Before I started this year of forcing myself to either eat seafood or be vegetarian, I consulted with a few friends on their recommendations. Chilean sea bass was in the list multiple times. It was described to me as “the most beginner friendly fish”. I don’t know. But it was.
I listen to my friends. I got that as my first. I am noticing that fish costs more than chicken and other meats. At almost $30/lb this was not cheap. I would like to spend time this year understanding the commerce around fisheries and seafood. Though that is not my main focus, it piques my curiosity. I have perfunctory knowledge of obvious harmful behavior. Though I would not be able to articulate the why for these. The why of it all is what interests me.
In any case, I cooked my first fish dish today. Compared to the other recipes I have made in the past, this was rudimentary. As my friend put it “it is like cooking steak”. You need high heat, minimal seasonings, and an abundance of patience.
It was worth it! I made a simple couscous with the little burnt on bits on the bottom of the pan. I added water, salt, and a dash of white pepper and it was done. A simple dinner, but it was good. I did not expect fish to be as flakey as this was. It was my first time eating fish in ages (sushi not included).
It was nice to know that this was an invasive species at one point. Rebranding it as Chilean Sea Bass was a marketing stunt! And it looks like it worked. Patagonian Toothfish doesn’t appeal to the palate quite as much.