With COVID looming and holiday gatherings in question, Turkey has moved its way off many Thanksgiving menus. Fear not. Providing a local experience is our specialty, and this how-to guide will assist you with how to Catch & Cook Your Way for Turkey Day.
Ultimately, you can take any fish, cook it any number of ways, and still have it turn out delicious. Regardless of species or technique, we suggest a few ground rules:
- Eat it fresh.
- Keep it simple.
- Don’t overcook it.
If you keep these principles in mind, you’re sure to have an edible meal that tastes good. To enhance their flavors, consider the following methods.
MARINATING
For those who aren’t big fans of the ‘fishy’ flavor, marinating is the way to go. It coats the meat in flavors you’re familiar with while still allowing you to taste the fish itself.
Some of our favorite marinades include teriyaki, fresh herbs and butter, and Italian. This basic sheepshead recipe is a must for bringing subtle flavors to a classic saltwater fish.
SMOKING
You won’t find any shortage of smoked fish in Florida. From seafood dips to roadside stands, smoking fish is a local’s favorite technique for good reason.
Fish have fat, and fat absorbs the flavor. This means if you like the taste of smoked food – you’re going to love this recipe! Not only does the fish enhance the smokiness, but the smoke enhances the fish. And because mackerel are FULL of fat – it’s our favorite way to cook them.
FRYING
You can’t beat fried fish. Regardless of species, the seasoned breading and deep-fried flavor is sure to win most picky eaters over. For those who still claim they don’t like fish, we recommend this fried Pompano recipe.
Pompano is considered the most edible fish by seafood lovers and non-seafood lovers alike. It’s the perfect fish to serve to kids or those who believe frozen fish sticks are the best it gets. Delicate and flaky with an edible skin, this fish will have you changing minds.
BAKING
Baking fish can be as simple as salt & pepper or as complex as you want it to be. It’s a healthy way to assure your fish remains moist while absorbing the flavors you pair it with.
Our personal favorite is to bake local fish with local fare. For this reason, Snapper Veracruz has become our go-to baking dish. With zesty flavors applied to a sassy fish, you’re sure to win the hearts and taste buds of all who join you at the table.
SOAKING
As much as we’d like to tell you all fish taste great, the facts are, some don’t. For those of you who can’t stand the flavor, don’t give up. Learning how to cut the blood vein away from the flesh will be the first line of defense. Next in line – soaking.
Milk and buttermilk have proteins that physically pull the ‘fishy’ flavor out of a fish. By soaking the fillets in either for a few hours to overnight, you’re sure to rid most of your fishy taste. Take this technique and apply the strategies above for great flavor – regardless of species.
When you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for life – but only if he knows how to cook it. So if you’re planning on spending your day on the water the way our residents at Fisherman’s Cove do, consider starting a new tradition this Thanksgiving and providing a Catch & Cook your way for Turkey day!
Written by FishLikeUs.com
