Selecting fresh fish can be difficult, as they come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. The more you understand about how different fish taste, the easier it will be to choose. Here’s a guide to various fish fillets and their flavor profiles to simply ordering at a restaurant.

6 Fresh Fish & Their Flavors

1. Flounder

Flounder is one of the many flatfish species and is known for its sweet flavor. Because its taste is mild, flounder is ideal if you’re trying fresh fish for the first time. The fish can be broiled or grilled and pairs well with several spices, including ginger, garlic, and lemon pepper.

2. Grouper

A member of the Serranidae family, Grouper has a mild and distinctive flavor. Red Grouper has a milder and sweeter taste than the Black Grouper, making it a more popular choice among fresh fish eaters. Grouper can be baked, grilled, or pan-fried, and it tastes best when seasoned with paprika, parsley, oregano, and thyme.

3. Cobia

Cobia tastes similar to mahi-mahi and swordfish. It tastes mild and meaty and complements many cooking methods. Popular cobia dishes include pan-seared cobia with thyme-butter, sauteed cobia with tomatoes and capers, and cobia with lemon-caper sauce.

4. Snapper

Harvested in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Atlantic waters, Snapper comes in several varieties — including red and yellowtail. The lean and moist fish has a mildly sweet and nutty flavor. Popular types of snapper dishes include Cajun-style blackened red snapper, snapper with a mango glaze, and red snapper with lemon-herb butter.

5. Mahi-Mahi

Meaning “strong” in Hawaiian, mahi-mahi is loved by many for its mild yet sweet taste. The dolphinfish is found in the warm waters of the world, from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean; it also comes in various colors, like blue, green, and yellow. The fish’s soft texture also lets it stand up well to grilling and baking.

6. Amberjack

Amberjack is native to the Pacific Ocean and known for its flakiness and richness. The colorful fish is distinctively sweet; the larger the fish is, the more intense the flavor is. Amberjack is often compared to swordfish, but it’s a bit thicker and juicier. The fish doesn’t dry out easily, so it’s ideal for grilling.

If you’re in the mood to eat fresh fish, stop by Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour, AL. The market has been providing high-quality fresh market seafood since 1975 and always puts their customers first. Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, or crab, you can find it at this seafood market. They pride themselves on offering the best the ocean has to offer. For more information about their seafood, call (251) 949-6288 or visit their website.