Horse Mackerel
Affordable, tasty and best fried.
N 41°09′ · E 29°03′Kireçburnu · Sarıyer
Horse mackerel is one of the fish most often caught in the Bosphorus by both amateur and commercial fishermen. It is plentiful from autumn to spring, and the large fish that come from the Black Sea in winter are the tastiest. Its legal minimum size is 13 cm. Small horse mackerel are called 'kraça' in Istanbul, and catching fish of that size seriously harms the stock.
Why we like it
It is reasonably priced and nutritious, rich in omega-3. With few bones, it is easy to eat when fried, and it is one of the fish families with children order most.
Cooking
- Fried: cornmeal and salt, in hot oil.
- Grilled: large fish, whole.
- Poached: in a tray with vegetables.
Rocket, red onion and lemon are all it needs. Together with whiting, it is the most affordable fish plate of the winter months.
Tasting notes
- Distinct, lightly oily
- Few bones
