Have you seen a barracuda? This fish has a scary appearance with a long body and sharp teeth. This is a predatory fish, but you can definitely eat it.
The fish belongs to the Sphyraenidae family and is eaten worldwide. It is primarily popular in West Africa and is known for its distinct flavor.
But what does barracuda taste like? This consumable fish has a strong flavor and has lots of meat. The taste of the fish may differ as per the marination; however, the results are usually mouthwatering.
The meat is rich in proteins and nutrition and is always fulfilling.
So, if you can't wait to try a barracuda but first want to understand its taste, explore the guide below.
Table of Contents
What Is a Barracuda?
This saltwater fish belongs to the Sphyraenidae family and possess predatory behavior. It resembles a dangerous snake because of its thin and slender body. A barracuda also has fang-like teeth that are pretty sharp.
It has a long and pointy head. Moreover, it usually weighs around 12 pounds and is available in different colors. However, the most common one has a silver body, a white underbelly, and a grayish-blue upper body.
A barracuda like to feed on small tunas, snappers, jacks, and herrings. At the same time, the old fish likes to travel independently, young barracuda move in groups.
Most experts use bait and lure to trap a barracuda. Since the fish is a wonderful swimmer, it is hard to catch one. A barracuda can easily reach up to 35 miles every hour.
Barracudas can be easily located near coral reefs and coasts. You can also find them close to shipwrecks.
Most people believe that barracudas aren't safe to consume. However, that's not entirely true.
A barracuda is pretty healthy and rich in proteins. However, large fish may contain certain viruses and bacteria. The pathogens may result in infections that might be hard to treat.
How Does a Barracuda Taste Like?
Similar to wild tuna, a barracuda is a highly flavored fish with a sweet undertone. Unlike white fish, this one has a powerful fish taste but is far less intense than other species.
The flesh of a barracuda is white, meaty, and dense. The meat features low-fat levels and large flakes.
In addition, a barracuda features a dark strip located under the skin. This strip is also edible but has a solid and rich taste.
The taste of this fish may vary according to the cooking method and marination used. Since the fish's skin shrinks, it is better to remove it beforehand while cooking.
Since a barracuda is a meaty fish, most people prefer to enjoy it as a steak or fillet.
One of the best things about this fish is its low-fat content. This means it is an ideal food for people looking for fish with lots of proteins but low fats and calories.
How to Use and Cook a Barracuda?
Unfortunately, this fish spoils easily if kept at room temperature for a long time. This is why it is imperative to place it in a refrigerator and only take it out when it's time to cook. This is especially important if you live in an area with a hot climate.
Even if you leave the fish in a freezer, make sure to use it within two days. To be on the safe side, cook the fish as soon as you buy it.
Many people like barracuda in the form of steaks and fillets. These are either grilled, broiled, or baked, as per your preference.
Since this fish has a strong bone structure, the meat doesn't fall apart while cooking.
A barracuda has an intense flavor profile. You can use different herbs, marinations, and spices without fear.
You can cook this fish with your favorite teriyaki sauce. Alternatively, most people also smoke this fish. The procedure adds a distinct smoky flavor to the meat that tastes great with various dips and sauces.
When marinating a barracuda, you can pair it with various spices. For instance, it tastes great with dill, chili, tarragon, garlic, lime, and black pepper.
Once the fish is perfectly cooked, you can enjoy it with side dishes such as glutinous rice, crispy green beans, salads, and baked potatoes.
Can You Eat a Raw Barracuda?
Interestingly, even Japanese chefs don't use barracuda in raw sushi. This is because this fish isn't safe to consume in its raw state.
Barracuda can cause fish poisoning in many people and potentially make them sick. This is why it is imperative to either fry, grill, or bake the fish at a specified temperature. This way, you can eliminate all the toxins in the meat.
What Can We Conclude?
If you like fish and want to taste different meat, we recommend you try barracuda. This fish may look dangerous, but it is edible and can be enjoyed with sides such as salads, rice, and bread.
Moreover, barracuda has a strong flavor profile, meaning you can play around with different herbs and spices to create a well-marinated treat.
However, before you grill or fry the fish, ensure to clean it properly. Make sure you remove the skin and rinse the fish before marinating it with your favorite spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barracuda a Good Eating Fish?
Barracuda may look like a scary fish with a long body and sharp teeth. However, it is one of the most delicious fish on the market. Since it has a strong flavor profile, it tastes excellent with various spices and herbs.
What Happens If You Eat a Barracuda?
You need to be very careful when eating this fish. Although it isn't unsafe, the predatory fish may have toxins after eating other fish. These toxins build over time, creating a poison.
However, not all barracuda can result in poison. Factors such as the catch location, fish age, and seasonal temperatures play a significant role.
Can Barracuda Be Eaten Raw?
It is not safe to eat a raw barracuda. The larger barracudas can get people sick due to high toxin levels in their systems.
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