Did you know that Burbot is referred to as party animals since they become active only during the night?
These eel-looking freshwater fish is also known by many names such as lingcod, loache, methy, and other various names, including our favorite, lawyer.
They are also the only known fish from the cod family that thrive in freshwater and are completely extinct in Britain.
It is known that the Burbot is one of the healthiest foods to consider.
If you’ve yet to try this amazing fish and wondering, “what does burbot taste like?” Don’t fret.
Read on as we delve deeper into its taste profile, what exactly Burbot is, and how to cook and serve this rare breed of freshwater fish.
What is Burbot?
Burbot has a lot of different names and they are the only member in their Gedus (Cod) family to thrive in freshwater.
This amazing fish has a peculiar body that is stretched out and has a small tentacle-like flesh on the lowest part of its mouth.
Even though you won’t mistake it for an eel at a closer look, it definitely looks like one from afar.
However, these fishes live at the bottom of the water, and they have very weird but aesthetically pleasing colors to match their lengthened body, enough to be striking and recognizable.
Since they mostly hang around at the bottom of the lake or river, most people don’t try and catch them.
But that doesn’t stop any anglers from losing their minds over these fishes.
Burbots are also known to be very introvertish and reserved so they only come out at night to hunt for food.
Burbot diets consist of other fishes in freshwater and have extremely slimy skin.
An interesting fact about this freshwater fish is that, unlike any fish living in its habitat, it has a liver of around 11 percent of its body weight.
It contains all the necessary nutrients like vitamins A and D, and it’s four times more powerful than what you get with the cod liver.
What Does Burbot Taste Like?
Now that we know exactly what burbots are, let’s get into the details of how they taste.
Burbots are also referred to as “poor man’s lobster” by many when cooked.
This is because, like most bottom dwellers, Burbots have an extremely light flavor with a little bit of sweetness to them, and they are scrumptiously similar to lobsters.
If you like your fish naturally tender, Burbot has got your back.
The white meat on this fish is graciously tender yet has that flaky touch that we all seem to love when dealing with fish meat.
The best part about eating Burbot is its mild flavor, yet most people would tell you a different story.
Believe it or not, it is pretty easy to cook and eat a delicious burbot meal since the fish doesn’t come with bones at all.
So if you’re not a fan of discovering bones stuck to your fish meat, you’ve found the right one to devour.
Boneless meat is so convenient for most, and to top it all, since the Burbot’s liver grows at least more than half of its size, they make up for a hearty and healthy meal.
How to Cook and Serve Burbot?
Unlike most fishes, you do not need to be an experienced chef to get the Burbot tasting like the heavens.
This white meat is naturally packed with flavor and has no bones, so easily cut it up and ready yourself with high-quality ingredients to serve it up with.
You can experiment with many variations since the Burbot is rather versatile than most.
You can simply mix it up with your favorite beer batter and start deep frying it in oil; after you’re done, serve em up with your favorite sauce.
Or you can sautee or grill it, whichever is more convenient for you but only after seasoning them well.
The sky is the limit when dealing with easy white meat like burbots.
The seasonings are the key.
Since the meat has a very mild fishy taste, enhancing but not overpowering its overall flavors is necessary.
However, there is also the traditional or common way of eating the poor man’s lobster, and you might have used this simple recipe with other fish that tastes similar to lobsters.
Boiling the Burbot until it’s freshly cooked and served with a dipping sauce or your homemade butter recipe.
As we’ve mentioned, you do not need a lot of ingredients to make this fish taste exquisite.
Conclusion
While there may be places like Siberia where burbots are prohibited from being eaten because of traditional beliefs, we have none, and it is one of the most convenient and healthy white meats around.
Burbots are essential not only for a healthy diet but today, they are used commercially to create various oil and used as food for certain livestock.
Also, burbots are naturally packed with all the right essential nutrients compared to most fishes, and since they are mild in flavor, they go well with most recipes.
We hope this article answers all your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a burbot like a cod?
No, a burbot is not like a cod. The burbot is the only living species of the genus Lota and belongs to the family Lotidae.
It is also known as lingcod, lawyer, eelpout, freshwater cod or lavaret.
Burbot has an elongated body with four pairs of barbels on its chin and large scales on its body. It is typically brown or olive in colour and has a white underbelly.
Unlike cod, it has an adipose fin near the tail and two dorsal fins that are connected by a membrane. In terms of taste, burbot is considered to be more robust than cod, with a stronger flavour and firmer texture.
Does burbot taste good?
Burbot is considered to be a delicacy in some countries and many people enjoy its robust flavour.
Burbot is described as having a mild, slightly sweet taste with hints of nutty and earthy undertones.
It can be cooked in various ways such as fried, baked or poached, depending on the recipe.
However, it should be prepared properly, as it can become dry and tough if overcooked.
Can you eat burbot liver?
Burbot liver is edible and considered to be a delicacy in some countries. It has a distinctive flavour with notes of earthiness, that people tend to either love or hate.
Burbot liver is usually cooked as part of a dish, such as poached burbot with root vegetables and herbs. If eaten raw it should be thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared, as it can otherwise cause food poisoning.
It is important to remember that the burbot liver contains high levels of environmental toxins, so it should be eaten in moderation.
For most people, a few bites of burbot liver will suffice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!
What is burbot good for?
Burbot is a versatile fish that can be used in a variety of dishes.
It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
It can be cooked in various ways such as fried, poached or baked.
Burbot also makes for a great addition to soups, stews and salads, or it can be served as an entrée. Furthermore, burbot livers are considered to be a delicacy in some countries and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Additionally, its skin is edible and rich in collagen and can be used for making stocks and broths.
What Does Burbot Taste Like? Does it Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Burbot
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the ingredients used, the cooking method, and the type of dish, the taste of the food can vary greatly.
- Make sure to select a recipe that will elevate the food's original flavor, and enjoy experimenting with different recipes!
