Icelandic Ocean Perch with Rice

A week ago, a friend of mine sent me an image of a package of fish fillets that were labeled “Icelandic Ocean Perch”. My friend asked me if I had ever tried this fish and I hadn’t – until last night. The labeling indicated that the fish could be purchased at Costco and off I went to buy and try.

Each package contains about 8 skin-on fillets. I am a hungry guy and I cooked up two fillets for myself. Opening the package, there was no overbearing fish smell (rather a pleasant one), the fillets have no pin bones and all one has to do is give them a rinse and pat-dry.

According to a producer of this fish, it is wild-caught, sustainable and abundant around the waters of Iceland and in season from April to September. Ocean perch feed mostly on crustaceans, which explains why this fish is so tasty!

Mild in flavour yet firm texture and I like that the skin is on (I like crispy fish skin). To achieve crispy skin on your fish, a hot skillet or the broiler in the oven should do the trick. The grill will work but only try if you’re experienced with grilling fish.

I opted for simplicity and pan-seared the fish and served with a portion of lemony rice, some steamed broccolini and a wedge of lemon for an extra kick.

Have you heard or tried Icelandic ocean perch? Will you try it? Let me know!

The post Icelandic Ocean Perch with Rice first appeared on Kalofagas.ca.