Saba (鯖) is mackerel and Shioyaki (塩焼き) means salt (shio) and grilling (yaki). As you can guess, the only seasoning we need for this dish is salt, which brings out the rich flavors of mackerel.

Is Saba a healthy fish?

Saba is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, EPA and DHA are vital to cell development, and are needed for fetal development and healthy ageing.

What does Saba fish taste like?

Taste. Saba's flavor is incredibly complex so many will simply describe it as “flavorful” or “strong.” It has a bit of fishiness (not too much when fresh), saltiness, some notes of sourness from both the natural flavor of the fish and vinegar marinade, and deep umami.