Couples putting together a sharing platter
You’d like to add your own toast, crudités, citrus fruit or herbs. Lightly seasoned fillets in olive oil let you choose the accompaniments when it’s time to serve.
Who are these recipes for?
Fans of a more flavoursome starter
You’d prefer a recipe that already has a grilled or spicy note, without having to prepare an extra seasoning. Check that the flavour will suit your fellow diner too.
Shoppers who care about ingredients and leftovers
Before serving, you want to know how much fish is in the pack, what the ingredients are, which allergens it contains and how to store it after opening.
What should you look for before choosing?
First, decide whether you want to season the fillets yourself or serve a recipe that’s already full of flavour. Then compare the amount of fish you can serve and the information on the packaging.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| A base to customise | Read the ingredients and check the type of oil, then compare the drained net weight if it’s listed. | If I’m putting together a sharing platter for two with my own accompaniments, I prefer a subtle seasoning; around 42% of consumers would prioritise this freedom to customise. |
| A recipe that’s already full of flavour | Tell the difference between a grilled recipe and a spicy one, and check the ingredients in the variety you choose. | If I want to keep preparation to a minimum, I’m happy with a flavour that’s already there, as long as we both like it; around 33% of consumers would favour this option. |
| Ingredients and storage | Check the amount of fish, allergens and storage instructions after opening on the packaging. | If I’m expecting leftovers or need to consider a dietary restriction, I read the label before serving; nearly 25% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing tins by total weight alone
When fish is packed in a covering liquid, the drained net weight helps you compare how much you can serve. The DGCCRF states that this information must appear on the label in this case.
Check the drained net weight and the proportion of fish before choosing a size for your meal.
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Assuming all mackerel in olive oil is the same
Saupiquet’s product information lists 20% extra virgin olive oil for the organic fillets reviewed and 10% for the grilled fillets. Carrefour lists 37% for its Carrefour Extra chilli recipe. These proportions apply only to those specific products.
Check the proportion of fish, the amount of oil and the other ingredients in the tin you choose. Then decide how much of the oil to use on your plate.
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Forgetting the storage instructions after opening
An opened tin may need to be kept chilled and used within a set period. For the Saupiquet organic and grilled products featured on its website, Auchan advises transferring the contents to a suitable food container, storing them between 0 and 4 °C and consuming them within 48 hours.
Choose a size that suits a meal for two and follow the tin’s instructions to store any leftovers.
A pack that’s too large for your meal could leave you with a portion that needs using soon after opening.
Brands to compare
Petit Navire
The brand offers mackerel fillets in extra virgin olive oil, as well as flavoured recipes.
- According to Petit Navire, its 145 g product in extra virgin olive oil contains mackerel fillets, extra virgin olive oil and salt.
- This ingredient list applies to this particular product. Check the ingredients of any other Petit Navire recipe before pairing it with your menu.
Saupiquet
The products reviewed let you choose between organic fillets in extra virgin olive oil and grilled fillets.
- Saupiquet lists 78% mackerel and 20% organic extra virgin olive oil for the organic recipe reviewed, compared with 85% mackerel and 10% extra virgin olive oil for the grilled recipe reviewed.
- These proportions don’t apply to the whole range, so check the recipe and pack size of the variety you choose.
Carrefour Extra
The chilli product reviewed is for diners who want a recipe with a bit of heat already built in.
- Carrefour lists 60% white mackerel fillets, 37% extra virgin olive oil and 1.4% chilli for this product, with a drained net weight of 98 g.
- Check that both diners enjoy chilli. These proportions don’t apply to other Carrefour Extra recipes.
Pêche Océan
This own-label brand, sold by E.Leclerc, includes plain fillets as well as varieties with Dijon mustard, white wine and lemon.
- E.Leclerc’s product list can help you find a recipe with seasoning to suit your planned menu.
- Check the product page for the ingredients and pack size of the variety you choose, and check with your local store for availability.
A mackerel option on Joybuy
These fillets in olive oil can be the starting point for a starter with accompaniments of your choice.
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EL TATO Mackerel fillets in olive oil 115/80 g
For a starter you can dress yourself, these mackerel fillets in olive oil make a great base to pair with other items on your menu.
The product name gives a size of 115/80 g. Check the packaging to see what the two weights refer to, and follow its storage instructions after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Which mackerel should I choose for an easy-to-assemble starter for two?
Choose lightly seasoned fillets if you plan to add your own herbs, vegetables or toast. A grilled recipe already brings its own flavour; if you choose a chilli recipe, make sure both diners enjoy spicy food.
How can I compare the amount of fish in two tins?
If the fish is packed in a covering liquid, compare the drained net weight, then check the proportion of fish listed in the recipe. The total weight alone may not tell you how many fillets you’ll be serving.
How should I store mackerel after opening?
Follow the instructions on the tin you choose. For the Saupiquet organic and grilled products featured by Auchan, the instructions advise using a suitable food container, refrigerating at between 0 and 4 °C and consuming within 48 hours of opening.
What should I check if one of the diners has a food allergy?
Read the full ingredients list and check the allergens highlighted on the packaging of the product you plan to serve. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods; the recipe name alone isn’t enough to tell you whether it’s suitable.