Unlock Flavor and Savings: Why Fish Collars Should Be Your New Go-To

Hey fellow food lovers! Are you tired of sky-high salmon prices? Craving delicious, flavorful fish without breaking the bank? Let me introduce you to your new favorite cut: the fish collar. Trust me, this often-overlooked gem is a game-changer in the kitchen!

What Exactly is a Fish Collar?

Imagine the succulent, tender meat around a chicken neck, but on a fish. That’s the collar! It’s the cut of meat that surrounds the collarbone, located right behind the gills. This area is packed with flavor because it’s rich in fat and collagen, which melts during cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat.

Think of it like the “rib-eye” of the sea!

Why Choose Fish Collars?

Beyond the incredible taste, here are a few reasons why fish collars deserve a spot on your plate:

• Flavor Explosion: The collar’s high-fat content translates to a burst of flavor that puts other cuts to shame. It’s rich, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Budget-Friendly: Compared to pricey fillets, fish collars are incredibly affordable, often costing a fraction of the price. Talk about a win-win!
• Easy to Cook: Fish collars are surprisingly forgiving in the kitchen. Their bone structure helps prevent overcooking, so you get perfectly cooked fish every time.
• Fun to Eat: Ditch the fork and knife! Eating fish collars is a hands-on experience, similar to enjoying chicken wings. Get ready for a fun and flavorful feast.

Sourcing Your Fish Collars

While not as common in mainstream supermarkets, fish collars are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s where to find them:

• Asian Markets: Your best bet for finding a variety of fish collars is at your local Asian market. They often have a wide selection and incredibly fresh options.
• Seafood Counters: Don’t be afraid to ask at your supermarket’s seafood counter! They might have some hidden gems in the back.
• Specialty Fishmongers: If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated fish market nearby, they’re also a great source for fresh, high-quality fish collars.

Cooking Up a Collar Storm: Simple and Delicious Preparations

One of the best things about fish collars is their versatility. Here are a few cooking methods that highlight their unique flavor:

1. Broiled to Perfection:

• Ingredients:

  • Fish collars (salmon, snapper, and branzino are great choices)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Pat the fish collars dry and lightly coat them with olive oil.
  3. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the collars skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Broil for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the flesh is opaque.
  6. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

2. Pan-Seared for a Crispy Finish:

• Ingredients:

  • Fish collars
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)

• Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the fish collars with salt and pepper.
  3. Add olive oil or butter to the hot skillet.
  4. Carefully place the collars in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Add fresh herbs to the skillet during the last minute of cooking for added aroma and flavor.

3. Steamed for a Delicate Touch:

• Ingredients:

  • Fish collars
  • Ginger slices
  • Scallions
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a steamer basket with water and bring to a boil.
  2. Place the fish collars in a heatproof plate and top with ginger slices and scallions.
  3. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  4. Carefully place the plate in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Dive into Deliciousness: Embrace the Fish Collar!

Don’t let this flavorful, affordable cut of fish remain overlooked! With its incredible taste, ease of preparation, and budget-friendly price tag, the fish collar is a true culinary gem. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying seafood experience, step outside your comfort zone and give fish collars a try. You won’t be disappointed!

For further culinary inspiration, check out these resources:

• Seafood Watch: Find out which seafood choices are the most sustainable: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/
• The Spruce Eats – How to Cook Fish: Master the art of cooking fish with these helpful tips and techniques: https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cook-fish-4158618
• Food & Wine – Fish Recipes: Explore a world of delicious fish recipes: https://www.foodandwine.com/fish