Lion Fish
Lionfish. These colorful fish have a voracious appetite and few predators. But boy are they predators. They can deplete our stock of native fish and kill off our fishing industry. Selling them commercially is one way to start to control them. Now whole foods markets throughout Florida is doing just that. David Ventura whole foods regional seafood coordinator talked about the fish and how and why they are selling it. Yasmany Perez, whole foods store team leader creates recipes for lionfish. It is streamed live (1:30 to 2 PM ET) and archived at www.wlrn.org. Here are the recipes for the dishes he brought to food news and views.
Fish Tacos by Yasmany Perez for Whole Foods Market
1# Lionfish – Diced ½”
Lime – Juiced, ½ Cup
1 Jalapeno – Seeded & Finely Chopped
Cilantro – Finely Chopped ¼ Cup
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Canola Oil – 2oz
Whisk lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper together and pour over lionfish to marinate 15 – 20 minutes under refrigeration. Drain and discard liquid. Pre heat skillet and sear lionfish in canola oil until cooked through.
Wasabi Avocado by Yasmany Perez for Whole Foods Market
1 Avocado
Plain Greek Yogurt – ½ Cup
Wasabi (powdered or fresh) – 2 tbsp.
Lime Juice – 1 tsp
Salt to Taste
Blend wasabi in lime juice. Scoop avocado from shell and mash. Stir in remaining ingredients until smooth.
Toppings
White Cabbage – Finely Shredded
Heirloom Tomatoes – Seeded & Chopped ½”
Corn Tortillas
Grill or warm tortillas 20 seconds prior to serving.
Lionfish Ceviche
1# Lionfish – Diced ½”
Lime – Juiced, 1 ½ cup
Medium Onion – Diced, ½”
Tomatoes – 2, Chopped
Avocados – 2, Diced ½ “
Serrano Chilies – 2, Seeded & Finely Chopped
Cilantro – Finely Chopped, 1/3 cup
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2tbs
Orange – Juiced
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Marinate lionfish in stainless steel mixing bowl with lime juice & onion, covered under refrigeration four hours. Drain & discard liquid afterwards. Gently mix remaining ingredients in separate bowl, adding lionfish, chill and serve.