Is there anything more satisfying than a really good devilled egg? Bite-sized, creamy, and full of flavour, they’re the sort of thing that disappears from a table before you can say “I’ll just have one.”
In my own Smoked Mackerel Devilled Eggs recipe, we’re keeping things classic, but with a subtle nod to the Irish coast. Think smoked mackerel, fresh dill, a touch of mustard, and the sharp tang of gherkin. These are devilled eggs with character, and they couldn’t be easier to make.
Whether you’re prepping for a casual lunch, a picnic by the sea, or simply fancy something a little different with your afternoon cuppa, these Smoked Mackerel Devilled Eggs are a brilliant little make-ahead bite. They’re also surprisingly affordable, packed with protein, and naturally gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – minimal ingredients, maximum flavour.
- Naturally gluten-free – no fuss, no fillers
- Packed with protein – and omega-3s from the smoked mackerel.
- Perfect for entertaining – or popping in the fridge for weekday snacking.
- An Irish-inspired take on a classic canapé.
These are brilliant as a starter, lunchbox filler, or on a sharing platter with brown bread and pickles. They’re also ideal for spring gatherings & outdoor picnics (let’s pray for the good Irish weather!), afternoon garden snacks, canapés with a twist (think wedding, baby showers, family gatherings) or that post sea swim treat by the Irish coast (we’ve done it, and it’s heaven).
A Word on Mackerel
Smoked mackerel is such a brilliant fridge staple. Full of flavour, relatively inexpensive, and full of good fats, it adds real depth here, without overwhelming the egg. If you can, use Irish or locally sourced mackerel for the freshest taste.
You don’t need much! Just 50g blended with the yolks creates a rich, smoky filling that’s beautifully balanced by the brightness of lemon juice and chopped herbs.
The garnish, meanwhile, is your moment to shine. We love a little sprinkle of smoked paprika, a few dill fronds for flair, and a scatter of black sesame seeds for crunch and contrast but you can add your own variation here!
Smoked Mackerel Devilled Eggs
Equipment
- Saucepan For boiling eggs
- Food processor For blending the yolk & mackerel mix
- Mixing bowl Optional, for folding in herbs etc.
- Knife For halving eggs & chopping ingredients
- Chopping board For prepping gherkin, herbs, etc.
- Spoon or piping bag To fill the egg whites
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs Hard-boiled
- 50 g (approx) Smoked mackerel Roughly chopped
- 3–4 tbsp Mayonnaise To taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Fresh chives Finely chopped
- 1 Medium gherkin Finely chopped
- Few Capers (optional) Roughly chopped
- 3 tsp Gherkin water From the gherkin jar
- Smoked paprika For garnish
- Dill sprigs For garnish
- Black sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
- Boil the eggs in simmering water for 10 minutes. Once done, transfer them to cold water and leave to cool completely.
- Peel and halve the eggs. Carefully scoop out the yolks and place them in a food processor.
- Add smoked mackerel, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Blitz until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in chopped dill, chives, gherkin, capers (optional), and gherkin water using a spoon or spatula.
- Adjust texture by adding extra mayo or gherkin water, depending on how creamy you'd like the filling.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
- Garnish with a dusting of smoked paprika, a few dill sprigs, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
Watch the Episode
Want to see how they come together? Watch Season 2, Episode 1 of Food For Stories where we visit Irish producers, gather the best ingredients, and bring this coastal favourite to life in Kasha’s kitchen.
More Easy Starters You Might Like:
- Crispy Fish Finger Sandwich with Leek & Apple Slaw: https://www.foodforstories.com/crispy-cornflake-fish-finger-sandwich-with-irish-cod-leek-apple-slaw/
- Naturally Green Spinach Roulade: https://www.foodforstories.com/naturally-green-spinach-roulade-recipe-with-mascarpone-cream-strawberries/
- Cacao Black Pudding Sausage Rolls: https://www.foodforstories.com/cacao-spiced-black-pudding-toastie/
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @food_for_stories on Instagram or hashtag it #foodforstories.