Nothing delivers savory oceanic flavor quite like rockfish. This flavorful fish is the ideal protein for seafood lovers, but what exactly does rockfish taste like and how do you best enjoy this fish?
If you’re lucky enough to live on the Pacific coast then you might be familiar with the delicious flavor of rockfish already but anyone who has not tried this fish is missing out! This unique fish is full of rich oceanic flavors that must be tried to be believed!
Cast your line and reel in something tasty with this guide to unleashing all the amazing flavors in rockfish!
What Does Rockfish Taste Like?
Rockfish is known for its tantalizing texture and flavor. This succulent fish tastes mildly briny, sweet, and almost nutty. Fresh rockfish have a light fishy aroma that will get you salivating! This colorful fish tastes similar to red snapper or cod, but with a finish that is uniquely its own flavor.
Rockfish’s tasty flavors are matched by its satisfying texture. This lean yet full-flavored fish is low in fat content and has a nice semi-firm texture that makes for nice medium flakes or chunks when cooked. It is often prepared pan-seared, baked, or even fried.
What is Rockfish?
Rockfish are also known as Pacific Ocean Perch and they are one of the greatest gifts the sea has given to the table! These brightly colored oceanic fish are always a delicious treat with so much flavor to offer!
This uniquely flavored fish calls the Pacific Ocean home. Its range is from the coast of California to Japan. Certain species of rockfish have been fished to the brink so some sport fishing of these animals is controlled; however, rockfish are caught by both sport anglers and commercial fishers.
It is considered a medium-sized fish and the scales of rockfish are bright red to pink. This colorful fish is delicious in so many preparations. Rockfish is also a pivotal part of Japanese and California cuisine.
Shop for rockfish at your local grocery store’s seafood counter or your local butcher.
If you are lucky enough to live near a fresh fish market, this is also a great place to find rockfish. Fresh rockfish will be slightly fishy in smell, firm to the touch, and have a beautiful bright color.
Is Rockfish Healthy?
Rockfish is so delicious that you’ll want to eat it all the time, but is it good for your body to consume this delicious fish?
Overall, yes rockfish can be a very healthy inclusion to a well-balanced diet and lifestyle. It is low in calories and fat and high in protein. Rockfish is also rich in potassium and not too high in sodium, making this fish the perfect protein for your plate!
Additionally, rockfish is so low in natural mercury that there are no advised limits to how often you eat this deliciously light fish. Rockfish are even safe to eat while pregnant and by children.
What to Pair with Rockfish
The nutty-tasting rockfish is great with so many wonderful side dishes so you can have fun making delicious pairings for rockfish!
Serve this fresh-flavored fish with a simple mashed potato side or try it with rice or couscous for a lighter take. Rockfish pairs well with citrus flavors and fresh herbs like cilantro and dill, and it is always lovely when served with fresh greens!
When choosing the right beverage for rockfish try something with a little sweetness and a little tang! Sauvignon Blanc is a beautiful choice for this fish.
For a heartier match, try a beer like a pale ale or I.P.A. Keep it light and fun with a cocktail (or mocktail); rockfish is delicious with a classic sidecar cocktail or a lemony spritz!
Notes on This Rockfish Recipe
Ingredients
- Whole Rockfish – Rockfish are beautiful when whole roasted. Find a whole rockfish at your local butcher, fish market, or grocery store. Always choose fresh whenever possible and never frozen fish.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil helps keep the fish from sticking to the pan and gives it a wonderfully crisp skin.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds citrusy freshness to the fish. Use fresh lemon juice or bottled, whatever is available.
- Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper – Sea salt and freshly ground pepper add so much flavor. Try to use fresh cracked pepper and fine-grain sea salt for a natural and zesty flavor.
- Fresh Thyme– Thyme has a rich and herbaceous flavor that compliments seafood very well. Use fresh-cut thyme or in a pinch swap for fresh rosemary.
- Lemon Slices – Lemon and fish were practically made for each other. Use slices from the lemon you juiced for coating the fish.
Expert Tips
- Serve this delicious rockfish with fresh rice and warm green beans for the perfect seafood meal.
- Run your hand over the fish to be sure that the scales have been fully removed so nobody ends up with scales on their plate!
- Don’t forget to line the sheet pan before baking so your fish does not stick.
- Don’t be afraid to rub the olive oil and seasoning blend into the fish after brushing it on.
Simple Baked Whole Rockfish Recipe
Ingredients
1 Whole Rockfish, Gutted, Cleaned, and Descaled
2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
¼ Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
10 Lemon Slices
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lay the fish on the sheet.
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Brush this over the whole fish, on both sides. Sprinkle the fish generously with the salt and pepper and stuff the cavity with the fresh time and half of the lemon slices. Arrange the remaining lemon on top of the fish and then bake it.
- Bake the fish for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
