• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Jo's Kitchen Larder

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Soups, Starters & Light Meals

    Published: Feb 5, 2019 · Modified: Jan 11, 2022 by joskitchenlarder · 24 Comments. · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Bookmark Bookmarked!
    Smoked Mackerel Pate Pin - pate in ramekins on serving board with bread and veg garnishes

    Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish is quick, easy, versatile & full of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Perfect as an elegant fish starter, snack or light lunch!

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - pate served in ramekins with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes around

    The recipe I'm sharing with you today is super simple yet so delicious. I am a big fan of spreads and pastes as sandwich fillings but also as a moreish addition to an oatcake or a cracker. My Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish is one of those spreads. It's quick and easy to prepare so you can enjoy it in no time.

    Is Smoked Mackerel Pâté spicy?

    It will depend on the type of horseradish cream (sauce) you use. The one I've used here was quite mild and creamy but you can also buy hotter varieties with more actual horseradish in the sauce. You could also use fresh horseradish root (if you can get hold of one) but be ware as this stuff really has a kick to it so add a grating at a time and taste, taste, taste!

    How can I make Smoked Mackerel Pâté healthier?

    This pâté is pretty wholesome, however, I do use full fat mayo in this recipe. The good news is, you can quite drastically reduce the number of fat and calories by making some easy  swaps. One of the obvious ones would be using reduced fat mayo instead of full fat version. You could also use half mayo half natural yogurt or reduced fat creme fraiche which works just as well.

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - close up in ramekin

    Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish - serving suggestions

    This pate is really versatile and could be served as one of the following:

    • Paired with some lightly toasted sourdough it would make an elegant fish starter.
    • It would make a perfect dip for toasted pita bread pieces.
    • Delicious sandwich filler.
    • It goes really well as a topping for baked sweet potato or regular jacket potato.
    • Lovely on its own on top of some mixed salad leaves.
    • Try it as a snack or light lunch paired with some oatcakes or crackers and array of salad goodies like radishes, cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes (perfect addition to any picnic or party spread together with few of my other favourites:
      Asparagus and Parma Ham Twists with Pesto

      Vegetarian Sausage Rolls

      Mushroom and Walnut Pâté (Vegan)Party Sausages with Honey & Mustard Glaze

      Easy Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

      Kale Crisps

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - Serving suggestion, pate spread on slice of sourdough

    How long will this pâté keep for and can I freeze it?

    Smoked Mackerel Pâté can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing, however, wouldn't be advisable as it contains mayo which doesn't freeze well.

    I like my fish pâté smooth and this one looks quite chunky.

    I usually flake the mackerel fillets into a bowl and mix all the ingredients with the fork keeping some texture. However, if you prefer really smooth pates the best way would be to put the fillets into the food process and whiz them until smooth before adding all the other ingredients and mixing them in with a fork.

    How to make Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish - Step By Step

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - all the ingredients laid out on the board
    1. Prepare your ingredients.
    Smoked Mackerel Pate - skinned and flaked mackerel in a bowl
    2. Skin your mackerel fillets and flake them into small pieces into a bowl watching out for any pin bones.
    Smoked Mackerel Pate - mackerel in a bowl with mayo and horseradish added
    3. Add mayo and horseradish cream and mix well with a fork.
    Smoked Mackerel Pate - lemon juice being added to the mackerel
    4. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Squeeze quarter of a lemon at a time, taste and squeeze more if you want to.
    Smoked Mackerel Pate - green onions being added to the mackerel
    5. Add thinly sliced spring onions (scallions) and mix well.
    Smoked Mackerel Pate - mackerel pate mixed and ready to be served
    6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

    📋 Recipe

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - pate served in ramekins with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes around
    Print Pin
    5 from 5 votes

    Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pâté

    Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish is quick, easy, versatile & full of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Perfect as an elegant starter, snack or light lunch!
    Course Appetizer, Light Lunch, Snack, Starter
    Cuisine British, International
    Keyword elegant starter, horseradish, Omega-3, smoked mackerel pate
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 173kcal
    Author Jo Allison
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 200-250 g smoked mackerel fillets skinned
    • 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • juice of quarter or half a lemon depending on your taste
    • 3 spring onions (scallions) (green parts only + more as garnish) washed and thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon horseradish cream (sauce) or more depending on your preference
    • salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Take the skin off the mackerel and tear the fish into small pieces then pop them in a bowl. Make sure you pay attention to tiny little bones which you want to discard. If you like your pate really smooth, simply whiz it in a food processor instead.
    • Using a fork mix flaked or pureed fish with mayonnaise and horseradish. 
    • Add juice of a lemon and mix thoroughly. Start with quarter of a lemon first, taste and add more if needed.  
    • Wash and slice finely your spring onions and mix with the fish.
    • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is approximate and should be treated as a guideline only.
    • You could substitute spring onions with small bunch of chives.
    • For healthier ingredient substitutions check out the post above. 
    • Pate will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pâté
    Amount Per Serving (0 g)
    Calories 173 Calories from Fat 108
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 12g18%
    Saturated Fat 2g10%
    Cholesterol 33mg11%
    Sodium 136mg6%
    Potassium 287mg8%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    Fiber 0g0%
    Sugar 0g0%
    Protein 12g24%
    Vitamin A 130IU3%
    Vitamin C 3.9mg5%
    Calcium 21mg2%
    Iron 0.9mg5%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Tag me @Joskitchenlarder or use hashtag #joskitchenlarder!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on 27 July 2017, but was republished with new recipe card, updated photos, step-by-step process photos,  tips and other useful info in February 2019.

    More smoked mackerel recipes you might enjoy:

    Smoked Mackerel Quiche with Horseradish

    Leeks and Smoked Mackerel Risotto

    Smoked Mackerel Pate - pate in ramekins on serving board with bread and veg garnishes

    MAKE SURE YOU STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST RECIPES FROM JO’S KITCHEN LARDER

    Subscribe to our mailing list



    Pin Smoked Mackerel Pâté with Horseradish For Later!

    Smoked Mackerel Pate Pin - pate in ramekins on serving board with bread and veg garnishes

    Linkies:

    Cook Blog Share with Easy Peasy Foodie

    Cook Once Eat Twice hosted by Corina at Searching for Spice

    Simple and in Season hosted by Katie at Feeding Boys

    More Soups, Starters & Light Meals

    • Butternut squash and red lentil soup in a bowl garnished with parmesan and three pan fried sage leaves.
      Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Soup with Sage
    • Close up of kohlrabi on a wooden board.
      How to Cook Kohlrabi
    • Close up of cheese and onion quiche.
      Cheese and Onion Quiche (with Wild Garlic)
    • Hand holding a cracker dipped in pink hummus.
      Beetroot Hummus

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Please leave a comment & rating if you've made my recipe! Feel free to ask questions too, I reply to all! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

      February 07, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      This reminds me of a fish dip that I make for parties. I've never tried it with horseradish though -- that sounds like a great twist!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:53 pm

        Thank you Lisa! 🙂 Horseradish provides that little bit of umami flavour, definitely worth trying! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Gabi says

      February 07, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      I think you can't have enough long chain omega 3 fatty acid sources. Your delicious looking pate is another smart way to get this important nutrient. On top, fish and horseradish are for me a perfect match:)

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:50 pm

        Thank you Gabi! 🙂 Definitely, smoked fish in particular! It's a lovely combo!:)

        Reply
    3. Suzy says

      February 07, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      This is such a unique recipe using mackerel. Love it!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:49 pm

        Thank you Suzy! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours says

      February 07, 2019 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      Smoked mackerel and horseradish are delicious flavours, so having them together makes perfect sense. I'd definitely use yogurt in the mix, I think that would be utterly delicious.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:49 pm

        Thank you Helen! Yogurt works really well here if you are after lighter version although I would still keep some mayo in. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Tayler Ross says

      February 07, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for a light lunch yesterday and loved it! I can't wait to have it again!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:44 pm

        I'm really glad to hear that, thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Anna | Once Upon A Food Blog says

      February 06, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      My youngest loves smoked mackerel pate but she likes it whizzed in the food processor to remove all chance of finding bones. Congratulations on making this look really pretty, I reckon that's quite an achievement!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 07, 2019 at 4:42 pm

        Thank you Anna! 🙂 Kids usually prefer smoother dips and pates, I know my youngest does. M 8-year-old on the other hand is smoked fish aficionado and will eat it in any shape or form pulling little pin bones out as he goes lol

        Reply
    7. Jacqui says

      August 01, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      love smoked mackerel pate and you have made it look so pretty. Im not sure it would have been the easiest thing to shoot. I bet the crunch of radish is lovely with it will have to try remember next time i serve it.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        August 01, 2017 at 7:18 pm

        Thanks Jacqui! It is too good, isn't it? I'm still getting to grips with whole food photography thing as well as my camera, winging it most of the time 😉 Radishes are really nice here but someone on Insta suggested beetroot which I never though of but think would actually work really lovely too. x

        Reply
    8. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says

      July 31, 2017 at 9:07 pm

      I love recipes like this - really simple to make but looks (and I assume tastes) absolutely amazing! Really need to try that smoked mackerel and horseradish combo too - sounds fab! Eb x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        August 01, 2017 at 8:14 am

        Thanks Eb! You've got to give this combo a go, it really is delicious! x

        Reply
    9. Corina says

      July 30, 2017 at 6:08 am

      It looks delicious! I haven't had horseradish for years as I wasn't keen on it when I was a child so I've avoided it ever since. However, looking at this and reading about it does make me want to try it again. I suspect it's one of those things I'd then fall in love with! Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        August 01, 2017 at 8:21 am

        Thanks Corina! Horseradish is not overpowering here at all and fish definitely takes the centre stage. It cuts through the smokiness of the rich mackerel nicely though, making you wonder, mmm what's that? Oh horseradish! 😉 Give it a go, you might just like it! xx

        Reply
    10. ema says

      July 29, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      One of my favourites - love mackerel pate 🙂

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        August 01, 2017 at 8:25 am

        Thanks Ema! 🙂 It's mine too! x

        Reply
    11. Vicky | The Flourishing Pantry says

      July 28, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      This sounds amazing, I have really got into making my own pate and did a liver one at Christmas. I must give this a try! Thanks for sharing, found you via #RecipeOfTheWeek x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        July 28, 2017 at 8:15 pm

        Hi Vicky, Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂 I love pate and beside this one chicken livers is my other favourite. I highly recommend smoked mackerel and horseradish combo, oh so good. 🙂 x

        Reply
    12. Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says

      July 28, 2017 at 8:36 am

      I love horseradish but do not have it very often, this needs to change. This looks delicious! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        July 28, 2017 at 8:08 pm

        Thanks Kirsty! Horseradish cuts through the richness of the fish which works really nicely. I just love it! x

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I’m Jo and this blog is where I share lots of simple, family friendly and mostly plant based recipes we enjoy eating and now you can easily recreate at home.

    More about me →

    Trending

    • Soda bread loaf on a board with bread knife and butter.
      Irish Soda Bread with Yogurt
    • Bread with couple slices cut off, butter, jam & knives.
      Easy Wholemeal Bread Recipe (No Knead)
    • Close up of a veggie sausage roll on a baking tray.
      Vegetarian Sausage Rolls Recipe
    • Banana flapjacks decorated with banana slices.
      Healthy Banana Flapjacks

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2017- 2025 Jo's Kitchen Larder | All Rights Reserved

    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • Email
    • WhatsApp

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.