Cobia is a mild, firm white fish that adapts well to almost any cooking method. Also known as lemonfish, crabeater or black salmon, cobia has large flakes and a slightly sweet flavor. Here are some easy ways to cook delicious cobia at home.
1. How To Cook Cobia on Stove
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz cobia fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat cobia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
When oil is shimmering, add fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4 minutes until browned.
Carefully flip fillets over. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily and is opaque. Baste fillets with melted butter as they cook.
Transfer cooked fillets to a plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
For an easy sauce, you can also deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or lemon juice to make a quick pan sauce after removing the fish. Top fillets with sautéed peppers, roasted tomatoes or a pesto drizzle for extra flavor.
2. How To Cook Cobia in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz cobia fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat cobia fillets dry and brush with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place fillets on prepared baking sheet and top with lemon slices.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Serve baked cobia garnished with fresh herbs like parsley, dill or chives if desired.
The hot dry heat of the oven concentrates flavors while keeping the fish meat deliciously succulent. Try topping fillets with breadcrumbs, roasted garlic or your favorite spice blend for more flavor options.
3. How to Cook Cobia in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz cobia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat cobia fillets dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd.
Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Serve air fried cobia with lemon wedges, tartar sauce or remoulade.
The hot concentrated air will give the exterior a delightfully crispy texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed for thickness of fillets.
4. How To Cook Cobia on Grill
Ingredients
- 4 6-oz cobia fillets, 1-inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare grill for direct high-heat cooking over hot charcoal, wood chips or gas grill on high.
Pat cobia fillets dry. Brush with olive oil or melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
Place fillets skin-side down directly over heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes until nicely marked.
Flip fillets over. Continue grilling for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily.
Serve grilled cobia with lemon wedges and your favorite grilled veggies or sides.
The high direct heat of the grill sears in moisture and gives incredible rich flavor. Try serving with chimichurri sauce or a blackened seasoning blend for more options.
Cobia is such a versatile fish that suits being pan-seared, baked, air fried, or grilled beautifully. Cook using your preferred method and enjoy its mildly sweet taste and meaty texture.
