Saba no Misoni Teishoku – Japanese Set Meal with Miso-Simmered Mackerel

Introduction

Saba no misoni, or miso-simmered mackerel, is a traditional Japanese home-style dish known for its deep umami flavor and comforting warmth. Dating back centuries, it reflects the time when miso was not only a seasoning but also a way to preserve food. The rich miso sauce balances the natural oiliness of the mackerel, resulting in a savory-sweet glaze that melts in your mouth.

This set meal includes classic side dishes like spinach ohitashi and tamagoyaki, along with rice and miso soup, creating a balanced and nourishing teishoku.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare tender mackerel with no fishy smell, create side dishes that complete the meal, and assemble a tray that feels like home. I made this because my Japanese friend Haruna requested a proper teishoku, and saba misoni is her favorite.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

🐟 Main dish: Saba no Misoni

• 2 mackerel fillets (about 300g total)
• 2 tbsp miso
• 2 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 100 ml water
• 3–4 slices fresh ginger (julienned or sliced)

🥬 Side: Spinach Ohitashi

• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• A pinch of katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

🍳 Side: Tamagoyaki

• 2 eggs
• A pinch of sugar
• A dash of soy sauce

🍚 Others

• Cooked white rice
• Miso soup (tofu, wakame, and miso paste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the mackerel

• Rinse the fillets and lightly score the skin.
• Pour boiling water over them quickly to remove any fishy smell. Pat dry.

Step 2: Make the simmering sauce

• In a frying pan, mix miso, sake, mirin, soy sauce, and water.
• Add sliced ginger and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the fish

• Place the fillets skin side up.
• Cover with a drop lid or foil, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Spoon the sauce over them occasionally.
• Keep basting to bring out the shine.

Step 4: Prepare the sides

• Spinach ohitashi: Boil spinach, cool in ice water, drain, cut, and season with soy sauce and katsuobushi.
• Tamagoyaki: Beat eggs, season with sugar and soy sauce, and fry in layers.

Step 5: Assemble the set meal

• Serve the fish with rice, miso soup, and side dishes on a tray or plate.

Tips

• Mackerel is rich in umami and omega-3, perfect for a nourishing meal.
• If using frozen fillets, thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.
• You can freeze leftover miso sauce and use it for other fish like salmon or sardines.

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube!

For a step-by-step video tutorial, check out my YouTube channel:

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