Reckoned as the king mackerel, the kingfish is a valuable species for both leisure and commercial fishers. As sought-after seafood, this game fish is sold as steaks, fillets or as a whole. Farmed and wild-caught kingfish are best prepared by baking, frying, smoking, and grilling. The best part is that many people who don’t like seafood also like kingfish because it’s sweet, tender, and flaky, and it doesn’t taste too fishy.
The kingfish is certainly a very versatile fish. It has thick white fillets and only a few bones, which makes it a great choice for many delicious recipes, like kingfish pan-fried, kingfish roasted in butter, and kingfish cooked in the Caribbean style. Continue reading to learn more about kingfish benefits, taste, and cooking methods.
With their torpedo-shaped bodies and iridescent blue-green backs, kingfish cut an imposing figure as they streak through warm coastal waters. Anglers prize king mackerel (also called kingfish) for their speed, strength, and intense fight when hooked But how do they taste?
Kingfish have a reputation for being strong-flavored and overly fishy. This has led many anglers to release their catches instead of keeping them for dinner. However, with the right prep and cooking methods, kingfish can make delicious, hearty meals.
In this article, we’ll explore the culinary qualities of kingfish and explain the best ways to cook this underappreciated fish. Read on to learn why you shouldn’t dismiss king mackerel fillets so hastily
Kingfish Flavor Profile
Kingfish offer firm, dense, and moist flesh when cooked. Their meat has a moderately high fat content, resulting in rich-tasting fillets. The flesh ranges from white to light gray.
Flavor-wise, kingfish have a robust, savory taste compared to milder fish like tilapia or cod. Some describe it as sweet and nutty, while others find it overly fishy or strong. A lot comes down to personal taste preferences.
Kingfish caught in cold northern waters tend to have a fishier flavor. Those caught in warmer southern climates offer a sweeter, more palatable taste. Their diet also influences flavor, with fish-eating king mackerel having a heartier taste.
Best Cooking Methods
To enjoy kingfish at its finest, focus on cooking techniques that complement its rich oiliness while toning down any overpowering fishiness. Here are some top preparation tips:
Smoke It
Long, slow smoking concentrates flavors and transforms kingfish into a mouthwatering treat. Brine the fillets first to keep them moist. Hot smoke around 180°F for up to 2 hours until flaky.
Grill It
The high heat of grilling nicely caramelizes kingfish’s natural oils and provides delicious char. Grill fillets or steaks quickly over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes per side. Baste with lemon-garlic butter.
Bake or Broil It
Baking or broiling kingfish allows its oils to break down gently, eliminating strong flavors. Bake fillets at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Broil 4-5 minutes per side.
Poach It
Simmering kingfish in liquid infuses flavor while keeping it tender. Poach in broth, wine, or water with spices and lemon. Flake and serve over rice or greens.
Pan Fry It
Frying adds crunch and seals in moisture. For pan-fried kingfish, use a light breading or none at all. Cook fillets over medium-high heat in olive or avocado oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
Make Ceviche
“Cooking” raw kingfish in citrus juice uses acid to denature proteins. The citrus balances the strong flavor. Cube the flesh and marinate in lime, lemon, or orange juice.
Deep Fry It
While not ideal, deep frying can work with a flavorful marinade and very fresh kingfish. Use a heavy batter to seal in moisture. Fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until golden brown with slightly translucent centers.
Best Recipes and Serving Ideas
Beyond basic preparations, there are endless possibilities for serving kingfish. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:
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Kingfish tacos – Top soft corn tortillas with seasoned fried kingfish, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro crema.
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Kingfish cakes – Mix cooked kingfish with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices then pan fry into patties.
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Kingfish dip – Shred smoked kingfish and blend with cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice. Serve with crackers or veggies.
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Kingfish sushi – Slice ultra-fresh sashimi-grade kingfish to enjoy raw.
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Cajun blackened kingfish – Coat fillets with Cajun spice mix then sear in a hot cast iron skillet.
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Kingfish soup – Simmer poached kingfish in tomato broth with veggies and white beans.
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Kingfish salad – Toss grilled kingfish with greens, orange segments, fennel, olives, and champagne vinaigrette.
Nutrition
Kingfish provide high-quality protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. A 3.5 ounce serving contains:
- Calories: 129
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 4g
- Omega-3s: 0.7g
The firmer meat holds up better during cooking than fattier fish like salmon or tuna. The rich flavor means a little goes a long way, satisfying hunger.
Sustainability
King mackerel populations are well-managed in U.S. waters, and most kingfish are caught using sustainable hook and line methods. Ask your local fish market or look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council label.
Instead of tossing back that kingfish you just reeled in, try bringing it home for a delicious meal. With proper handling and preparation focused on balancing and enhancing its robust flavor, king mackerel can make for hearty, nutritious seafood.
Give kingfish a chance by smoking, grilling, or baking fresh fillets. You may just find a new go-to fish for your dinner table. Just take care not to overcook this lean fish. Mouthwatering tacos, flavorful dip, and seared fillets can turn even kingfish skeptics into believers.
Frequency of Entities:
kingfish: 36
fish: 22
fillet: 13
flavor: 8
cook: 7
taste: 6
oil: 5
flesh: 4
grill: 3
smoke: 3
fry: 3
broil: 2
poach: 2
bake: 2
ceviche: 1
tadpoles: 0
King Mackerel Fish: Taste, Texture, and Where Is it Found?
The kingfish is a migratory species belonging to the larger mackerel family. This fish can be found in many places, including the Gulf of Mexico, the western Atlantic Ocean, reefs and islands off the coast of Australia, Queensland, all the way south to Shark Bay in Western Australia, and many more. This fish lives in the Bay of Bengal on India’s eastern coast, the Indian Ocean, and the western coast.
Like we already said, kingfish meat is firm and a little oily, and it tastes good with a deep umami flavor. When cooked, the firm fish tends to get softer, and if it’s done right, it can be so juicy that it melts in your mouth.
A lot of people say that kingfish tastes like common mackerel, which makes sense since they are both fish in the same gene pool. Kingfish tastes best when cooked and seared on medium heat. Since this fish is already fatty, some ways of cooking it, like deep-frying it, can change the way it tastes.
After cutting the fish into fillets, experts say to put each one in ice water until you’re ready to cook it. This will keep the taste and texture from changing. Kingfish has a reputation for losing taste and texture faster than other fish, even when refrigerated.
That said, here’s some great news for you. At Licious, kingfish are sourced from the day’s catch of approved local boats. The fish are then scaled and cleaned by professionals in RO water. They are then cut by professionals and vacuum-packed to keep them clean. Please note that kingfish at Licious is always fresh and never frozen. Our kingfish don’t have any extra chemicals added, and you can pick from different cuts based on your recipe.
Kingfish is low in calories, high in nutrients, and has many health benefits. Some of them are:
- For example, it has more Omega-3, which helps keep your heart healthy and helps cells work.
- Kingfish are rich in protein, selenium, and many essential nutrients.
- Kingfish contains all three B vitamins in substantial quantities.
Kingfish Indian Recipe You Can Try
Kingfish is adaptable to a variety of cooking methods, and all of them taste delicious. We can simply pan-fry kingfish, grill it, or bake it.
Since king fish cooks pretty fast, we can relish it for lunch or dinner in no time. Here are the top three ways to cook kingfish:
Pan-fried kingfish tastes crispy and succulent. A ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, turmeric, and lemon juice mixture is rubbed on the fish to make it.
To make pan-fried kingfish, all you have to do is heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated kingfish for a minute or two on each side until the fish is cooked and soft. It goes well with tomato sauce or caramelised onions.
While kingfish is being grilled, it’s best to coat it in olive oil and season it with pepper and salt to taste. To cook the fish, just put it on a grill over medium-high heat for a minute or two on each side until it flakes freely. Slice it and spread fennel salad on top of it, and you are all set. And yes, never forget slices of lemon. You’ll thank us later.
To savour the goodness of baked kingfish, you need to follow a simple cooking process. Start by coating the kingfish with a mixture of multi-grain breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
Then, sprinkle pepper and salt over the fish. Set the kingfish in a lightly oiled pan and coat it in oil. Bake the kingfish for 15 minutes at 180°C. Serve immediately with lemon slices. Are you hungry to make these kingfish recipes? That’s why Licious brings fresh kingfish from the coast right to your door. So, visit our website to order this delectable fish and get cooking!.
5 of The Healthiest Fish to Eat and 5 to Avoid
Why should you eat king fish?
The combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in king fish helps to strengthen the immune system, keeping you healthy and protected against infections and diseases. King fish is rich in vitamin D and calcium, both essential nutrients for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Is it good to eat fish?
Fish is one of the healthiest foods on earth. It is loaded with important nutrients such as protein and vitamin D. Fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are very essential for body and brain growth and development. Some fish are high in mercury, which is related to brain developmental problems. Eating fish lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish may combat depression. Fish and fish products are the best sources of vitamin D. Eating fish has been linked to reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes and several other autoimmune diseases. Eating fish protects vision in old age, preventing age-related macular degeneration(AMD).
Can you eat Kingfish?
Yes, you most definitely can eat Kingfish! Kingfish are not only edible, but they are an excellent ‘meaty’ option due to their oily and thick fillets. They are a highly sought-after sport fish with an intense flavor. It is important to know that kingfish will likely not appeal to those who prefer milder-tasting fish.
Are kingfish healthy?
Like many other fish, Kingfish is an excellent source of those healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are so good for your brain. Kingfish also have a decent amount of amino acids, protein, selenium, and vitamin B, making them a perfect substitute for those on low-protein or meatless diets. What is the Tastiest Type of Kingfish?