The 10 Tastiest Fish To Eat & The 10 Best Ways To Prepare Them
Get Your Omega-3s
Fish is one of the leaner, healthier ways to consume protein, and many countries have implemented stronger regulations to maintain sustainable fishing practices. Any type of fish is quite tasty, and most of them can be made quickly, which is great for anyone with a busy schedule. Have you tried every fish on this list?
1. Salmon
Salmon is one of the tastier fish out there, due to its naturally high fat content. Salmon also contains omega-3s, a silky texture, and a more balanced fish flavor than other species.
2. Halibut
Halibut is a whitefish that has a firm, meaty texture. They’re typically found in the colder waters of Scotland, Norway, Iceland, and Newfoundland. They’re a great source of protein, omega-3s, selenium, niacin, and magnesium. Halibut can help maintain a healthy heart and brain, and help with inflammation.
3. Cod
Cod is a larger fish that lives in cold water areas of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, usually close to the ocean floor. Cod is a great source of lean proteins, omega-3s, iodine, and Vitamin B. Eating cod regularly can help with heart health, brain function, thyroid regulation, and bone strength.
4. Tuna
You can find tuna just about anywhere in the world, as there are around 15 species worldwide.. The best kind of tuna to eat is usually albacore, as it has a mild flavor and higher omega-3 content. Skipjack is also a well-liked species, as it’s a low-mercury, sustainable option.
5. Mahi-Mahi
Mahi-mahi are a fish found in the temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas of the world. They prefer the warmer weather and typically keep to the surface of the ocean. Mahi-mahi has all the standard benefits of omega-3, vitamin B, selenium, and is a good source of lean protein.
6. Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout is a cold-water fish that is native to the Pacific Ocean, but also has naturalized freshwater populations in the Great Lakes. Rainbow trout has been described as having a delicate, nutty flavor, and eating it regularly supports heart and brain health.
7. Herring
Herring is a type of fish that is usually found in the temperate to cold water areas, most notably the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Herring is considered a nutrient-dense fish, full of Vitamin D and omega-3. It’s also said to be lower in mercury, making it a healthier option.
8. Swordfish
Swordfish are found in the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Swordfish is a larger fish, making it more prone to high levels of mercury, and it should be consumed in moderation. However, it does have essential minerals like selenium and vitamin B12, which are good for heart and bone health.
9. Catfish
Catfish can be found around every continent except Antarctica, and they inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments. Catfish is said to contain vitamin B12, D, and minerals like selenium and phosphorus. It’s also considered low in mercury.
10. Mackerel
Mackerel are usually found in coastal waters in cold to temperate regions, migrating from the warmer, shallow waters in summer months to the deeper shelf waters when the weather turns. Mackerel is considered a very nutritious fish, full of omega-3 and vitamins B and D. It has good heart and brain health, and also strengthens the immune system.
1. Baking
Baking is recommended for any whole fish that weighs 2 to 2 ½ pounds, with bass, branzino, snapper, or dorades being considered the best for a salt bake.
2. Broiling
Broiling fish is a great way to get a crispy dinner relatively quickly, but it’s mostly recommended for fattier fish or thinner fillets, as they’re less likely to dry out. Fish like salmon, northwest pacific halibut, or pacific black cod will hold up well against the heat of the broiler.
3. Pan-Frying
Pan frying fish is a quick and easy way to have a healthy dinner while still keeping your cut juicy and tender. Use canola, vegetable, sunflower, or safflower oil for frying, as they have a higher smoke point and will let the fish’s natural flavor shine.
4. Deep-Frying
To enjoy the deliciousness of fish’n’chips from the comfort of your own home, look no further than deep-frying your fish. The best type of fish to deep fry is lean, white, and flaky species. Cod, haddock, tilapia, walleye, perch, and catfish are all great options.
5. Grilling
Grilling fish is a healthier way to enjoy your aquatic protein, and a grill can add a smoky element to the fish’s flavor profile. Thick, firm fish, like salmon or swordfish, are best for the grill, as they won’t break apart as easily.
6. Poaching
Poaching means to slowly simmer food in a liquid at a low temperature, which is an excellent way to cook fish. You can poach fish in water, or use wine, broth, milk, or other liquids to give it an extra flavor boost.
7. Steaming
Steaming fish is a popular method of food preparation in Chinese culture. Place your fish above an inch of boiling water and cover with a lid, and you’ll have dinner ready in less than 10 minutes. Fish like cod, halibut, tilapia, flounder, and snapper are the best choices for this method of preparation.
8. Sous Vide
Cooking things sous vide means vacuum-sealing food and submerging it in a temperature-controlled water bath. The best types of fish for sous vide include salmon, cod, swordfish, and trout.
9. Braising
Braising is a two-step process where you sear your meat at a high heat before slow-cooking it in a small amount of liquid to tenderize. Fish that can hold up against the process of braising include cod, halibut, monkfish, salmon, and snapper.
10. Curing
Curing is a lengthy process that preserves meat by smoking and salting cuts of meat or fish to enhance flavor and prevent spoilage. Fattier fishes like salmon, trout, kingfish, sardines, and mackerel are the best options for curing, as they have a higher oil content.
