Pigfish Fishing and Cooking

Why are they called Pigfish?

Not sure why they are called a pigfish? *They* reckon because they make a chattering noise when caugh. This hasn't been the crews experience. However we do know they very best eating.

Is it a snapper bycatch, or is snapper the bycatch?

How to cook Pigfish

Cooking Pigfish is a delightful culinary experience, as this fish has tender and mild-flavored flesh. Here's a simple recipe for cooking Pigfish:
Ingredients:

- 2 Pigfish fillets (you can use whole fish or fillets, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- If you have a whole Pigfish, you can either cook it whole or ask your fishmonger to fillet it for you.
- Rinse the fillets or the whole fish under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Seasoning:
- Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the Pigfish fillets.
- Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

3. Cooking:
- Place the Pigfish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in an oven-safe dish.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fillets for a hint of citrusy flavor.
- Bake the Pigfish in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets or the size of the whole fish.

4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the Pigfish is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.

5. Serving Suggestions:
- Pigfish has a delicate flavor that pairs well with various side dishes. Serve it with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or rice pilaf.
- You can also drizzle a light sauce over the fish, such as a lemon-butter sauce or a garlic and herb butter sauce, for added flavor.

Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of your Pigfish fillets or whole fish. The goal is to cook it until it's tender and flaky. Enjoy your delicious Pigfish meal!