Boas Comidas

Glossário Culinário

Fish

Ingrediente

Também chamado de
fish

Fish is the generic name for seafood used as food, from fresh or salt water, and one of the most democratic ingredients of Brazilian cooking. Light, quick to cook and very versatile, it stars in moquecas, fried dishes, roasts, stews, ceviches and in the pirão made from its own cooking broth.

Characteristics

In the kitchen, fish fall into two groups: white, lean-fleshed fish such as tilapia, hake, weakfish and sole, and fattier, stronger-flavored fish such as sardine, mackerel and salmon. Texture ranges from delicate, which flakes easily, to firm, which holds up on the grill and in the fryer without falling apart. Freshness shows in bright eyes, reddish gills, firm flesh and a mild sea-or-river smell. It is sold whole, in steaks, in fillets or already cleaned.

Uses in the kitchen

Fish goes roasted with herbs, breaded and fried, grilled, and simmered in moquecas and stews, as well as raw in ceviches, always with very fresh fish. The cooking broth becomes pirão, thickened with cassava flour, and leftovers turn into pies, pastries and fritters. Firm steaks hold rich sauces well, like the shrimp sauce served over the fillet, while delicate fillets call for quick skillet or oven preparations.

Substitutions

In moquecas, fried dishes and roasts, firm white fish substitute for one another: tilapia, hake, weakfish, dogfish and namorado swap places with small timing adjustments. For recipes with canned fish, tuna and sardine work in pies and salads. Those avoiding fish can use chicken in stews with the same seasonings, though the final flavor changes.

Fun facts

Fish pirão was born from making use of everything: the flavorful cooking broth is thickened with flour and served alongside — fishermen’s food turned heritage. Practical tip: a bath of lime or vinegar before cooking softens the smell, but it shouldn’t be long or the flesh will overcook. Remove the bones with tweezers and serve the fish right after it is ready, as it dries out fast.

Recipes with fish

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