What Does Monkfish Taste Like? Does Monkfish Taste Good?
In this article, you will know the answer to the query “What Does Monkfish Taste Like?“.
A niche has been carved out for seafood in the world of gastronomy.
In addition to being an excellent source of protein, it also has several other health benefits.
Typical seafood varieties include crustaceans, sharks, stingrays, sawfish, clams, and many more.
Here’s what we need to talk about. Can you describe the taste of monkfish?
The benefits of monkfish are similar to those of other seafood.
Despite their not-so-attractive appearance, they provide a delicious taste and can be combined with a variety of dishes.
What Is Monkfish?
The monkfish, or angler fish, is a type of predatory fish living on the bottom and feeding on smaller fish; it is also called a goosefish.
Their appearance is described as unsightly, which is why they are called sea devils or frogfish.
With an elongated body and fins which act like arms, the fish has a massive mouth filled with many teeth.
In the Atlantic Ocean, monkfish are mainly found, but they can also be found in deep and shallow waters.
Instead of swimming to hunt for food, they walk on the seabed using their long fins as arms.
It’s said that some of the tastiest foods are the ugliest, so don’t judge them by their looks.
What Does Monkfish Taste Like? Does Monkfish Taste Good?
As unusual as the monkfish’s name may sound, the monkfish or Lophius is ironically delicious and can satisfy the palate of even the most discerning eater.
Their huge head acts as a fishing rod to lure smaller fish, so they’re called angler fish because they don’t have scales.
Monkfish is often called the poor man’s lobster due to its similar taste and the fact that it is cheaper.
There is only one boneless area of the body, and the tail area has a slightly sweet taste to it.
Fish of this type have a firm texture, making them easy to cook like lobsters or scallops.
Monkfish is not only delicious but it is also packed with nutrients.
Various vitamins and minerals are said to be contained in the fish, including iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, niacin, folate, vitamin B6-B12-E-A-K, and thiamine.
Monkfish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein as well as a lean white fish and is therefore ideal for weight loss.
Monkfish also provides a variety of health benefits due to its nutrients.
It helps to curb cardio-vascular ailments because it is a low-calorie food.
As a result of its nutrients, the body has strong bones, increases immunity, enhances cognition, improves muscle strength, and maintains healthy hair, skin, and stomach.
On the other hand, while monkfish contains a host of medicinal benefits, the USDA warns pregnant women and infants to steer clear of them as they may be high in mercury. Moderation is key with monkfish consumption.
How To Cook/Eat Monkfish?
Monkfish can be prepared in the same way as any other seafood.
Due to its firmness and lack of bones, the tail makes a great fillet.
Monkfish can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilling
- Poaching
- Sautéing
- Roasting
- Kebabs/ Skewering
- Baking
- Pan-frying
- Stewing
- Broiling
There are many ways to cook monkfish, so it is quite versatile. The meat can be marinated before cooking or seasoned before cooking.
Due to its firm texture, it is relatively easy to cook since it does not flake or break apart when cooking.
Because the flesh tends to lose moisture when it is cooked, you may wish to choose larger fillets.
Once it is cooked, the size will naturally decrease. We know lobster can be quite expensive, so poaching monkfish makes a great substitute when making a lobster salad.
In this post, we’ve compiled some great home recipes for monkfish that can be prepared for any occasion.
Despite its delicious taste, eating monkfish should be done with some caution.
A lot of its feed comes from the ocean, and it tends to have moderate to substantial mercury levels.
It means you should consume it in moderation, and pregnant women and children shouldn’t consume it.
As a food source, it is undoubtedly sustainable and its mercury levels are lower than other fish like mackerel.
Conclusion
As a whole, it is safe to say that monkfish is more beneficial than harmful.
Monkfish is a cheaper, tastier, and more sustainable food choice if you take the precautionary steps mentioned above.
Rockfish, mahi-mahi, goosefish, and swordfish are also similar kinds of fish you can try to satisfy your taste buds.
If you want to read more about cooking, read here: Cooking Tips and Tricks.