Gray Mullet

What Is Gray Mullet?

Gray mullet (Mugil cephalus) is a relatively large fish with silvery-gray skin and a cylindrical body. It prefers lagoons, estuaries, and ponds where fresh and salt water mix; for this reason, it is commonly caught in Türkiye’s waters connecting lakes and the sea.

Its flesh is meaty, moderately fatty, and earthy in flavor. Bottarga (cured fish roe) is traditionally made from the eggs of female mullet.

Gray Mullet Nutrition Facts

Gray mullet is considered a moderately fatty fish; 100 g contains approximately 117 kcal of energy, 19.4 g of protein, and 3.8 g of fat. It is high in quality protein.

What Are the Benefits of Gray Mullet?

With its high protein content, gray mullet is among the fish considered part of a balanced diet. Its moderate fat content makes it a satisfying meal option that is not overly heavy.

This is general information; gray mullet is a food and does not replace medical treatment.

How to Choose Gray Mullet

Fresh gray mullet has tight, shiny scales, and its body stays upright when held.

• The scales should be shiny and tight; dull, falling scales indicate staleness.
• The eyes should be full and clear; sunken eyes mean the fish has lost freshness.
• The belly should be firm and flat; a swollen, soft belly is a sign that it is no longer fresh.

How to Store Gray Mullet

Cleaned gray mullet stays fresh for 1–2 days in the refrigerator on ice. For longer storage, it can be cleaned, rinsed, and kept in the freezer for 2–3 months.

Using Gray Mullet in the Kitchen

Gray mullet is generally cooked whole in the oven, on the grill, or in a salt crust; its large body also makes it suitable for portioning.

How to Clean Gray Mullet

Carefully scrape off the tough scales with a fish scaler, cut open the belly, and remove the internal organs and gills. Gray mullet has a slightly fattier belly than other fish, so it should be cleaned carefully.

How to Bake Gray Mullet

Rub the cleaned fish with olive oil, salt, lemon, and thyme, then bake it at 200°C / 390°F for 25–30 minutes. Because of its large body, adjust the cooking time according to the portion size.

What Recipes Use Gray Mullet?

Baked gray mullet, grilled gray mullet, and gray mullet cooked in a salt crust are among the most popular dishes. It is often served with an olive-oil-based vegetable side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gray mullet good for?

With its high protein and moderate fat content, gray mullet is among the fish considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food and is not claimed to treat disease.

How long should gray mullet be cooked?

Because of its large body, baking it at 200°C / 390°F for 25–30 minutes, or grilling it for 5–6 minutes on each side, is sufficient.

What is mullet roe used for?

The roe of female gray mullet is salted and dried to make traditional bottarga; it is thinly sliced and served with olive oil as an appetizer.

Is gray mullet the same fish as gilthead seabream?

No, they are different species. Gray mullet (Mugil cephalus) is a lagoon and estuary fish, while gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is a separate species common in the open sea and aquaculture.

Can gray mullet be frozen?

Yes. After cleaning and rinsing, it can be kept in an airtight package in the freezer for 2–3 months.