Are Wahoo Good To Eat? They Are Fantastic!

Every angler has their favorite catch, and for many, the thrill of landing a massive wahoo is hard to beat. But what about after the catch?

Are wahoo good to eat? In this article, we dive into the topic and explore the flavor of this popular game fish.

Table of Contents

• Are Wahoo Good To Eat?
• What Does Wahoo Taste Like?
• Is Wahoo The Best Tasting Fish?
• Best Ways To Cook Wahoo
• Easy Wahoo Sushi Recipe
• Where To Buy Wahoo?
• How Much Does Wahoo Cost Per Pound?
• Final Thoughts

Are Wahoo Good To Eat?

Absolutely, wahoo are excellent to eat! In fact, they are among the most prized fish in the culinary world due to their delightful taste and texture. Though they’re primarily known in fishing circles for their speed and fighting spirit, wahoo are equally renowned among chefs and gourmets for their gastronomic appeal.

Wahoo meat is firm and light-colored, with a mild flavor that lends itself well to a variety of dishes and cooking methods.

Its firmness makes it perfect for grilling, broiling, or searing, and it’s often compared favorably to mackerel, although with a less fishy flavor.

It’s commonly served in sushi and sashimi dishes in Japan, where it’s known as “Ono,” which fittingly means “delicious.”

A key advantage of wahoo is that it’s low in saturated fat while being rich in protein and several essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.

This combination makes it a healthy choice for those who enjoy seafood as part of their regular diet.

However, as with all fish, it’s important to source wahoo responsibly. This fast, pelagic predator is not currently considered overfished, but sustainable fishing practices help ensure that we can enjoy wahoo for generations to come.

Related: Are Blue Marlin Good To Eat? Is It Even Ethical To Eat One?

What Does Wahoo Taste Like?

Describing the flavor of fish can be a subjective exercise, but most seafood lovers agree that wahoo has a uniquely appealing taste. The flavor is more delicate than tuna or swordfish but offers a rich taste that doesn’t need much dressing up to shine.

The texture of wahoo is part of its charm. The meat is dense and firm, almost steak-like (but not as dense as swordfish), but when cooked correctly, it remains wonderfully moist.

There’s a certain level of sweetness to the meat, similar to albacore tuna. This sweetness paired with the subtle flavor of the fish itself makes it an excellent canvas for simple recipes or even served raw.

In raw preparations like sashimi or poke, the wahoo’s mild flavor is a real standout, and its firm texture holds up well to the sharp flavors of wasabi, soy, and citrus-based marinades.

Grilled or broiled, wahoo develops a slightly crispy exterior that gives way to succulent, juicy meat inside. It also smokes very well, yielding a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that is perfect for dips.

Is Wahoo The Best Tasting Fish?

Opinions can vary greatly on what is the best tasting fish, but Wahoo consistently ranks high among seafood lovers and food coneseieurs.

The combination of flavor, texture, and consistency makes Wahoo well revered and highly versatile.

Some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten are grilled Wahoo steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it!

Best Ways To Cook Wahoo

Wahoo is incredibly versatile when it comes to preparation. Here are some of the best ways to cook this amazing fish:

Grilling: Wahoo’s firm texture makes it perfect for the grill. Marinate the fish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs before grilling it for a few minutes on each side.

Pan-searing: Season the wahoo steaks with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot pan with a bit of oil. The trick here is not to overcook the fish. A couple of minutes per side should be enough, depending on the thickness of your steak.

Baking: Baked wahoo is a healthy and delicious option. Place the wahoo fillets in a baking dish, add a drizzle of olive oil, some lemon slices, and your favorite herbs, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.

Smoking: Smoked wahoo is a real treat. The process is a bit longer, but the result is worth the wait. A simple brine of salt, brown sugar, and water will work nicely. Smoke the fish at a lower temperature for a couple of hours until the meat flakes easily.

Easy Wahoo Sushi Recipe

Here’s a simple wahoo sushi recipe that will help you enjoy this delicious fish in its most authentic form:

Ingredients:

1. Fresh wahoo fillet
2. Sushi rice
3. Nori sheets
4. Wasabi
5. Soy sauce
6. Pickled ginger

Instructions:

1. Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions and let it cool down.
2. Slice the wahoo fillet into thin, long pieces against the grain (about 1.5 inches long). Make sure to use a very sharp knife and make clean, precise cuts.
3. Lay out the nori sheet and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it, leaving a small margin at the top.
4. Place a slice of wahoo in the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi tightly using a bamboo mat.
6. Slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp, wet knife.
7. Serve with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger on the side.

Where To Buy Wahoo?

You can find wahoo at most well-stocked seafood markets. If you live in a coastal area, check out local fishmongers or seafood wholesalers.

They often carry fresh, locally-caught wahoo. If fresh wahoo is not available, you can usually find it frozen.

Many online retailers also offer fresh and frozen wahoo delivered to your doorstep. Check reviews and ratings before purchasing to ensure the quality and sustainability of their products.

How Much Does Wahoo Cost Per Pound?

The price of wahoo can vary based on factors like location, season, and availability.

You could typically expect to pay anywhere between $18 to $30 per pound for fresh wahoo, with some variation based on the factors mentioned above.

Always check with your local or online supplier for the most current prices.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, wahoo is not just a thrilling catch for anglers, but also a culinary delight.

If you like swordfish, tuna steaks, or even kingfish…your going to LOVE Wahoo.

So the next time you come across fresh Wahoo at your local market or online, don’t hesitate to give it a try. You’re in for a treat!