substitute for snakehead fish
A friend of mine mentioned he wished he could find snakehead fish (Channa marulius) to make me a fish curry his mother used to make him in India. I haven't been able to find a source of this fish locally or else in Canada (it's considered an invasive species).
Any recommendations on something that would be a good replacement?
Best Answer
Here is an article in the Washington Post on a local caught taste test for snakehead: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/05/20/snakehead-taste-test-can-a-fish-this-ugly-really-taste-that-good-photos/?utm_term=.6ff5bd89c114
They compare snakehead directly to cod, tilapia, and flounder and indirectly with catfish cooked in various ways, in general comparing it favorable with each, a bit firmer than cod or tilapia. Though I have not had the opportunity to have snakehead, this is consistent with other reports that I have had which list it as similar to catfish, usually reported as a bit cleaner or milder flavor. Similar flavor and ability to grab spices to tilapia, but a firmer texture that holds up to cooking. I would think that catfish or maybe mahi-mahi would be candidates for a curry for their ability to stand up to a bit extra cooking while candidates like tilapia tend to be thin fillets and soft so may well not stand up as well.
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Luke cooks a healthy snakehead fish dish. Substitute with any firm white freshwater fish such as tilapia or perch.What fish is similar to snakehead?
Snakeheads may be confused with several of our native fish species: bowfin (dogfish) and burbot. set back from the pectoral fins. The burbot, like the snakehead, has a long anal fin and pelvic fins actually in front of the pectoral fins, however the burbot has very fine scales and a conspicuous barbel under the chin.Is toman fish same as snakehead?
Toman fish, also known as Snakehead fishIn Hokkien, it is known as "loyhe".What is snakehead fish called in India?
Common NameUsed inTypeBullseye snakeheadMexicoAFSAviriIndiaVernacularCoaree veralavureeIndiaVernacularIru viralIndiaVernacular72 more rowsAre snakehead fish illegal in the US?
Live specimens have been confiscated by authorities in Alabama, California, Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Washington where possession of live snakeheads is illegal. Some snakeheads living in natural waters of the U.S. may have been released by aquarium hobbyists or those hoping to establish a local food resource.Aquatic snakehead fish and how to find fish's favorite food
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Answer 2
I'd suggest catfish as a replacement.
If you really want to try to find snakehead, a place like Roberts Fish Market or Humphries Specialty Store can order them. You can get it imported frozen into the U.S., probably the same in Canada. So look under the bigger fish sellers, those that deliver to stores, or specialty meat stores, those that sell things on order like elk, buffalo, zebra and such. You need a meat market store with a import permit to have shipped to. It will not be cheap.
Or ask at some Asian stores. It is a popular fish in Asia. They would know the area store to order from, or could order it maybe.
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