Sheepshead fish is a tasty, mild white fish that is popular along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. It has a firm texture and flaky white meat that takes well to many cooking methods. Sheepshead can be prepared as fillets or cooked whole. Here are some of the best ways to cook this delicious fish.
1. How To Cook Sheepshead Fish Fillets
1.1. Pan Fried Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sheepshead fillets
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Mix together the flour and paprika in a shallow bowl. Dredge the fillets lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle, add the fillets.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently flip the fillets halfway through.
Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately.
1.2. Grilled Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sheepshead fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat dry. Place in a shallow dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the marinade over the fillets, turning to coat both sides. Cover and let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates.
Place the fillets on the grill and discard excess marinade. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer to a plate and serve. Enjoy the grilled flavor!
2. How To Cook Sheepshead Fish Whole
2.1. Roasted Whole Sheepshead Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole sheepshead fish (about 3 lbs), scaled and gutted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry inside and out with paper towels.
Make several shallow diagonal slits along both sides of the fish. Place fish in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Brush the marinade evenly over the entire fish, inside and out. Then roast for 20-25 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer to a platter, garnish with lemon slices and serve.
2.2. Grilled Whole Sheepshead Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole sheepshead fish (about 3 lbs), scaled and gutted
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry inside and out. Make several diagonal slits along both sides of the fish. Stuff the lemon slices into the cavity.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, thyme and salt and pepper. Brush the mixture all over the fish, inside and out.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates.
Place the fish on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side with the cover closed. Turn carefully using a wide spatula. The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
Transfer the grilled fish to a platter and serve. Enjoy its smoky grilled flavor.
Whether you opt for fillets or choose to prepare the fish whole. Just follow these recipes, and you will be able to savor the unique flavors and textures that sheepshead fish has to offer
