Fish is a staple food all over the world because there are so many different types of fish to choose from and ways to prepare them.
In our travels, we have sampled fish dishes from every corner of the Earth. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular fish recipes that we think you need to try at least once in your life.
Quick Summary
- Popular fish recipes from around the world, include Fish and Chips, Sashimi, Fish Tacos, Fish Curry, Salmon Patties, Bouillabaisse, Fish Stew, Gefilte Fish, Poke, Fried Fish, and Grilled Fish.
- Each recipe is unique in its preparation, ingredients, and cultural origins, showcasing the versatility of fish in global cuisines.
- From traditional Japanese Sashimi to Mexican Fish Tacos and French Bouillabaisse, these recipes highlight different cooking methods like frying, grilling, stewing, and raw preparations.
1. Fish and Chips
This classic English dish consists of fried fish covered in batter, served with french fries (known as chips in England) and malt vinegar.
Fish and chips are traditionally made with cod, haddock, or plaice, but you can use any type of white fish.
You can find a version of fish and chips all over the world - in New Zealand, Australia, and even in the United States. But, it’s hard to beat the original - even if it isn’t the official national dish of England.
2. Sashimi
Sashimi is a traditional Japanese dish of raw fish sliced into thin pieces. It is usually served with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger.
You can use a wide variety of fish for sashimi, but the most popular types are tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, you can try one of the more unusual types of sashimi, such as octopus or squid.
3. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a Mexican dish made with flaky fish wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. They are often served with shredded cabbage, salsa, and lime juice.
Originating in the Baja region of Mexico, this recipe quickly migrated north and has become a favorite in California [1].
The type of fish used for fish tacos varies depending on the region, but it is typically a white fish such as mahi-mahi, tilapia, or catfish.
Like most fish recipes that move to new locations, fish tacos have undergone a bit of Americanization. In the US, it’s common to find fish tacos topped with cheese, chili peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, chopped olives, sour cream, and even avocado.
While these additions may not be part of the traditional recipe, they definitely make the tacos taste delicious, and the various seasonings give them a spicy kick.
4. Fish Curry
Curried dishes are popular in many parts of the world, but this fare originated in India. Although many versions exist, they all have curry powder in common. Curry powder is a blend of spices that typically includes cumin, turmeric, and chili pepper.
Veidehi Gite, founder of award-winning guide to new destinations Krazy Butterfly, says that one reason for curry’s popularity is its flavor and versatility. It can be spiced to suit any taste, and its array of ingredients can be tailored to a variety of dishes.
Indian fish curry commonly uses salmon, carp, mackerel, perch, or Hilsa. However, you can really use any sort of fish in this recipe. Tilapia, snapper, and barramundi are all excellent choices.
The rich flavor of fish curry is created by cooking fish in a curry sauce that can be either mild or spicy.
The curry sauce is made with tomatoes, onion, and coconut milk. This recipe is often served with rice and naan bread.
5. Salmon Patties
Salmon patties are a popular fish dish in the United States, Canada, and Japan. These fish cakes are made with cooked salmon mixed with bread crumbs and spices, then formed into patties and baked or fried.
This dish is a good way to use up leftover cooked salmon, or you can use canned salmon. It can be served as an entree or as a sandwich on a bun with sauce and lemon zest.
If made as baked fish, it is a lower calorie option than a burger made with beef.
Also Read: How to Prepare Salmon Salad
6. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a French seafood stew that is typically made with a variety of fish, shellfish, and vegetables. It is often served on grilled bread with rouille - a mixture of cayenne pepper, saffron, garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil.
Initially created by the fisherman in the port city of Marseille, they originally made this dish with fish that were not suitable for sale.
"In the hands of an able cook, fish can become an inexhaustible source of perpetual delight."
- Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, Author of The Physiology of Taste
These rockfish included red rascasse, conger, and sea robin. Today, common species used in bouillabaisse are sea bass, monkfish, and snapper. However, any edible species can be used.
The other vital ingredient in this dish is seafood. There should be a mix of different types of shellfish, such as lobster, shrimp, mussels, or crab.
7. Fish Stew
Fish stew is a popular dish in many parts of the world, including America, Europe, and Asia. It is made by cooking fish and vegetables in a broth or fish stock.
You can make this dish with any type of fish, but it is often made with cheaper, less desirable cuts.
At first, fish stew was an inexpensive way for poor people to add protein to their diet. Today, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables.
To flavor, you can add onions, tomatoes, garlic, and bay leaves.
It can be served with fresh vegetables, lemon wedges, bread, or boiled potatoes. Because it can be left to cook all day, it is perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.
8. Gefilte Fish
Gefilte fish is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish that is made with ground fish that is seasoned and boiled. It is often served with horseradish sauce or beetroot.
The meat is ground and mixed with bread, eggs, and seasonings so that it can be formed into balls or patties.
This dish can be made with any sort of fish, but it is most commonly made with carp, pike, or white fish. Initially, this fish recipe was designed to stuff the fish fully. However, it has evolved over time into the ground dish that we know today.
This recipe can be topped with fresh dill and carrots and served with white wine.
9. Poke
Poke is a classic dish from Hawai’i made with uncooked fish that is cubed and marinated. In the traditional way, it is typically served over steamed rice and seaweed.
The marinade may contain soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
Poke is a great way to use up fresh fish. It is a healthy dish that is high in protein and low in calories.
The type of fish used for poke varies depending on what is available, but ahi tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are all popular choices.
This fish recipe has become very popular in recent years and can now be found in many mainland American cities.
10. Fried Fish
One of the most popular ways to prepare fish is to fry it. You can use this method with any type of fish, but it is often used with cheaper cuts of fish.
These fish recipes are typically made by coating the fish in a batter or breadcrumb mixture and then frying it in vegetable or olive oil.
The hot oil cooks the fish and makes the batter crispy and golden-brown. It is often served with fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce.
Wisconsin fish fry is a popular variation of this fish recipe that is made with beer batter and served with fish sauce, tartar sauce, coleslaw, and potato pancakes.
Fish fingers are another oft-eaten fish recipe that is popular with children. It is made with breaded, fried fish fillets cut in finger-like strips that are served with fries or mashed potatoes.
Bonus - Grilled Fish
The grill is a favorite way to prepare fish, especially in the summertime. You can use this method with any fish, but it is often used with thicker cuts of fish to make a perfectly cooked salmon or swordfish.
Grilled fish is typically seasoned with a dry rub or marinade and then cooked over a hot grill. It is often spritzed with lemon juice and served with grilled vegetables, rice, and salad.
The marinade can be anything that suits your taste, with a base from sweet and sour to brown sugar to white wine.
You can also sear fish on a hot grill or pan to create a crust. This method is often used for the fish cut in thick slices that you serve rare or medium rare.
Ahi tuna is a common fish for this type of cooking, as is pan-seared cod.
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FAQs
What Are the Most Popular Fish Worldwide?
The most popular fish worldwide are Salmon, Tuna, Tilapia, Pollock, and Cod [2].
What Is the Best Fish for People Who Don’t Like Fish?
The best fish for people who don’t like fish is one that is mild in flavor. Tilapia, halibut, and cod are all excellent options. Mahi-mahi can also be a good choice for people who don’t like fish because its distinctive flavor is not fishy.
What Is the Tastiest Fish?
The tastiest fish is truly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer fish that are mild, while others prefer fish with a bold flavor.
Cod, halibut, sea bass, red snapper, salmon, catfish, and swordfish are all considered contenders for the tastiest fish title, but it ultimately comes down to what you like.
What Is the Most Expensive Fish?
The most expensive fish is the bluefin tuna type of sushi-grade tuna. These fish can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars per pound. The record is $3 million spent in Japan on a 600-pound tuna that was used to make 12,000 pieces of sushi [3].
What Are Some of the Healthiest Fish to Eat?
Some of the healthiest fish to eat are salmon, albacore tuna, rainbow trout, mackerel, and sardines. These fish are all full of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits.
They may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. They also contain many vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
What Are Some of the Least Healthy Fish to Eat?
Some of the least healthy fish to eat include swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel. These fish are all high in mercury, which can be harmful to the nervous system. Pregnant women and growing children should avoid these fish altogether.
References:
- https://www.npr.org/2007/09/12/14333245/in-love-with-the-fish-taco-and-its-hometown
- https://aboutseafood.com/about/top-ten-list-for-seafood-consumption
- https://www.barnebys.com/blog/the-most-expensive-fish-ever-sold
