Does Halibut Taste Fishy? Debunking the Myth
Halibut is a mild-mannered fish. It’s one of the most popular seafood choices in America, and for a good reason: it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help with everything, including lowering cholesterol levels. But does halibut have a fishy taste?
The debate of whether or not halibut is fishy has permeated the web for weeks. Forums and comment sections have divided users into two camps: those who love it and those who hate it. However, this article serves to end the debate once and for all. Keep reading.
Does Halibut Taste Fishy?
Some think all white-fleshed fish tastes “fishy” when cooked, but this isn’t true. Halibut simply tastes like the ocean; it doesn’t have any strong flavors that would come across as “fishy.”
Halibut is one of the most common fish in the United States. Its mild flavor makes it a popular choice for many types of cooking, from steaks to salads to soups and stews. But does halibut taste fishy?
So to make it clear, halibut does not taste fishy. Instead, it has a firm texture and mild flavor, which makes it ideal for grilling or frying. And in case you don’t like the taste of halibut, you might find cod more palatable as it has a stronger flavor than halibut and is often prepared using the same cooking methods.
Halibut is used in many dishes worldwide, including sushi and meunière, where it is pan-fried in butter and served with lemon juice or other sauces.
Ultimately, halibut is available year-round, but its season peaks during the summer months when they’re at their fattest. So the time of year also affects the price of halibut — if you buy it during its peak season (which is June through August), expect to pay top dollar!
What Makes a Fish Taste Fishy?
Fishy fish taste is related to a chemical called trimethylamine (TMA). So fish with the highest levels of trimethylamine, like salmon and whitefish, will always inhibit fishy taste. Similarly, other factors can make your fish taste fishy. Let’s take a closer look
- Poor handling
Fish should be handled carefully, especially if transported in coolers or bags. So if they’re not kept in proper or favorable conditions, they may smell or taste fishy.
- Age
Fish can taste fishy due to age; the older they are, the more they tend to develop a dry, musty flavor. Simply because of an increase in ammonia and nitrogen-containing compounds in their tissues.
Also, as they age, they will become more prone to bacterial infections that produce secondary metabolites.
- The fish has been frozen or thawed improperly.
Improperly thawed fish can taste fishy. So when buying frozen seafood at the grocery store, check the date on the package — if it’s too old, return it immediately.
Once thawed, seafood has a shorter shelf life than its fresh counterpart before spoiling completely because harmful bacteria grow faster in warmer temperatures than in colder ones (and your fridge isn’t cold enough).
- Fat content
A higher fat content means the fish will have a stronger flavor than leaner varieties like cod or flounder with less fat. The flavors seep into your mouth when you eat it raw or undercooked because they are more porous than other types of meat proteins.
Why You Should Eat Halibut
Halibut is an excellent choice for any occasion. It has a mild, delicate taste paired well with many foods and spices. Halibut can be prepared in various ways and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The meat of halibut is white, flaky, and has a mild, sweet flavor. The meat can be grilled or fried, but it also works well in fish tacos, casseroles, soups, and stews. Here is why you should eat halibut.
- You can enjoy its mild flavor without adding any spices or seasonings
Halibut tastes like the ocean itself! You don’t have to worry about overpowering the other flavors in your dish because halibut has a unique taste.
Additionally, it’s rich in protein, which helps keep you full longer and protects against heart disease. Halibut also contains zinc, which maintains healthy bones and improves brain function.
- Rich in Antioxidants
Halibut contains high levels of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A when ingested by humans. Vitamin A is key in maintaining healthy vision, skin, and mucous membranes throughout the body.
- It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Halibut has more omega-3 fatty acids than other types of fish, such as salmon or tuna. These fats are essential for overall health since they reduce inflammation while preventing heart diseases.
- A good alternative to shark
Halibut serves as a great alternative to sharks. It has less mercury than other types of fish, like tuna and sharks; it also has less fat and calories, which means that you can eat more of it with less risk of being unhealthy.
How To Store Halibut
Halibut is a popular fish that is also easy to store. You can freeze it whole or cut it into steaks, filets, or steaks. However, if you decide to store a halibut at home, here are a few hacks;
Always keep the fish in the refrigerator if you plan on eating it within two days of purchase. Similarly, if you plan to freeze your halibut, ensure it’s frozen before putting it in the freezer.
You can store halibut in either water or oil. While oil is a good option if you plan on using the fish later, it’s also best to store halibut in water after buying it. This will prevent freezer burn and ensure your fish stays moist during storage.
Bottom Line
Halibut is a meat and fish lovers’ delight, with high-quality filets that are firm, flavorful, and lean compared to other types of fish. It is an excellent alternative to your normal red meat and has adaptability for various dishes.
The delicious qualities of halibut make it the perfect choice for steak lovers looking for better nutritional options with their meals. And the good thing is, it is not fishy at all.
