pasta, or grilled and pairs well with tuna melt side dishes.
Fun fact, tuna's flavor adapts to different seasonings. We love tossing it in a zesty lime marinade.
Want more ideas for fish swaps? Check out our tuna substitutes article.
Tuna brings a new twist to your dishes. Get creative and enjoy your meal!
4 - Salmon
The king of versatile fish, salmon (an oily fish in the family Salmonidae) hits the mark as a substitute for mackerel.
Its texture is tender and flaky.
We love grilling it or tossing it in a salad, and it pairs nicely with poached salmon side dishes.
Want to flex your cooking skills? Pair it with a honey glaze.
Curious about more swaps? Check out these fab salmon substitutes.
You'll never sweat missing mackerel again.
5 - Trout
The fish that brings it home. Trout (commonly rainbow trout, a member of the Salmonidae family) has a mild flavor that's rich but less intense than mackerel.
Its texture is delicate and flaky.
We love cooking it on the grill. For every mackerel fillet, use one trout fillet.
Trout pairs well with almost anything and works beautifully alongside trout almondine side dishes.
We've tried it with lemon and herbs, and it's perfect. Trout's similar oily goodness makes it a solid mackerel swap.
For more fishy tips, check out our guide on best rainbow trout substitutes.
6 - Herring
The cool cousin of mackerel, herring has a rich, savory flavor. It's a tad milder, which makes it approachable.
This fish (a member of the Clupeidae family) brings a slight hint of sweetness, improving your dish.
We swap one mackerel fillet with one herring fillet. Perfect for grilling or smoking.
Remember that time we tried herring in a sandwich? It was a hit!
Herring's texture is tender and flaky.
7 - Bluefish
Last one on our list, bluefish. This fish is all about bold flavor.
It's oily, rich, and packs a savory punch (with a strong, briny flavor and firm flesh). Bluefish has a firm texture, making it perfect for grilling.
We love its strong taste. It's a bit like mackerel's sassy twin.
Replace mackerel with bluefish one-to-one. Try it smoked or grilled with a bit of lemon.
Our favorite way to cook it? Throw it on the grill for a tasty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sardines have a similar texture and oily richness, making them a great substitute for mackerel in many dishes, especially in Mediterranean-style recipes.
Yes, anchovies can replace mackerel in sauces, offering a salty, umami-packed flavor. They work especially well in savory sauces and dressings.
Tuna is milder and leaner compared to mackerel's stronger flavor, but it's still a suitable substitute when you want a firm, meaty texture in dishes like salads or casseroles.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
