Florida is a seafood lover’s paradise. With the warm Gulf of Mexico to the west and the relatively cooler Atlantic Ocean to the east, Floridians have access to deep-water fish, shallow-water fish, reef fish, crustaceans, shellfish and so much more within arm’s reach!
Here are just a few of the most popular types of fish caught around Florida and, more importantly, how you can cook them at home!
7 Florida fish you can cook at home
Grouper
Grouper is one of Florida’s go-to fish, caught in both the Gulf and Atlantic by either line or spearfishing. Its firm, flaky texture and mild flavor make it a favorite for grilling or baking, where it can also pair with a variety of cuisines and flavors.
If you’re grilling grouper, just brush the filets with olive oil, sprinkle on some salt and pepper and grill them for about 4-5 minutes per side. If baking’s more your thing, pop it in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes with some lemon and herbs. Grouper is a super versatile fish, so you really can’t go wrong with plain, simple seasonings that let the natural flavor shine.
Snapper
Snapper, especially red snapper, is another Florida classic, mainly caught in the Gulf of Mexico using traps or lines. Its flavor is a little sweet and delicate, with flaky flesh that’s perfect for cooking whole or as filets.
If you want to go big, grill or roast a whole snapper with slices of lemon and fresh herbs stuffed inside. For filets, pan-sear them with butter and garlic about 3-4 minutes per side and you’re good to go! You can also roast the filets in an oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Hogfish
Hogfish are caught mainly by spearfishing in the waters off the Florida Keys.
They’ve got a sweet, almost scallop-like flavor with firm flesh, so they’re a pretty versatile fish that can be prepared in many different ways.
To cook hogfish on the stovetop, try pan-searing the filets in butter and garlic for about 3 minutes on each side — you could also grill them by brushing it with some olive oil and cooking them for about the same time. It’s a really delicately-flavored fish, so keep the seasoning light and let the natural flavor shine!
Mahi mahi
Mahi mahi is a firm, mild fish with a touch of sweetness that’s usually caught offshore in the Gulf and Atlantic. If you are grilling mahi mahi, marinate the filets in lime juice, olive oil and herbs before grilling for 4-5 minutes per side. Baking the filets at 400°F for 12-15 minutes works well too! Mahi mahi is awesome in fish tacos or just served with a fresh salsa on top — so keep the seasonings light and pair with fresh, light flavors to get the most out of this fish.
Cobia
Cobia is a rich, firm fish caught off the Florida coast that’s great for grilling or pan-searing!
If you’re grilling, give it a quick marinade in a mix of olive oil, lime juice and garlic, then grill for 4-5 minutes per side. For pan-searing, cook in butter for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. It’s pretty hearty in terms of fish meat, and it pairs well with roasted veggies or a simple salad.
Flounder
Flounder is a mild, sweet fish found along the Gulf Coast, and it can be found in most stores and restaurants all over the country!
The filets are super delicate, so baking or pan-frying flounder meat works best. If you’re baking them, top the filets with breadcrumbs, lemon and herbs before baking at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Pan-frying is just as tasty, though you’ll have to be careful not to tear the delicate meat as you flip them — just dredge the filets in flour, then cook them in butter for 3-4 minutes per side. However you cook it, flounder is a light, flavorful fish that goes really well with a simple lemon-butter sauce.
Wahoo
Wahoo is a sleek, fast fish found offshore in the Gulf and Atlantic, with a firm flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s best prepared grilled, so brush the filets with olive oil, season with lemon, salt and pepper and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. You can also pan-sear it for about 3 minutes per side in a hot pan with some butter!
However you cook it, wahoo works well in fish tacos or served with a fresh fruit salsa for a fun twist.
If you live in South Florida or anywhere near our luxury South Florida apartments, then head to a fish market near you and pick up some of the fresh stuff straight from the people that caught it!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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