Striped Mullet

What Is Striped Mullet?

Striped mullet is considered the largest, meatiest, and most prized of the mullets. This fish, with a slate-gray back and silvery sides, lives in coastal waters, estuaries, and areas where salt and fresh water mix. Among mullet varieties, it is the most valued for its flesh and roe.

Its flesh is white, meaty, and moderately fatty; its flavor becomes richer when in season. One of its best-known features is bottarga, made from the female fish’s roe sac, traditionally dried and coated with wax.

Nutritional Values of Striped Mullet

As a moderately fatty fish, striped mullet is high in protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids; it provides approximately 120 kcal of energy per 100 g. Values vary with the fish’s size, fat content, and season and are approximate.

How Should Striped Mullet Be Eaten?

With its protein and omega-3 content, striped mullet can be part of a balanced diet; it can be cooked by grilling, baking, or steaming. Like all fish, it should be cooked thoroughly before eating.

This is general information; striped mullet is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Striped Mullet

Fresh striped mullet has firm, glossy flesh, clear eyes, bright red gills, and a fresh, sea-like smell. Being caught in clean waters contributes positively to its flavor and aroma; fish with soft flesh or a strong odor are not recommended.

• The flesh should be firm and glossy
• The eyes should be clear and the gills bright
• It should come from clean water and smell fresh, like the sea

How to Store Striped Mullet

Clean fresh striped mullet and store it over ice in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at 4°C / 39°F or below, and cook it within 1 to 2 days. If it will not be eaten right away, cleaning, portioning, and freezing it preserves its freshness; store bottarga separately in a cool place.

Using Striped Mullet in the Kitchen

Striped mullet is most often grilled or baked; larger fish are also suitable for steaming and baking. Its meaty flesh is complemented by olive oil, lemon, and simple seasonings. Its roe is used to make traditional bottarga, which is served as an appetizer.

How Is Bottarga Made from Striped Mullet?

The female fish’s roe sac is removed whole, salted, pressed, dried, and traditionally coated with beeswax. This product, eaten in thin slices as an appetizer, is known as mullet bottarga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is striped mullet the same as mullet?

Striped mullet is the largest and most prized type of mullet; the general name “mullet” includes many species. Striped mullet is considered the most valuable for its flesh and bottarga.

When is striped mullet most flavorful?

It is generally plumper and more flavorful in fall, during its roe season; its bottarga is also more prized at this time. It tastes best when fresh and in season.

Can striped mullet taste muddy?

Mullet caught in still, muddy waters can have a slight earthy, muddy flavor; this is not pronounced in striped mullet caught in clean, flowing waters. Choosing fish from clean water improves the flavor.