Exotic Monkfish Recipes for Every Palate

Monkfish is a delicious, exquisite tasting fish that is widely available throughout the world. It has a unique texture and flavor that is easily distinguishable. Its mild, delicate, sweet flavor pairs amazingly well with both savory and sweet ingredients, making it a versatile fish to work with and to prepare. In this article, we’ll explore monkfish recipes for every palate, including tacos, curry, and some unique and creative recipes.

What is Monkfish?

Monkfish is a large, deep-sea fish that can grow up to an impressive three feet in length. It has a mild flavor, somewhere between that of a lobster and a crab. Monkfish has a firm meaty texture making it a popular option to work with for chefs and home cooks alike. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, poaching, roasting, baking, and sautéing.

How to Prepare Monkfish for Recipes

Before you begin cooking monkfish, you must prepare it correctly. Rinse the monkfish in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut away any visible fat, scales, and bones. This can be done with a sharp knife or pair of kitchen scissors. Once the monkfish is prepped and ready, you can begin your recipes.

Monkfish Tacos

Monkfish tacos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dish. They have a unique texture and flavor that pair perfectly with the spicy fillings of a traditional taco.

Ingredients

• 4 monkfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the monkfish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky.

Once the fish is done baking, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Heat the taco shells in the oven for 5 minutes. Fill each shell with a generous portion of monkfish, salsa, lettuce, and cheese. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

Monkfish tacos pair well with a light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables. They can also be served with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. For a sweet treat, pair the tacos with a refreshing margarita or a glass of cold beer.

Monkfish Curry

Monkfish curry is a delicious and easy to prepare dish that is sure to please the entire family. It has a mild, yet flavorful taste that is complemented by the spices of a traditional Indian curry.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds monkfish, cubed
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ginger, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the monkfish and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice.

Serving Suggestions

Monkfish curry is best served with a side of basmati rice and some naan bread. The curry can also be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a light, refreshing salad. For a sweet treat, pair the curry with mango lassi or a glass of traditional Indian tea.

Creative Monkfish Recipes

Monkfish is a versatile fish, so it can be used in a variety of unique and creative recipes. Here are a few of our favorite monkfish recipes that are sure to please everyone.

Monkfish with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is a great way to use up any extra vegetables you may have on hand. The vegetables are roasted until golden and caramelized, then served with a delicious monkfish steak.

• 4 monkfish steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into wedges
• 2 zucchini, cut into wedges
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the monkfish steaks in a large baking dish. Drizzle them with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Toss to combine.

Arrange the vegetables in an even layer on a baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are golden and caramelized.

Place the monkfish steaks in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Serve the monkfish and vegetables together with a side of your favorite sauce or dressing.

Monkfish Burgers

These burgers are light, yet flavourful and make for a great summer meal. They are best served with a side of French fries or a refreshing salad.

• 4 monkfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheese (optional)
• Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, for toppings

Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the monkfish fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

To assemble the burgers, place the cooked monkfish on the hamburger buns. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Serve with your favorite condiments and fries or a side salad.

Monkfish Wraps

These wraps are easy to make, yet packed full of flavor. They are perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for later.

• 4 monkfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup hummus
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced olives
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion

Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the monkfish fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Once the fish is done baking, set aside to cool.

To assemble the wraps, spread each tortilla with a generous portion of hummus. Top with lettuce, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and red onion. Place a portion of monkfish in the center of each wrap. Roll up the wraps and serve with your favorite dressing or dipping sauce.

Monkfish with Garlic and Parsley

This is a simple yet flavourful recipe that takes little time to prepare. The monkfish is cooked until perfectly golden and is served with a delicious garlic and parsley sauce.

• 4 monkfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the monkfish fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Meanwhile, heat the white wine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the parsley, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve the monkfish with the garlic and parsley sauce. Enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or a light, refreshing salad.

Conclusion

Monkfish is a versatile fish that can be used in a variety of recipes, from tacos to curries and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner, monkfish can be the star of the show. We hope you enjoy these delicious monkfish recipes and find one or two that you and your family love.