Monkfish is a white fish featuring a firm, meaty texture and mild, sweet flavour. It is often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Lobster,” and delivers a luxurious taste experience without the high price tag. Its texture and versatility make the fish ideal for a variety of cooking methods. You can now find monkfish for sale at specialty seafood markets or reputable online stores.
How to Prepare Monkfish
Most of the time, monkfish comes pre-cleaned and separated, making preparation simpler. If you’re baking it, set aside the trunk and head—they’re perfect for making rich, homemade fish stock. While the skin isn’t typically used in standard recipes, it can be saved for other creative preparations.
If you’re cleaning the monkfish yourself, begin by placing it on its back. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, starting at the belly and working outward along the sides. This step ensures a better texture and appearance for most dishes. Specialty seafood vendors often feature both orange roughy for sale and monkfish at the same counter.
Cooking Methods and Recipes
Oven-Roasted Monkfish with Potatoes
- In a pot, simmer the fish head with a pinch of salt and a few parsley sprigs to make a simple fish broth. Alternatively, use ready-made fish stock.
- While the broth is cooking, peel and slice potatoes into medium-thin rounds.
- Peel and cut the onion into thin strips (julienne style).
- Lightly fry the potato slices and onion in a pan with a small amount of oil until they’re lightly browned.
- Set your oven to preheat at 220°C (428°F).
- Spread the cooked potatoes and onion in a baking dish and pour in a little of the prepared fish broth.
- Season both sides of the monkfish with salt and pepper, then place it on top of the vegetables in the tray.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the fish.
- Bake for about 20 minutes.
- Serve with the roasted potatoes and onions. Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.
Seafood lovers might also look for sand crabs for sale to complement this dish with a delicious shellfish starter.
2. Spicy Oven-Baked Monkfish with Garlic and Chili
- Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Arrange monkfish fillets in a baking dish and squeeze lemon juice over them. Lemon slices can be placed directly on the fish for extra flavour.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, peel and slice a few garlic cloves.
- Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan and fry the garlic until golden.
- Add sliced chili peppers to the pan and sauté briefly.
- Stir in a splash of fish broth and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in a little white wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates.
- Once the fish is done, pour the hot garlic-chili sauce over the fillets and serve with fresh parsley as a garnish. You can buy monkfish online if you want quick and convenient access to this tasty fish.
3. Simple Lemon-Grilled Monkfish
- Place monkfish fillets in a shallow dish and coat them with lemon juice and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Let the fish marinate for 20 minutes maximum to preserve texture.
- Heat your grill to medium-high.
- Remove the fillets from the marinade and pat dry.
- Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve on their own or pair with grilled vegetables or rustic bread.
Serve on their own or pair with grilled vegetables or rustic bread. If you’re in the mood for something different, look for sand crabs for sale online to add variety to your seafood menu.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Monkfish Medallions
- Slice the monkfish tail lengthwise into two pieces.
- Place the pieces in a dish and coat with lemon juice and a drizzle of honey.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the chopped parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Roll the pieces together into a uniform log and wrap with bacon strips, leaving a small gap between each strip. Use toothpicks to secure.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
- Cook the bacon-wrapped monkfish in the pan, turning regularly until the bacon is browned but not crispy.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 150°F (65°C). Lower the heat if needed and cook further.
- Remove from the skillet and rest for a few minutes.
- Slice between each bacon strip to create medallions.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or risotto with a vegetable side. Spoon any pan juices over the top and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Many fish lovers search for orange roughy for sale near me when planning a hearty seafood dinner alongside monkfish.
Monkfish is a versatile and flavourful fish that provides a range of culinary possibilities, from simple baked or grilled dishes to complex curries and stews. Its texture, taste, and nutritional value make it a good choice for various meals.