The ‘Mullet’
Yellow eye mullet, or simply ‘mullet’, is a smallish, slender silver fish commonly found in Australian estuaries and bays.
They are usually pretty abundant and if they aren’t stealing your bait, they are great to catch.
Many Aussies love to eat them but I’ve found the Philippine recipes to be the tastiest by far.
In the Philippines, it is often cooked as a whole fish, as it is believed to be tastier and more succulent this way.
I met some Philippine Fishermen, and women lately and they sparked my interest in cooking some of the mullet I had caught. I normally just grill them with a bit of salt and lemon but the my Philippine friends take the cooking to the next level….and the taste is out of this world.
Recipes to tempt the taste buds
Here are some delicious and easy ways to cook whole yellow eye mullet the way they do in the Philippines:
- Grilled Mullet: One of the most popular ways to cook whole mullet in the Philippines is to grill it. Simply season the whole fish with salt and pepper, and grill over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
…but the real kicker is to brush it with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and lemon or lime juice for added flavour.
- Kinilaw na Mullet: This is a popular Filipino dish where the fish is “cooked” in acid from lime or vinegar. To make kinilaw na mullet, simply mix together diced mullet, diced onion, diced tomatoes, and diced chili peppers. Pour over a mixture of vinegar and lime or lemon juice, and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes, or until the fish is “cooked” and opaque. Serve with some diced cucumber (or green mango if you have it ) for a refreshing and tangy flavour.
- Escabeche na Mullet: Escabeche is another popular Filipino dish, where the fish is fried and then simmered in a sweet and sour sauce. To make escabeche na mullet, fry the whole fish in a little oil until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the fish from the pan, and then make the sauce by sautéing some chopped onion and bell pepper in the same pan. Add some vinegar, sugar, and diced tomato, and simmer for a few minutes. Place the fried fish back in the pan, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the fish is fully cooked.
- Steamed Mullet: Steaming is another healthy and flavourful way to cook whole mullet. Simply place the whole fish in a steamer basket, and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. You can also add some sliced ginger and green onions for added flavour.
- Mullet Soup: For a comforting and nourishing dish, try making mullet soup. Simply heat some oil in a pan, and add some chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is soft, and then add some diced vegetables and the whole mullet. Pour in some chicken or fish broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. You can also add some noodles or rice to the soup for added texture and flavour.
Enjoy
No matter how you choose to cook your whole yellow eye mullet, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality fish for the best results. Look for a fish with bright, clear eyes and a shiny, moist appearance, and avoid any that have a strong, fishy smell. With a little bit of creativity and some simple ingredients, you can enjoy this delicious and versatile fish in a variety of tasty dishes.