Yellowtail

QUICK FACTS

Nutrition Value: Omega 3, Protein, Low in sodium and high in vitamin B12 as well as potassium

Ways to cook: Grill, Braai, Pan-fry, Bake

Portion Size Per Person: 250g – 300g

Taste: Yellowtail meat is an off-white and firm fish with a wild, mild to strong flavour. The high oil content gives the flesh a buttery texture.

Sides Suggestions: 

  • Yellowtail Amuse Bouche
  • Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Potatoes Olives & Tomatoes
  • Yellowtail with Tarragon Aioli
  • Yellowtail with Lemon Caper Cream Sauce  & Spinach Orzo
  • Grilled Yellowtail with Mango Salsa
  • Oven Baked Whole Yellowtail Snapper
  • Yellowtail pan-fried in smoked chili, salt & pepper with garlic & parsley butter
  • Pan-fried Dutch Yellowtail Tagliatelle

Similarities:  Swordfish and Mackerel

To drink with Yellowtail: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc.

Best way to cook

Braaing: The first thing to know about braaing a fish is to properly oil the grid and both sides of your fish. Braai your fish skin down at first before turning to cook the other side. For seasoning, you can use some salt and pepper with melted butter mixed with lemon juice or a little garlic or chili.

If you’re braaing a whole fish, place the whole-fish skin side down in foil and wrap the parcel to lock in the steam. You can open it now and then and base it with a marinade as you would in the oven.

Fish fillets are quicker to braai. Five minutes a side is a good rule of thumb, but the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish. It is done when it flakes easily when prodded with a fork.

Pan-frying: You can choose to fry your fish as is or cover it in flour or breadcrumbs. Using the extra coating will give your fish more texture and body. If you’re going to dip it in flour, soak the fish in a bowl of milk for 3 to 5 minutes, before covering it in flour or breadcrumbs. This will help the coating stick to the fish. Get your pan ready for frying by pouring a few tablespoons of vegetable oil into it.

You can also use clarified butter which will taste great on the fish. Heat the pan until the oil slides around easily. You can splatter a few drops of water in the pan – if the water sizzles, it’s ready for your fish. Place the fish flesh side down in the pan – the side you’ll be presenting to your diner (the non-skin side).

Once your fish is in the pan, slide a spatula gently underneath to prevent it from sticking. Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes on one side and then flip it. Fish usually cooks for 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Use a wide spatula to prevent breaking the fish. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the flesh turns pearly white and flakes easily with a fork. Carefully lift it out of the pan and serve immediately.