Ling

What Is Rockling?

Rockling (genus Gaidropsarus) is a rocky-bottom fish known for its elongated, soft body and the barbels beneath its chin. It lives hiding in rock crevices and cavities.

Its firm, white, low-fat flesh is delicious; since its large head and bones give off a rich fish stock when simmered, it is considered a fish for soup. It is also used in steaming and baking.

Nutritional Values of Rockling

Rockling, like other lean white fish, contains approximately 85 kcal of energy and high protein per 100 grams; since no verified USDA data specific to the species exists, values are given approximately from a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Rockling?

With its high-quality protein and low fat content, rockling can be considered part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; rockling is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Rockling

Fresh rockling is a fish with shiny eyes, firm flesh, moist and glossy skin, and a clean sea scent. Being a soft-bodied fish, freshness is important.

• Eyes should be shiny, skin moist-glossy
• Flesh should be firm, scent clean
• Softened, foul-smelling samples should not be bought

How to Store Rockling

Fresh rockling is stored on ice in the refrigerator for 1–2 days; it can be cleaned and kept for months in an airtight bag in the freezer.

Using Rockling in the Kitchen

Rockling is used most often in fish soup; also in steaming, baking, and pan-frying. Its bones are simmered and strained to produce a rich fish stock (fumet).

How Is Rockling Fish Soup Made?

Rockling is boiled with vegetables and strained to obtain a rich fish stock; this stock is then combined with a flour-egg thickening and fish meat to prepare a hearty soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rockling's barbels for?

The barbels beneath its chin serve as sensory organs while searching for food on the sea floor, and help identify the species.

Why is rockling good for soup?

Since its bones and head give intense flavor to the stock when boiled, and its firm flesh doesn't fall apart, it is one of the preferred fish for soup.

What does rockling taste like?

It has a white, mildly sweet, non-sharp taste; its firm flesh gives good results in soup and steaming.