Mackerel 1-Sun Dried: What is it? Selling Price and Effective Storage

One-sun-dried mackerel is a familiar ingredient in many Vietnamese kitchens thanks to its rich flavor, firm flesh, and versatility in cooking. Not only convenient, this type of fish retains its original freshness, making it perfect for quick yet nutritious meals. So, what is one-sun-dried mackerel, how much does it cost, and how should it be stored to maintain the best quality? To answer these questions, let’s join Ola Squid to explore the details in the article below! 

1. Understanding one-sun-dried mackerel

Mackerel is a type of seafood rich in protein and healthy fats, providing numerous health benefits for all ages, from children and the elderly to pregnant and postpartum women. Thanks to its high nutritional value and distinct delicious flavor, mackerel is always a favorite food in Vietnamese family meals.

One-sun-dried mackerel is processed from fresh mackerel caught offshore. After the boat docks, the fish are carefully selected, keeping only the freshest ones. The fish are cleaned with seawater, sliced into portions (the thickest and tastiest part), and then dried under intense sunlight just once.

The one-sun-drying process helps the fish surface firm up, makes the meat chewy, reduces the fishy smell, yet retains the freshness and natural nutritional content inside. The finished product is then vacuum-sealed and frozen at -18°C for long-term storage while ensuring quality.

2. Nutritional value of one-sun-dried mackerel

One-sun-dried mackerel is not only attractive for its rich flavor but is also considered a nutrient-dense food source, specifically:

• Fish meat contains high protein content and is low in fat, suitable for those on a diet or looking to maintain a healthy physique.
• Notably, mackerel is rich in omega-3, primarily in the form of DHA – a crucial nutrient for brain development and vision. Regular consumption of mackerel helps children develop intellectually while supporting the elderly in improving and preventing memory loss. Omega-3 also contributes to lowering bad cholesterol, protecting cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of stroke.
• One-sun-dried mackerel also provides essential minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, along with B-group vitamins, vitamin PP, and vitamin D. These nutrients help enhance blood circulation, strengthen the skeletal system, and boost immune resistance.

• For women, the abundant omega-3 in mackerel plays a role in supporting the reduction of discomfort during menstrual cycles, while also contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer.

3. How much does one-sun-dried mackerel cost?

The price of one-sun-dried mackerel depends on the size (large or small fish), packaging method (sliced or whole), and quality grade. In the market, the price usually ranges from 270,000 – 330,000 VND/kg.

For premium grade one-sun-dried mackerel with thick meat, carefully selected, the price may be higher depending on the needs and selection criteria of each family. However, this is only a reference price, as actual costs may vary based on time and supply sources.

To ensure you purchase fresh, quality products at a reasonable price, consumers should prioritize reputable addresses with clear information and positive feedback.

4. Dishes made from one-sun-dried mackerel

One-sun-dried mackerel is chewy, fragrant, and sweet, making it easy to process and suitable for many familiar dishes. Here are some recipe suggestions for one-sun-dried mackerel:

One-sun-dried mackerel with tomato sauce

Ingredients:

• One-sun-dried mackerel
• Garlic, chili, tomatoes
• Scallions, dill
• Cooking oil
• Seasonings: salt, seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, fish sauce

Simple instructions:

• Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Clean the scallions and dill, and chop them. Crush the garlic, mince it, and slice the chili.
• Next, heat a pan with oil, fry the one-sun-dried mackerel until both sides are beautifully golden, then take it out onto a plate.
• Sauté the garlic with a little oil until fragrant, add tomatoes and stir-fry until soft, seasoning to taste. When the tomatoes are mashed, add a little water to create a slight thickness.
• Next, add the fried fish into the sauce pan, simmer on low heat so the fish absorbs the seasonings. Flip gently, add chili, and adjust seasonings to taste.
• When the sauce thickens and coats each fillet, sprinkle with scallions and dill, then turn off the heat. The one-sun-dried mackerel with tomato sauce is finished with a mild sour, rich flavor, very suitable for serving with hot rice.

Braised mackerel with pineapple

Ingredients:

• 500g one-sun-dried mackerel
• 1/2 pineapple, sliced
• 2 shallots, 1 tomato
• Seasonings: high-quality fish sauce, sugar, MSG, salt, ground pepper, minced chili

Instructions:

• Wash the one-sun-dried mackerel and drain. Marinate the fish with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, and 1/2 tablespoon of MSG for about 10 minutes.
• Next, heat a pot (preferably a clay pot), add a little oil and sauté shallots until fragrant. Then, add tomatoes and pineapple, stirring gently to create a natural sweet and sour flavor.
• Arrange the marinated fish in the pot, add about 1 cup of water, and simmer on low heat so the fish absorbs the seasonings gradually. When the sauce thickens, sprinkle with pepper and minced chili, add scallions for fragrance, and turn off the heat.

Mackerel with butter and lemon sauce

Ingredients:

• 200g one-sun-dried mackerel
• 8 fresh asparagus spears, 100g unsalted butter
• 1 baby potato (peeled, boiled)
• 2 lemons (use juice of 1)
• 1 carrot (diced, boiled)
• 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream, 1 teaspoon seasoning powder

Detailed instructions:

• First, coat the fish lightly with flour on both sides. Heat a pan with oil, fry the fish until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Next, melt the butter on low heat to avoid burning. Once melted, add whipping cream and seasoning powder, stirring constantly until smooth and thick.
• Turn off the heat, add lemon juice, and stir well to create a mild tangy flavor. Keep the sauce warm before serving.
• Finally, place the fish on a plate and drizzle the butter-lemon sauce over it. Arrange asparagus, potatoes, and boiled carrots alongside for a harmonious meal.

Mackerel with garlic and chili fish sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 large slice of one-sun-dried mackerel
• Minced garlic and chili
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
• Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, MSG
• Cucumber, fresh herbs for serving

Instructions:

• Take the fish out of the vacuum bag, wash lightly, and drain. Marinate with a little salt, then coat with a thin layer of tapioca starch for crispiness.
• Heat oil and fry the fish until golden on both sides. Once cooked, remove and drain excess oil.
• Sauté minced garlic and chili in oil. Add fish sauce, sugar, and a little water, stirring until thickened and fragrant, then turn off the heat.
• Finally, pour the sauce over the fish, garnish with cucumber and herbs. This mackerel dish has a harmonious sweet and salty taste, with a light spicy kick that is perfect with hot white rice. 

Read now: What dishes to make with mackerel? Top 16 delicious recipes

5. How to store one-sun-dried mackerel

One-sun-dried mackerel is very easy to store at home. After purchasing, you should place the fish in the freezer compartment at temperatures from -2°C to -18°C to maintain its freshness and meat quality.

If not used immediately, put the remaining fish in a zip bag or airtight container, seal it tightly, and keep it in the freezer. This prevents the fish from dehydrating, maintaining its natural softness and sweetness.

Vacuum-packed fish is more convenient and saves space. Thanks to vacuum technology, one-sun-dried mackerel does not require preservatives and can be stored for a long time, up to 12 months, if a stable freezing temperature is maintained.

One-sun-dried mackerel with its delicious flavor and firm meat is easy to cook and provides high nutritional value for every family member. We hope this information is helpful to you, and don’t forget to follow the Ola Squid Blog to update more useful articles on cuisine, cooking recipes, kitchen tips, and more. Explore our wide range of products on our homepage today!