noun
vinegared mackerel; soused mackerel
A dish of mackerel marinated in vinegar, often served as sushi or sashimi.
この店のしめさばは絶品だ。
The vinegared mackerel at this restaurant is exquisite.
しめさばを酢飯にのせて食べる。
I eat vinegared mackerel on vinegared rice.
From しめる (to pickle in vinegar) + さば (mackerel). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is a straightforward compound describing the preparation method.