Spain is famous for its delicious seafood, which is not surprising given its extensive coastline and fishing culture. When visiting Spain, trying the local fish is a must! But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Below we cover the most popular types of fish eaten in Spain to help you decide what to order during your Spanish holiday.
The Most Popular Fish in Spain
Based on the cuisine and culinary culture in Spain here are the top 5 most popular types of fish eaten
1. Anchovies
Anchovies, known as boquerones or anchoas in Spanish, are extremely popular in Spain. These small, oily fish are served many different ways – fried, grilled, marinated, or even just packed in salt or oil. Tapas bars all over Spain will have boquerones on hand for snacking.
2. Sardines
Like anchovies sardines (sardinas) are another very popular small oily fish in Spain. They are inexpensive so they make a great tapa. Sardines are delicious grilled over a fire and sprinkled with rock salt and lemon. They can also be fried, baked into stews and casseroles, or canned.
3. Hake
Hake (merluza) is hands down the most widely consumed fish in Spain It’s mild in flavor, affordable, and versatile, so you’ll find it on menus everywhere from beachside restaurants to family tavernas. Hake is used for everything from fish fingers to stews and grilled fillets
4. Tuna
Fresh tuna (atún) is prized in Spain for its firm texture and meaty taste. It’s considered a high-quality fish and is enjoyed seared, grilled, or baked. Skipjack and albacore are most common. Canned tuna is also popular for making salads, sandwiches, and tapas.
5. Sea Bream
Sea bream comes in several varieties, with gilt-head (dorada) being the most coveted. These fish have a delicate, mild flavor that adapts well to baking, frying, or grilling. They are farmed sustainably along Spain’s coasts.
Other Notable Spanish Fish Dishes
While the above are undisputedly the most popular, here are some other great Spanish fish to try:
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Cod – Bacalao (salt cod) is beloved, especially in the north.
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Octopus – Pulpo is a quintessential tapa, rubbed with salt and paprika then quickly grilled.
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Red mullet – Salmonete has a tender texture and subtle flavor.
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Monkfish – Rape (monkfish) is called the “poor man’s lobster” for its sweetness.
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Trout – Farmed rainbow trout (trucha) is tasty and affordable.
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Mackerel – Estornino is served fried, grilled, or pickled as a tapa.
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Swordfish – Pez espada has a meaty texture like tuna.
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Mussels – Steamed mussels (mejillones) are mixed with white wine, garlic, and parsley.
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Squid – Calamari, either fried or stuffed with seafood rice.
The Takeaway
The variety of high-quality seafood in Spain makes it a magical destination for fish and seafood lovers. When browsing menus, keep an eye out for sardines, anchovies, hake, tuna and bream. But be adventurous and try local specialties too – the Spanish have perfected the art of preparing fish and shellfish. Just don’t forget to order a glass of Albariño or Verdejo white wine to pair with your meal! With a little guidance, you’re sure to have an amazing seafood experience on your next trip to Spain.
Volume of fish consumed in Spanish households by 2021, by type of fish (in millions kilograms)
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Shocking SEAFOOD in Spain!! BIG EYE SEABREAM – Cooked 2 Ways is Insane!!
FAQ
What fish is caught in Spain?
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Common Name
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Scientific Name
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Occurrence-
|
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European Sea Sturgeon
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Acipenser sturio
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Native
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European Eel
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Anguilla anguilla
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native
|
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Big-scale sand smelt
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Atherina boyeri
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native
|
|
Freshwater Blennie
|
Salaria fluviatilis
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native
|
What is the best fish to eat in Spain?
It’s important to note that the flat fish is a top-tier fish in Spain. We loved this type of fish because it is seen throughout Spain and it tends to work well from a taste perspective. It’s light, easy to eat, and works well with wine. Tuna is a popular type of fish throughout the world and it’s not any different here.
What is the most famous seafood dish in Spain?
The most famous Spanish seafood dish is likely seafood paella, but there is a wealth of amazing seafood dishes in Spain beyond paella. If you are after mouthwatering fish platters and extraordinary appetizing seafood platters, you should check out some awesome Spain itineraries and plan your trip to Spain.
Does Spain have seafood?
Seafood in Spanish is mariscos, and shellfish in Spanish is called mariscos as well. However, shellfish alone don’t make seafood, but fish, roe, and echinoderms too. And Spain certainly doesn’t lack different types of seafood. Fish in Spanish is called el pescado and Spainairds are proven virtuosos de pascado (fish virtuosos).
What is fish called in Spain?
Fish in Spanish is called el pescado and Spainairds are proven virtuosos de pascado (fish virtuosos). Fish in Spain is traditionally prepared in various ways and it comes in different kinds of dishes. But, shellfish in Spain is mostly eaten somewhat raw and it is mostly served as tapas.