Bluespotted Emperor

Stock status overview

Distribution

Catch trend

Fishing gear

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Overview

Emperors (Lethrinus Family) have a mild, slightly sweet flavour, low oiliness and moist, firm flesh with large flakes and few bones, which are easily removed. The skin can be thick and is usually removed when buying fillets. The fish are very versatile and can be cooked using most methods steam, poach, deep-fry, pan-fry, stir-fry, bake, braise, grill, barbecue. Because of the mild flavour Emperor benefit from restraint with adding over powering flavour. The fish does work well with an Asian style approach using chilli, chives, coconut milk, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, green onions, lemongrass, mirin, shallots, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce. Emporer are good fish to cook whole, either plate-size or larger to feed a group, the firm flesh lifts easily from the bones when cooked. The firm flesh holds together well in soups, curries and casseroles and can be cubed for kebabs. The bones make excellent stock. Score large whole fish at the thickest part of the flesh and cut thick fillets into serving-size portions to allow even heat penetration.