The orange roughy, also known as the slimehead, is a deep-sea fish that lives in cold water.
It has an unusual appearance with flesh that can be white or brown and flakes easily.
You can prepare it in many different ways, including baked, grilled, fried, or sauteed.
If you’re wondering what does orange roughy taste like, then make sure to read this blog post.
What is Orange Roughy?
Orange roughy is a deepwater fish that lives off the coast of New Zealand.
They are found at depths up to 1300m and can grow to be as large as 7 kg, 75 cm in length.
It has been overfished in many parts of the world, and it is now considered an endangered species.
Orange roughy belongs to the Trachichthyidae family, which includes other species such as lanternfishes and slimy sculpins.
It’s also known by its other names, slimehead or deep sea perch. The orange roughy is a fish that lives on the bottom of the ocean.
Orange roughy is one of the most notable types of deep-sea fish. They typically have a bright red head and body, although some can be orange in coloration.
The tight oval-shaped body is covered with bony ridges, while its sizeable round mouth has many mucous cavities to help them feed on prey.
They are slow-growing and late-maturing fish that can live up to 150 years.
They usually weigh around seven kilograms (15 pounds) and grow as long as 75 cm (30 inches).
They’re found in deep water off coasts, with their deepest recorded habitat being 1300 meters below sea level.
Deepwater fish like orange roughy inhabit water over steep continental slopes and ocean ridges. Their diet includes:
- Benthopelagic fishes like squid.
- Mesopelagic fishes such as the viperfishes or lanternfishes.
- Whiptail fishes (eels).
- Some crustacea, including crabs of various kinds.
Benefits of Eating Orange Roughy
The orange roughy has been fished for over 40 years and is now on the IUCN Red List as an endangered species.
Orange Roughies are high in omega-three fatty acids, protein, vitamins A & D, and calcium – all essential nutrients needed to maintain a healthy diet.
It’s also beneficial for reducing inflammation due to their omega-three fatty acids content, which has been linked with decreasing risks of heart disease, arthritis, etc.
It is also low in fats and calories, making it an ideal food choice for someone who wants to lose weight or maintain their current diet.
Cooked orange roughy is also rich in vitamin A and D and calcium, iron, phosphorous, and selenium. These vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
The orange roughy has been shown to reduce the chance of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and reducing triglyceride content.
However, the fish has high mercury content, and it is advised to limit consumption of orange roughies to greater than two times a week.
What Does Orange Roughy Taste Like? Does Orange Roughy Taste Good?
Orange roughy is a fish that many people have never heard of, and even fewer know how to prepare.
It has a highly mild flavor that many people may find boring or bland, but it’s a good choice for those who want to start cooking fish at home without worrying about the intense flavors.
The texture of Orange Roughy is soft and moist with larger flakes that hold together well once cooked.
The flesh has an opaque white color when raw but becomes pearly after cooking.
This fish works well with various flavors, so experiment to see what you like the best.
You may also want to try spices such as ginger root powder for Asian-style dishes or nutmeg if you’re making Italian cuisine choices.
Orange roughy can be cooked in many different ways, but frying or poaching is often prepared.
It has an average cooking time of about 15 minutes per pound and will easily flake with a fork when done.
Does Orange Roughy Taste Like Lobster?
This question might seem strange, but it’s not uncommon for people to compare orange roughy fillets’ mild taste and white flesh with that of lobster.
Some people might go as far as to nickname it “poor man’s lobster,” but we think monkfish should get that title.
While orange roughy is a pleasant-tasting whitefish, it’s not as delicious or versatile as lobster.
The fish is a deepwater dweller, so it’s often compared to the denser-fleshed fish that live in cold waters.
In addition, orange roughy is much less expensive than lobster: while both are bottom feeders, lobster can cost up to $100 per pound.
What is Orange Roughy Similar to?
Due to its decreasing population, orange Roughy is a fish that has been at the center of much controversy.
The reason for their decline is due to overfishing. They were illegally fished during the 1980s and 1990s because of their high-quality meat and low quantity on the market, so fishers continued fishing them even though they knew the fish’s numbers were declining.
Now orange roughy fisheries have either closed or reformed into sustainable practices.
Because these fish share the same texture and flavor, they are great substitutes for orange roughy: ocean perch, blackfish, flounder, sole, haddock, red snapper, and tilapia.
How to Cook Orange Roughy?
Orange roughy is a type of fish, which has a mild taste and flaky texture. You can use it in many different ways as it adapts well to various cooking methods.
The best cooking methods are pan-frying, baking, and grilling.
To cook orange roughy, first cut off the head and gut the inside with a sharp knife or spoon.
Rinse under cool water, then pat dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next steps.
To bake: coat in buttermilk marinade for 30 minutes, then arrange on an oven tray lined with parchment paper and brush olive oil over the top.
Season generously with salt and pepper, sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) until golden brown about 20-30 mins depending on thickness.
To pan-fry: coat in flour, salt, and pepper, then fry for about five minutes on each side until cooked through.
To grill: skewer the fish with metal skewers to make sure it does not fall apart; brush on both sides of the meat with oil before grilling over medium heat (190°F) for about 15-25 mins.
Where to Buy Orange Roughy?
We all know that orange Roughy is a healthy and delicious fish, but it’s hard to find fresh orange Roughy in the store.
The best way to enjoy the benefits of this fish is by buying fresh, local orange roughy at your grocery store or seafood market.
Another option is to buy frozen orange roughy, but make sure you’re getting fish that was responsibly harvested and processed by a company with sustainable practices.
Walmart and Amazon are both excellent places to buy frozen Orange roughy if you’re not near a fish market.
Kroger also carries fresh Orange roughy, but you may need to call ahead of time.
It’s also worth checking out your local fish market or seafood store for the most delicious and sustainable options.
Conclusion
To sum up, the orange roughy is a great fish to try. Unlike other types of white fish, it’s not as bland or boring.
It has more flavor and color that will make your dish stand out with its brightness.
It’s easy to cook, so you can easily make this dish after work or on weekends when you’re looking for something quick but delicious.
Give your family that healthy meal they deserve by cooking up some orange roughy tonight.
About The Author
