vinegared mackerel; soused mackerel
A dish of mackerel marinated in vinegar, often served as sushi or sashimi.
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.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; 鯖 is a common kanji for mackerel.
Katakana spelling is also used, especially in menus or for emphasis.
Rare kanji form; 締め is a rarely used kanji for this word.
From the attributive form of 締める “firm or cure with salt or vinegar” and 鯖 “mackerel,” denoting mackerel cured with salt and vinegar.