Seafood prices continue to rise without any signs of slowing down, causing headaches for many fish and shrimp enthusiasts. However, there are still ways to save money. Some fish products are often overlooked or underestimated due to low demand, giving them a price advantage. According to Joe Gurrera, the owner of the premium seafood market Citarella, there are three underrated fish varieties that you should consider eating.
It is well known that fish contain a variety of essential nutrients for the human body, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality proteins. Fish are rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, selenium, as well as vitamins B12, vitamin A, and other vitamins. They are easier to digest compared to meat from poultry and livestock, and can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. That’s why many experts recommend consuming fish 1-2 times a week.
So, in the current high-priced seafood market, which fish should consumers pay attention to? Joe Gurrera of Citarella provided expert recommendations on this matter to the food information website Tasting Table.
Citarella has seafood markets in seven major cities across the United States. Gurrera mentioned three types of fish, including skate, monkfish, and porgy.
“Skate and monkfish and other varieties are underrated,” Gurrera said. The flesh of monkfish is sweet and dense, comparable to lobster. Monkfish is known as the “poor man’s lobster,” making it a more affordable alternative to your favorite expensive lobster dishes. Choosing monkfish is a great way to enjoy high-quality seafood flavors without breaking the bank.
While these fish may look intimidating with their large mouths and sharp teeth, they are great when paired with curry, delicious tomato sauce, or simply pan-seared with butter and lemon juice until golden brown.
Skate, sometimes also called skate wings, has gained attention in restaurants for its mild, juicy flavor. The texture of skate is somewhat similar to scallops, lightly coated with flour and then pan-fried in oil or butter for a delicious dish. It also pairs well with roasted almonds or hazelnuts. These fish are delicious on their own and don’t require heavy seasoning.
The third fish recommended by Gurrera is porgy.
“And there’s porgy, one of my favorite fish to eat. It has a delicate texture and is almost sweet – much like the popular red snapper,” Gurrera said.
Porgy is a hidden gem in the coastal regions of the eastern United States, often prepared whole due to its smaller size.
On sunny days, if you enjoy grilling, don’t forget to grill some tasty porgy fish on the barbecue. Of course, you can also bake them in the oven.