FoodWhy this rare fish is a surprising catch for Canadian chefs

Why this rare fish is a surprising catch for Canadian chefs

mackerel icefish
mackerel icefish
Images source: © Adobe Stock

6 August 2024 17:42

Mackerel icefish is prized for its exceptionally juicy meat and unique taste. It is one of the tastiest and cleanest fish in the world, making it well-known among chefs. This fish can also be purchased in Canada, but Canadians rarely buy it.

The advantage of mackerel icefish is that it is boneless, and its spine easily separates from the meat. Because of this, it is an excellent choice for the diets of children and seniors, as well as for people who avoid fish due to fear of choking on bones. However, this is not the only reason for choosing mackerel icefish.

What is mackerel icefish? Where can you buy it?

Mackerel icefish often appears on the menus of seaside fish fry shops; however, it should be noted that it is not caught on Canada's Atlantic coast. Mackerel icefish lives in the southern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in subantarctic waters. It lives at depths of up to 700 metres, near the bottom. Currently, the main country fishing this species is Chile.

Previously, mackerel icefish were fished on a large scale, but the quantities caught were reduced over time. Due to the limited supply, the price of the fish has risen. You can buy mackerel icefish in well-stocked fish shops and supermarkets in Canada. It is most commonly sold frozen and processed fish products, though on occasion, you may find fresh whole fish.

Is mackerel icefish healthy?

Mackerel icefish is characterized by a high content of polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is also low in calories - 100 grams of mackerel icefish provides only 42 kcal. Its high protein content and low fat content are additional reasons to choose this fish. It should also be mentioned that fish is a valuable source of vitamin D, as well as vitamin A, zinc, calcium, and iron.

mackerel icefish
mackerel icefish© Adobe Stock

How to prepare it?

Mackerel icefish is one of the tastiest and cleanest fish in the world. It has juicy, tasty meat, free of bones, and its spine easily separates from the fillet. Therefore, it is an excellent addition to the diet of people who do not eat fish for fear of choking on a bone, as well as children and seniors. It is also easy to prepare. Due to its delicate meat and unique taste, it is recommended to bake the fish with just a touch of salt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The fish can also be fried after dredging in flour.

Fried mackerel icefish recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of mackerel icefish
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 tablespoons of clarified butter
  • Salt, pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped parsley

Preparation:

  1. Season the fillets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and fry in olive oil.
  2. After 3 minutes of frying, add the butter. Fry until the fish achieves a golden colour.
  3. Sprinkle the finished dish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
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