Red mullet is a term applied to three species of fish prized for their flavor and texture.
The name red mullet is often applied to three related species of fish found in the Mediterranean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean. All three varieties weigh between 2 and 4 lbs. and are highly sought after as food. The fish are widely available in Europe, but less so in the United States.
General Description
The term red mullet is used to describe the red mullet, the striped red mullet and the spotted goatfish. The red mullet proper is rosy colored and has a straight-fronted head. The striped red mullet has a sloping head with stripes on its first dorsal fin. The fish occasionally has horizontal yellow stripes on its sides. The spotted goatfish has pink to orange speckled coloring. The peak season for all three varieties is the fall.
Location and Other Characteristics
The red mullet is common throughout the Mediterranean Sea. The striped red mullet is also common in the Mediterranean, as well as the Black Sea and eastern Atlantic. The spotted goatfish is found in the western Atlantic from New Jersey to Brazil, but is most common off the west coast of Florida. All three fish, known as red mullet, are widely consumed as food, and all have similar flavors and characteristics. The fish have tiny bones and firm, rather than tender, flesh. Their flavor is buttery and shrimp-like with a hint of iodine.
Selection
Red mullet, striped red mullet and spotted goatfish are all highly perishable and must be selected and stored carefully. Look for fish that have firm flesh -- almost rigid -- and that have shiny, tight skin and clear eyes. Select smaller fish for frying whole and larger fish for grilling, baking and pan-frying fillets. All three species may be stored whole on ice for two days. Fillets may be stored on ice for 24 hours.
Cooking
Red mullet and striped red mullet are commonly served in France, Spain and Italy, either grilled or fried with a squeeze of lemon or served with pasta or roasted peppers. The livers of the fish are often cooked in butter and stuffed into the fish before baking whole. Spotted goatfish is occasionally available in ethnic specialty stores in the United States. Red mullet, striped red mullet and spotted goatfish are high in protein, iodine, iron and phosphorous.
Tags: striped mullet, spotted goatfish, mullet striped, mullet striped mullet, mullet spotted
