What Are the Best Spices and Herbs for Fish?

June 1, 2020

Fish is a delicious, often sustainable and versatile food that offers a lot of health benefits. Depending on the species, it’s a great way to get your omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients for your health. So which herbs and spices taste good on fish caught in Sarasota, FL?

Herbs and spices are a great way to enhance the natural flavor of your fish, although many varieties taste great with salt and pepper alone. Here are some of the most commonly-used flavorings for fish—use them separately or combine different herbs and spices for a gourmet meal:

  • Dill: Dill is a delicate herb that’s commonly served with salmon, but goes well with any variety of fish. It pairs particularly well with lemon flavors.
  • Basil: There are several varieties of basil, such as Thai basil (which has more of an anise flavor), and they all go well with seafood. Basil tends to be an overpowering flavor, so if you want to showcase the delicate taste of a particular variety, you may want to opt for a different herb.
  • Chives: Chives add a sharp punch of flavor to seafood. The almost onion-like herb is particularly good with butter.
  • Bay leaf: Bay leaves are often used in chowders and soups; their delicate flavor is good for adding a subtle finish. Make sure not to ingest the leaves, which are members of the laurel family—they’re tough and inedible.
  • Marjoram: Marjoram has a slight sweetness to it, and is like a more delicate version of oregano. It’s particularly good in dishes with Mediterranean influences.
  • Parsley: Parsley’s almost peppery herbal flavor makes it a good choice for all types of seafood. It’s neither subtle nor overpowering, and combines well with other herbs.
  • Sage: Sage has a heavy, earthy flavor that can overpower fish if overused. Go sparingly and add more to taste.
  • Rosemary: Rosemary pairs well with garlic, and the stems can be used as kebab skewers. This is another herb with a strong flavor, so season accordingly. Many people don’t like eating whole rosemary leaves, so you may want to leave them attached to the stem for easy removal.
  • Thyme: Thyme’s intensity increases when cooked, so start out with less than you think you’ll need and increase the amount accordingly. It’s particularly good with lemon and sage.
  • Mint: Mint might not be your go-to herb to use on fish in Sarasota, FL, but it should be—its sharp flavor cuts through the fatty texture and taste to brighten your dish. Try it in Mediterranean dishes.
  • Lemon balm: No lemons on hand? Lemon balm adds a lemony herb flavor, so it goes well with any dishes where lemon is commonly used. Try swapping it for parsley or dill, or use them together for layers of flavor.

No matter what type of fish you’re making, adding fresh herbs and spices will bring out the natural flavors. Want to take a charter boat out to catch your dinner? Charter Boat Shark offers fishing charters in the Sarasota area—call us today to book your appointment!

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