Meagre Suzuki

Sheepshead are the largest fish in the Porgy Family. Sheepshead gets their name from rows of flat teeth that line their mouths, resembling Sheep's teeth. The specialized teeth structure are paramount in acquiring the Sheepshead's favorite foods. The Sheepshead Porgy eat primarily Oysters, Barnacles, Clams and Fiddler Crab. This translates to an earthy complex ocean flavor that pairs well with many larger flavors. Mushrooms and Oak-full wines come to mind. Sheepshead Porgy have the characteristics of many Snapper with a larger flake. Treat as any favorite Snapper when preparing. Saute, Roast, Grill, Sous Vide.

Golden Tilefish grow quite large, with market sizes ranging from 10-20 lbs. They produce a beautiful "Baseball" cut with a gorgeous yellow dotted edible skin. Golden Tilefish feed almost exclusively on Crab, Shrimp, Clams, and other shellfish. This translates to a very sweet and moist flesh that cooks to a paper white. The cooked flesh flakes to a large, almost crab like, piece.

Fish caught during the winter months seem to have a higher fat content than those caught in the summer, and Opakapaka yields the best sashimi during the winter season. The smaller-sized fish harvested off the main Hawaiian Islands are directed toward the ethnic restaurant and household retail markets in Hawaii, where opakapaka is often prepared by steaming or baking fish with the head on. In these markets, opakapaka is also used to make sashimi and fish head soup.