One fish, two fish, mild fish, strong fish. If you're new to eating seafood, here's a simple cheat sheet for understanding which fish are mild-tasting and which have stronger flavors.
No matter where on the "fish scale" you start, remember that when you buy Hy-Vee seafood, you know it was responsibly sourced.
To learn even more about fish (and shellfish), check out our Seafood Made Easy cooking guide.
FAQs
Most white fish—think tilapia, halibut, grouper, cod—are considered mild in flavor but sometimes have a delicate, sweet, and buttery taste. That's why we like these fish as options for seafood beginners.
What flavor is fish scale? ›
Bred by Compound Genetics and Cookies, Fish Scale features flavors like ammonia, sweet and grape. The dominant terpene of this strain is myrcene. The average price of Fish Scale typically ranges from $25-$45 for ⅛ depending on where you live.
What is the least strong tasting fish? ›
Tilapia – tilapia is arguably the mildest tasting fish there is. It's not fishy at all and has a mild sweetness. Tilapia is easy to prepare and goes well with a variety of different flavor profiles. Cod – cod has a mild flavor that's slightly sweet like tilapia.
Is sole a mild flavored fish? ›
Unlike other types of fish, Dover Sole has a distinctly mild and sweet flavor, and is not “fishy” in the least. Its texture is firm, which makes it easy to slice into filets and helps it hold together throughout even the heartiest of preparations.
Which fish has the strongest taste? ›
Herring – Full, strong flavor and a tender texture. Mackerel, Atlantic (includes canned) – Medium flavor with a firm texture. Pollock – Mild flavor with a medium texture. Salmon (Atlantic and Pacific) – Rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture.
What are small strong tasting fish? ›
The fish that tend to be highest in these omega-3 fatty acids are small, oily fish such as anchovies, sardines, herring, and mackerel. Despite their small size, they pack considerable flavor.
What is a fish scale? ›
scale, in zoology, small plate or shield forming part of the outer skin layers of certain animals. Scales provide protection from the environment and from predators. Fish scales are formed of bone from the deeper, or dermal, skin layer.
Is fish scale good to eat? ›
Although eating fish scales is generally not considered unhealthy, a big chunk of the population finds it rather unpleasant. Fish scales have an unappealing and slimy flavor to them. Even if the fish is cooked with all the scales still on, people will most likely not like it.
Are fish scales hard or soft? ›
The scale has a hard outer layer of mineral and collagen — similar to bone, but even harder. This highly mineralized surface is the initial line of protection. The scale's soft, thick inner layer is composed of parallel collagen fibrils arranged in a twisted spiral pattern.
What is the healthiest fish to eat? ›
6 of the Healthiest Fish to Eat
- Albacore Tuna (troll- or pole-caught, from the US or British Columbia) ...
- Salmon (wild-caught, Alaska) ...
- Oysters (farmed) ...
- Sardines, Pacific (wild-caught) ...
- Rainbow Trout (farmed) ...
- Freshwater Coho Salmon (farmed in tank systems, from the US)
Your Guide to the Best Tasting Fish
- Cod. Cod is one of the more notable options to pick up, but its taste can depend on exactly what type of cod you pick up. ...
- Oysters. While not exactly a fish, oysters can be one of the nicer seafoods to pick up. ...
- Sole. ...
- Salmon. ...
- Halibut.
What's the best tasting fish to fry? ›
Best Fish to Fry
Typically, neutral flavored, white-fleshed, and lean fish are best for frying. Freshwater fish such as bass, trout, and catfish are excellent choices. Avoid dense and oily tuna, salmon, and sea bass.
What is the best fish to eat steamed? ›
Look for small whole fish, like branzino, black sea bass, porgy, rainbow trout, catfish or grunt. Scaled fish should be descaled before cooking (either by yourself or the fishmonger). Flat fish, like flounder, fluke or sole, are especially good, but can be hard to find whole.
What fish should not taste fishy? ›
Fish tastes "fishy" when it hasn't been handled properly. To avoid "fishy" fish, smell and feel it. It should have a fresh and mild odor. It should be firm to touch and spring back into place.
What is the mild taste white fish? ›
White-fleshed fish generally have a milder flavour than dark-fleshed fish. Ling, for example, is a good option for kids as it has a mild flavour and very few bones. Other mild-flavoured fish include leatherjacket, flathead, whiting, flounder, sole and dory.