Lipsoz

What Is Black Scorpionfish (Lipsoz)?

Lipsoz (Scorpaena porcus), from the same family as scorpionfish, is a small-to-medium, dark-colored, spiny rocky bottom fish. It lives hidden in rock crevices and hollows.

Its firm, white, low-fat flesh is prized; its large head and bones give intense flavor to fish soup. Care is needed when cleaning it due to the sharp spines on its head and fins.

Nutritional Value of Lipsoz

Like other lean white fish, lipsoz provides roughly 90 kcal of energy per 100 g and high protein; since verified species-specific USDA data is limited, values are approximated from a similar profile.

What Are the Benefits of Lipsoz?

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

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

How to Choose Lipsoz

Fresh lipsoz is a fish with bright eyes, red gills, firm flesh, and a clean sea smell. Its spines should be firm and upright.

• Eyes should be bright, gills red
• Flesh should be firm, smell clean
• Care should be taken with its spines

How to Store Lipsoz

Fresh lipsoz is stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, on ice, for 1–2 days; once cleaned, it can be kept frozen for months in an airtight bag.

Using Lipsoz in the Kitchen

Lipsoz is used mostly in fish soup; it is also poached, baked, and pan-fried. Its firm flesh, which does not fall apart, also suits saucy dishes; its bones give an intense fish stock.

How Is Lipsoz Cleaned?

The hard spines on the head and fins are cut off with scissors first, then the scales are scraped off, the innards removed, and it is rinsed in plenty of water; wearing gloves prevents pricking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lipsoz and scorpionfish the same?

They are related fish from the same family; lipsoz is generally smaller and darker in color. Both are firm, white-fleshed soup fish.

Are lipsoz's spines dangerous?

Its spines are sharp and irritating; care should be taken when cleaning it, and the spines should be cut off first.

What does lipsoz taste like?

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