What Does Grouper Taste Like?

So, what does grouper taste like? If you’ve never tasted this incredibly popular fish then you’ll love this guide. We’re going to guide you through the taste to show you how this classic saltwater fish tastes and why it’s so popular.

You’ll often find grouper in stores and restaurants all over the US and it’s all thanks to its unique grouper flavor. Firstly, grouper comes in three main varieties, including gag, true black grouper, and red grouper. They all differ in price and flavor.

How Does Grouper Taste?

Is grouper fishy? This is just one of the questions that people ask when they first start angling for grouper.

For the most part, it has a very mild taste with a sweet undertone that most people don’t notice but it’s there. It’s also quite oily and can be compared to things like bass and halibut.

When it comes to texture, grouper is nice and flaky, breaking apart effortlessly. It’s rich in moisture and tastes as mild as you’d expect. In fact, many people say that it melts like butter in your mouth and feels incredible.

Types of Grouper Fish

What is a grouper fish? Now that you have an idea of how does grouper taste, let’s take a look at the different types of grouper fish and what each has to offer:

Gag Grouper

The gag grouper is the most popular grouper and it’s often found in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s brown and often frequents shallow waters particularly in underwater wrecks and coastal rock piles.

A gag grouper is the most commonly caught fish from shore because it loves hanging out in coastal rock beds because that’s where most of its prey is.

One of the best ways to catch gag grouper is through trolling close to where the fish likely hangs out.

Black Grouper

Next, we have black grouper which is similar to red grouper. The only difference is that they are black or gray in color as the name implies.

Red Grouper

The red grouper is another common species that’s found in the Atlantic and as the name implies, it’s known for its red color.

It likes to stay deeper in the water which is why the most effective way to fish for them is by using grouper bait or chum from your boat.

Just make sure to use a weighted setup that’ll bring you closer to the fish as much as possible.

Goliath Grouper 

Goliath grouper is the biggest species of grouper around which is why it’s called the goliath grouper.

That’s why they’re so popular among commercial fisheries and they typically reside deep in the water.

With that said, goliath grouper is on the protected endangered species list due to overfishing which is why you’ll probably have to let it go after catching it.

Where to Catch Grouper 

Now, before you learn what grouper tastes like you must catch one, and the best place to do so is on the eastern seaboard ideally by boat or from the shore.

Here are a few tips to help you catch the most grouper on your fishing trip:

• If you’re using a boat to do some bottom fishing then you should opt for drifting so that you can cover more ground and get your lure in front of as many grouper fish as possible.
• Grouper are typically found around rocks which is why it’s important to make sure that your drag is tight. After all, grouper can easily taste your bait and then get back to its rocks leaving it to snap against the rocks. So having a tight drag can really go a long way to keeping that grouper hooked until you can reel him in and claim your catch.
• Grouper fishing is very rewarding in that even when conditions are bad for angling for other fish, grouper will still be around. That’s because they’re not as affected by fishing conditions and are always ready to take a bite at some tasty bait.

How Can You Tell If Grouper is Fresh?

The best way to pick fresh grouper is to follow these tips:

Try Frozen Grouper

Fresh fish is obviously the best and your first choice. However, if you’re unable to access fresh grouper then you can definitely benefit from the frozen kind.

It’s a viable alternative that’s easier to keep as well because all you have to do is simply pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to prepare it.

Check the Smell

It’s important to test the smell of the fish, especially if you’re buying it raw without any packaging. Ideally, fresh grouper doesn’t smell like anything and that’s what you should go for.

See If It Looks Fresh

You also want to ensure that your fish looks as fresh as it smells. This means that its eyes don’t look dark or even glazed over. Touch it to see if the flesh has any dents in it.

If poking it leaves a dent behind then it means the fish has gone bad. There also shouldn’t be any signs of ice or liquid on the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gulf grouper taste like?

Gulf grouper has a nice moist texture that is very pleasant to the tongue. It also has a hint of sweetness that is very common particularly with gag and black grouper. Although its filets are often dense, it flakes quite easily.

Is grouper fishy?

Actually, not so much. You’ll still taste the sea but not that much. It’s a very mild fish and it’s mostly known for its moist and succulent texture more than anything else. It’s very satisfying.

Is grouper considered a white fish?

Yes, grouper is known as a white fish just like snapper, tilapia, catfish, and haddock. Like these other species, it has a mild flavor and cooks quickly and easily. You can slow cook it, broil it, sear it, grill it, bake it or fry it – whatever you feel like.

Conclusion

What does grouper taste like? Now that we’ve answered this long-held angler question, hopefully, you’ll start enjoying this fish more freely and fish for it with confidence knowing that you know how to prepare and enjoy it.

Just make sure to follow the tips provided above when angling for grouper and prepare it properly so that you too can experience its soft, succulent and flaky texture first-hand.

Remember you can prepare it in a number of different ways so take your pick, go easy on the seasoning, and enjoy.