Mackerel with Pickled Ginger
Mackerel with Pickled Ginger is a classic Japanese dish, often served as part of a sushi meal or as a standalone appetizer. It features fresh or cured mackerel (saba) paired with vibrant pink pickled ginger (gari), which acts as a palate cleanser and flavor enhancer.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and healthy omega-3 fats, with minimal carbohydrates. A typical serving provides around 200-250 calories, along with significant amounts of vitamin D, B12, and selenium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin D | 10 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.5 µg |
| Selenium | 55 µg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 2.5 g |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
Per 1 fillet (150 g) with 1 tbsp (15 g) pickled ginger · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The pairing is a perfect example of Japanese culinary balance: the rich, oily fish is cut by the sharp, sweet ginger, while the ginger's natural antimicrobial properties traditionally helped preserve the fish before modern refrigeration.
