What Might This Fish Be?

On a recent trip to Virginia Beach, I went to a seafood restaurant and ordered a seafood platter (fried, of course -- I was on vacation!). Surprisingly, my favorite item on the platter was the "fish of the day" -- which was delicious and perfectly prepared; usually my faves are the shellfish, but this was a distinct exception. I asked the server what it was, and she told me it was trout. Of course I knew it was NOT trout -- I know what trout looks and tastes like and this wasn't trout! However, I didn't pursue the issue as she was a really nice server and I didn't want to offend her. Now I wish I had, because I can't stop thinking about this wonderful fish, and I want to find it and cook it at home! When I found your fish taste chart I was sure it would help me out -- but alas, every fish listed was described as MILD in taste, and the fish I loved in the restaurant was definitely NOT mild! It tasted like FISH -- in a GOOD way, of course. It was a filet, not a steak; its texture was substantial, with medium-size flaking; it had a very thin black (or dark) layer on one side (I assume the outside); the thicker flesh was pure white; it was battered or breaded and deep fried or pan fried (if I had to guess, I'd choose battered and deep); and it had a WONDERFUL "fishy" flavor that I loved!!! Sorry I can't provide a more accurate description, but I really hope you can help me identify this delicious fish, or at least provide me with a selection of possibilities so that I can search them out, one by one, until I find that glorious taste once again! THANK YOU very much for any help you're able to offer. -- Norma in Florida


Hi Norma

My best guess would be that you were served spotted sea trout. Another name for this would be
speckled trout. It is not a member of the Trout family, but it is a member of the drum family.

For a substitution you could try Arctic char, which will have much darker me but similar in flavor. Snapper could come in close, but I think it will have a much milder taste than the Sea trout.

If you do fine some sea trout let me know if this was a fish you were after.

Thanks for visiting the cooking fishmonger
Frank