The name says it all: butterfish have a delicate, buttery flavor. Because of their small size, butterfish are almost exclusively sold whole. Don’t worry, though, these fish are not terribly bony and the meat is easy to pick off.
“We have high quality fish,” DiDomenico said, and an official yearly quota of 17,801 metric tons that could find a market in different ways.
If someone mentions butterfish you may smack your lips, absolutely want to avoid it, or just scratch your head. That’s because the prolific and sustainable Atlantic butterfish, an oily little species ranging from Florida to Newfoundland, has some big mistaken identity issues. Consider these top hits from web searches:
“Butterfish is my new favorite” reads one Trip Advisor headline about a Baltimore restaurant. The diner called it “maybe the best fish I’ve ever eaten.” Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi has gotten national press for his butterfish recipe, which the Hallmark Channel deems “a scrumptious seafood dish that will melt in your mouth!”
In restaurants across the South, another abundant fish rose from obscurity. Danny Itzkovitz of Tamara’s Cafe in Apalachicola is one of many chefs who recently started serving lionfish. That’s a predatory invasive species with booming populations that can harm native fish and habitats, so much so that biologists and fishermen are trying to eat them into submission.
DiDomenico said Garden State commercial fishermen had high hopes for a big new Atlantic butterfish market, but so far “that really has not panned out.” With so many seafood choices already on the table, U.S. consumers just aren’t embracing the small fish that don’t yield big fillets or steaks, so are more suited to cooking whole.
BUTTERFISH WARNING
FAQ
Does butterfish taste good?
What is butterfish similar to?
What is the American name for butterfish?
Is butterfish same as black cod?
What does butterfish taste like?
The fish is characterized by its buttery, rich taste, which is why it is often referred to as butterfish. When cooked, butterfish has a firm, moist texture with a rich, oily flavor that is both sweet and savory. Its flavor profile has been described as being similar to that of black cod or sea bass, but with a more intense taste.
What is the difference between margarine and butter?
The difference between margarine and butter is that margarine is made from the hydrogenation of vegetable oil and has trans fats. Butter is made from animal fat and has large amounts of saturated fat.
Is butterfish a fish?
Butterfish is also used in traditional Japanese cuisine, where it is known as “black cod” or “sablefish,” and often served grilled or as part of a seafood hotpot. Moreover, in New Zealand, butterfish is a prized species and is highly regarded for its delicate flavor.
How to cook butterfish?
Another popular way to prepare butterfish is by grilling it. Brush the fish with some oil and season it with your preferred spices. Heat the grill to medium-high heat and place the fish on it. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.