The Best Fish to Buy Instead of Tuna, Halibut, Mahi Mahi and More

It doesn't thing what type of fish your recipe calls for—we know the all-time fish to substitute!

Not every fish is readily available at the grocery store. Information technology can be tough to find cod in some markets—and fifty-fifty more challenging to detect halibut in others! Even if it is in that location, it might be outrageously expensive or perhaps it's not as fresh every bit some other choice. (Here'due south what to await for to find fresh fish, by the manner.)

Instead of sticking to your recipe, choose a substitute instead.

How do yous find the all-time fish to work for your recipe? You ask the fishmonger! If you tell them how yous plan to cook it, they'll steer you to the best fish available. If yous're too afraid to ask, use color as your guide: in full general, the whiter the flesh, the milder the flavor.

Anchovy

A pocket-sized, saltwater fish in the herring family unit.

Season/Texture: These oily fish accept a reputation for tasting "fishy," merely high-quality anchovies have a compact texture and a super umami-forrard flavor.

Substitutes: In sauce recipes that call for anchovy paste, you tin swap in fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce. For whatsoever other recipe, look for smelt, sardines, herring or mackerel.

Catfish

A freshwater fish popular in Southern fried dishes.

Flavor/Texture: This mild fish has a slightly sweet flavour and a medium-firm texture that eats juicy when cooked properly. Some people soak catfish in milk or salt water to remove its somewhat muddied season.

Substitutes: Most balmy whitefish will piece of work well as a commutation, such equally flounder or tilapia.

Chilean Bounding main Bass

Not actually a type of bounding main bass at all. Also called "Patagonian toothfish," this coldwater fish is a type of cod.

Flavor/Texture: Like other types of cod, this fish is snowfall-white in color and super firm in texture. It has a rich flavor that seems to melt in your mouth as you eat it.

Substitutes: The best alternative for this one is black cod (too called sablefish), which is frequently touted as a more sustainable option.

Cod

A coldwater whitefish known for its utilise in fish and chips.

Flavour/Texture: Although cod has a delicate, flaky texture, it's likewise resiliently meaty and tin hold up to simply well-nigh whatever cooking method.

Substitutes: If you can't find Pacific cod, Atlantic cod or true cod, you might consider swapping in lingcod, sole, haddock or pollock.

Grouper

A lean fish in the sea bass family unit, typically plant around coral reefs.

Flavor/Texture: This white-fleshed fish is mild and sweet, with a firm texture and a large flake.

Substitutes: Blackness sea bass is the most likely substitute, although you could also use snapper, mahi mahi or shark.

Halibut

A flatfish found in both northern Atlantic and Pacific waters.

Flavor/Texture: Halibut is very lean, and it can dry if overcooked. Information technology'southward prized for its meaty, sugariness flavor and boasts an impressively house texture with big flakes. It can be poached, baked or blackened.

Substitutes: Other flatfish (like flounder or sole) make slap-up substitutes, although cod, fluke or turbot piece of work as well.

Mahi Mahi

Also called dorado or dolphin fish, this saltwater fish can be found in tropical and subtropical waters.

Flavor/Texture: This fish has a strong, singled-out flavor with dense mankind similar to swordfish. It tends to flake when information technology'south overcooked but it holds upwardly well on the grill.

Substitutes: Any fish with compact texture works well here, similar swordfish, marlin or shark.

Rockfish

Can be used to describe many kinds of saltwater fish, including striped bass, rock cod, redfish and body of water perch.

Flavor/Texture: A balmy fish with a slightly nutty flavor, a medium texture and a fine flake.

Substitutes: Swap in one of the many fish synonymous with rockfish, or look for red snapper, porgy or cod.

Salmon

A fat, oily fish. You tin find all dissimilar kinds of salmon, including Chinook, Sockeye and Coho.

Flavor/Texture: This oily fish is as far from "fishy" tasting as it gets! It has a meaty texture and a rich, fatty flavour. Its versatility makes information technology one of the about popular fish for grilling and baking!

Substitutes: Body of water trout are the best substitute, but you lot could too cook upwardly Arctic char, bluefish or striped bass.

Sea Bass

This family of fishes includes grouper, but black sea bass is the most popular.

Flavour/Texture: This lean, white-fleshed fish has a delicate season and flakes easily.

Substitutes: Branzino and flounder are the best substitutes, although yous could besides apply tilapia.

Shark

These marine fish only live in saltwater. Instead of bones, their skeletal structures are made of cartilage.

Flavor/Texture: Shark has a super-house texture and a compact bite. Most people marinate shark meat to remove the naturally occurring ammonia flavor.

Substitutes: Any compact fish will work here, like swordfish or mahi mahi.

Snapper

There are many types of snapper, merely carmine snapper from the Gulf of Mexico is the almost well-known.

Flavor/Texture: Although it's a lean fish, properly cooked snapper is moist with a mild, sugariness season and a delicate but firm texture.

Substitutes: Any flaky whitefish will practise here, like grouper, rockfish or monkfish.

Swordfish

A predatory marine fish prized for its compact texture. It is well-known for having a high mercury content, though.

Flavor/Texture: The meaty texture is more than prevalent than the taste with this fish, although it has a sweet, mild flavor. Swordfish is an ideal fish to serve to steak lovers.

Substitutes: Wait for meaty alternatives, similar shark, halibut or very fresh tuna.

Tilapia

This freshwater, farmed fish is one of the to the lowest degree expensive, nigh readily available fish in the United States.

Season/Texture: A flaky whitefish with a mild flavour and a medium-firm texture.

Substitutes: Any mild whitefish will work, including catfish, roughy and sole.

Trout

A freshwater fish that is mostly available as a farmed fish. Ocean-going trout varieties (like steelhead) are related to salmon.

Flavor/Texture: A subtly sweetness fish with a frail texture and a slightly gamey flavor.

Substitutes: Whatsoever whitefish with a frail season will piece of work hither, like tilefish, flounder or grouper.

Tuna

A member of the mackerel family, you'll find a few varieties of tuna, from sushi-grade yellowfin (ahi) to albacore, which is popularly used to brand canned tuna.

Flavor/Texture: This fatty fish has firm flesh, giving it a meaty texture. When cooked, this fish flakes hands but sushi-course tuna tin can exist consumed raw and has a delicate, cook-in-your-rima oris quality.

Substitutes: Look for a meaty fish, like swordfish or shark. Thick-cut salmon steaks would also work well.

Walleye

This freshwater fish is also called walleye thruway, although it's function of the perch family.

Flavor/Texture: Walleye are prized for their delicate, flaky texture. While some characterize these fish as "fishy" or "murky," most find walleye to be balmy.

Substitutes: Choose a whitefish with a flaky texture, like haddock, rockfish or snapper.

Find the Correct Fish—and You Could Take Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it but right then information technology nigh melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish then that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

My family loves fish, and this super fast dish is very popular at my house. Though information technology tastes as if information technology takes a long fourth dimension, it cooks in minutes nether the broiler. We like it garnished with lemon wedges and served with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Vocaliser Island, Florida

Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa

A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to alloy, you lot tin can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Baked Tilapia

I've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more than fish at home. Afterward looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it'southward fast, too! —Promise Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina

Chocolate-brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon

Pop these poly peptide-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sugariness basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan

Fantastic Fish Tacos

Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, I came upwards with this crispy, crunchy entree. Information technology's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Tuna Crescent Ring

This is really like shooting fish in a barrel to throw together, and I often apply it when I am too tired to fix anything else. —Julia Bivens, Martinsburg, West Virginia

Easy Glazed Salmon

It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale

Nosotros make this primary dish and side together, and suit the rut from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the tabular array. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado

Speedy Salmon Stir-Fry

Salmon is a staple where I alive, and then I tried it in a stir-fry. My recipe has an orange glaze, but I like information technology with lime, also. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Crispy Fish & Fries

A British pub classic turns crown precious stone when you lot add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. Y'all can too endeavor it with white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I honey quick and bright meals similar this one-skillet wonder. The mode it tastes, y'all'd think it takes a lot more endeavor, but information technology goes from prep to dinner table in one-half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas

Citrus Salmon Fillets with Salsa

Have lemony salmon fillets to the next level with a fresh, colorful bootleg salsa. Just add a simple side of rice for a complete dinner. —Tiffany Hartpence, Lander, WY

Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Foam Sauce

We try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new means to make information technology different and succulent. This beauty is easy and is my become-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Brindled Tuna Kabobs

When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! Nosotros make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My 5 kids like to aid me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia

Crunchy Oven-Baked Tilapia

This broiled tilapia is perfectly crunchy. Dip it in the fresh lime mayo for a burst of brilliant citrus flavor. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts

Southwestern Fish Tacos

These bright tacos have me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Savory Love apple-Braised Tilapia

I shared this recipe with my bunco group and now 1 of my friends makes it all the fourth dimension. I call back that's the perfect testament to simply how proficient this dish is. —Nancy Shively, Shorewood, Illinois

Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

My female parent would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the merely way we would eat fish. Y'all can make the salsa a 24-hour interval ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge in a covered container until set to apply. —Najmussahar Ahmed, County, Michigan

Lime-Cilantro Tilapia

I have then much fun serving this Mexican-inspired tilapia at summer parties. Terminate it off with a side of rice and a salad loaded with sliced avocadoes and tomatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio

Cajun Eddy on the Grill

I came upward with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe tin be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up within, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious gustation and texture. We love information technology as is, simply you could hands sub in any veggies you accept on mitt for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Spiced Salmon

This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. Information technology gets a lilliputian sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish wide appeal. It'south a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta

Broiled Cod Piccata with Asparagus

Information technology takes longer for the oven to preheat than information technology does to prepare this delicious, proficient-for-you dish. While information technology's blistering, I throw together a quick salad. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Salmon with Spinach & White Beans

My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee

Salmon Veggie Packets

I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It's the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful fiddling packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY

Tuna Steak on Fettuccine

For something new to exercise with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it's scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas

Salmon with Root Vegetables

This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you lot going on busy days. We've been known to devour information technology at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Grilled Chipotle Salmon Tacos

When fresh fish is bachelor, I pull out my salmon taco recipe and fire upwards the grill. Endeavor it with whitefish or mahi mahi, too. —Brenda Washnocok, Negaunee, Michigan

Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts

I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family unit and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina

Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

These actress-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but y'all'll desire to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California

Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet

Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, merely I adult this skillet recipe to bring out the wow gene without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas

Parmesan Fish Sticks

I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons dear the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas

Lemony Parsley Baked Cod

The trick to avoid overcooking a practiced slice of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a brusque corporeality of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Twenty-four hour period, Pinckney, Michigan

Haddock with Lime-Cilantro Butter

Hither in Louisiana, the good times roll when nosotros broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites

I'm not a big fish lover, so whatsoever concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my volume. This combination of flavors only works for me. It'due south wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Lemon Basil Salmon

My husband came upwardly with this like shooting fish in a barrel, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA

Secret Ingredient Fried Catfish

Pancake mix and carbonated water are the surprising secrets to these beautifully browned catfish fillets. Serve with coleslaw or sweet murphy fries, and go prepare for smiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tomato-Poached Halibut

My halibut with a flare-up of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel pilus pasta or crusty breadstuff. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut

Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon

For those who aren't wild nigh fish, this gingery salmon is a game-changer. Baking on foil makes for actress-easy cleanup. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

kaplanemeart.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/best-fish-to-buy/

Share this post