Depending on who is doing the dining, shark meat tastes like chicken — or roadkill.
Its meaty and mild — but has to be soaked well before its eaten because sharks urinate through their skin.
Whatever their take on this distinctive dish, those who work with seafood on the Space Coast agree the meat makes for a fairly popular, inexpensive choice.
Shark doesnt last long when its available at Grills Seafood and Tiki Deck at the Port, said manager Eric Myers, or at the eaterys sister location, Grills Riverside in Melbourne.
“Its not chewy. The closest thing I can compare it to is alligator and chicken … its softer than alligator,” Myers said.
“Its really good. We marinate it in teriyaki and garlic so it gives it a little bit of extra flavor. Then we put a glaze on top of it.”
Shark kabobs are $14.99. However, if fishermen bring in the sharks as filets, Grills will cook them as a $5 sandwich or $10 dinner entree.
The requests are frequent. In summer, “we get it every day or every other day at least,” Myers said.
Are there any health concerns with eating shark, such as possible mercury poisoning, because sharks predatory nature makes them rank high in mercury levels?
“Youd have to eat a lot of shark every day” to make that happen, Myers said.
Seafood purveyors who offer the meat locally include Claytons Seafood of Rockledge, in business since 1970. The store sells retail and wholesale, with customers including local restaurants.
Jan Walker and her husband, Brian, bought the shop last year. While they dont have shark on a regular basis, she said, when they do, “it runs for less than $10 per pound — relatively inexpensive.”
But Josh Taylor, owner of Cabana Shores Tiki Bar and Grill in Palm Shores, is not a fan. An avid fisherman who fishes “anywhere from here to the Bahamas,” hes caught plenty of sharks — and eaten them, too.
“I just think theyre kind of chewy,” he said. “Not quite as chewy as an octopus but definitely close. Plus, they have really, really thick skin, so theyre hard to cut up.”
While he hasnt had mako or thresher, highly regarded by some shark consumers, Taylor simply wasnt impressed by the taste of reef sharks.
“I would probably describe it as roadkill chicken but not quite as tender as chicken,” he said. “If we bred an octopus, a chicken and a skunk together, I think thats what it would taste like.”
“If I was on an island and I had no food, Im sure theyd be great,” he said.
The dish is offensive to George Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at University of Floridas Florida Museum of Natural History.
Any perceived gastronomical glamour, for him, is far outweighed by what Burgess calls the immoral, unethical practice of finning sharks.
Finning, illegal in U.S. waters and responsible for the deaths of more than 60 million sharks yearly, involves sawing off the sharks fins and, most often, tossing the fish back into the water to die.
Even in China, the largest market for shark fins, sales of the gelatinous yellow soup are plummeting. Thats due to public pressure, especially from celebrities and anti-cruelty activists, and last year, a ban on serving the soup at state banquets.
“The theory is that they make you a better lover … that theyre an aphrodisiac,” he said.
“As one whos had shark (fin) soup, I can tell you it didnt help me a damn bit.”
“A bowl of shark fin soup in Japan will cost you $100 or more,” Burgess said.
“Its almost like why Paris Hilton is a celebrity, because shes a celebrity. Shark fin soup is expensive because its expensive … its something to show off with, like buying an expensive brand of liquor even if you cant tell the difference.”
Sharks urinate continuously Any excess is simply expelled back into the water through their skin or gills. When sharks die, the remaining urea breaks down, making the meat smell and taste of ammonia.
The dish is offensive to George Burgess, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at University of Floridas Florida Museum of Natural History.
• Do soak it in milk. Why? “Sharks pee through their skin,” Myers said. “If you filet a shark, its going to smell like pee.” However, he added, “once you cook it and you marinate it, its irrelevant.” Soak the filet for at least an hour and then 10 minutes in the regular marinade. Grills sells its own shark marinade.
“Its almost like why Paris Hilton is a celebrity, because shes a celebrity. Shark fin soup is expensive because its expensive … its something to show off with, like buying an expensive brand of liquor even if you cant tell the difference.”
But Josh Taylor, owner of Cabana Shores Tiki Bar and Grill in Palm Shores, is not a fan. An avid fisherman who fishes “anywhere from here to the Bahamas,” hes caught plenty of sharks — and eaten them, too.
“If I was on an island and I had no food, Im sure theyd be great,” he said.
“I just think theyre kind of chewy,” he said. “Not quite as chewy as an octopus but definitely close. Plus, they have really, really thick skin, so theyre hard to cut up.”
Finning, illegal in U.S. waters and responsible for the deaths of more than 60 million sharks yearly, involves sawing off the sharks fins and, most often, tossing the fish back into the water to die.
Are there any health concerns with eating shark, such as possible mercury poisoning, because sharks predatory nature makes them rank high in mercury levels?
Any perceived gastronomical glamour, for him, is far outweighed by what Burgess calls the immoral, unethical practice of finning sharks.
Greenland Shark: The Urine Flesh Fish of the North
FAQ
What does shark meat tastes like?
Why does shark meat taste like ammonia?
Why does shark meat have urea?
What does shark pee smell like?
What does shark meat taste like?
Shark meat is unique and distinctive in its taste and texture. It has a mild, sweet flavor somewhat akin to swordfish or tuna but tends to be denser and a bit more fibrous. The taste can also vary depending on the type of shark, its diet, and the water it lived in. Is it Healthy? In moderation, shark meat can be a healthy choice.
What does sharp meat taste like?
According to USA Today, “shark meat tastes like chicken — or roadkill.” Although there is a touch of humor in that statement, it seems to convey that how the fish is prepared is imperative to a tasty flavor experience. As the article continues, there are comments about the “meaty and mild” characteristics of the protein.
Do Sharks taste like fish?
Shark has also been said to taste similar to fish. Sometimes, that’s not necessarily due to the shark. It may have everything to do with the person. Based on an individual’s DNA and food preferences, everyone’s taste buds are biologically diverse.
Is shark meat high in protein?
Shark meat is high in protein, comparable to other popular seafood like salmon or tuna. This makes it a fantastic option for those looking to maintain or increase their protein intake. 2. Distinctive Flavor