What Does Amberjack Taste Like? 

Amberjack, also known as yellowtail, is a type of fish that has a mild, sweet taste with a hint of salt. Amberjack is also a popular fish to be served grilled or blackened.

What does Amberjack taste like? Most people think of Amberjack as a rich and buttery fish that has a sweet, nutty taste.

What Is An Amberjack Fish?

The Amberjack fish are part of the Seriola and Carangidae family of fish. They are often called Amberfish and Carangidae.

There are over 140 species of Amberjack; those found in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Northeast coast are some of the most sought-after varieties.

The different types of Amberjack fish include the Greater Amberjack, Lesser Amberjack, Almaco, and the Banded Rudderfish.

While you may not often see Amberjack fish on your local menu or at your local fishmonger’s, they can be eaten if prepared properly.

Many don’t eat them at all, they just enjoy them for sport as they are rigorous fighters and most sports fishermen enjoy catching them for the challenging fights.

What Does Amberjack Taste Like:

Amberjack is often compared to tuna and swordfish, because they do not have a strong fishy taste or smell. They have a texture that is similar to grouper.

It has a buttery, mild flavor. But it must be cooked carefully, if it gets too well done it can be tough.

What Do Amberjack Fish Look Like?

Most species are silver, but some have glimmers of blue, lavender, green, pink, and gold. Nearly all have a white belly and a dark stripe that runs from the nose to the dorsal fin. 

To most people, what the Amberjack fish looks like doesn’t matter, but to fishermen, it does. Many states have regulations on the number of Greater Amberjack fish you can catch.

Because they do look familiar to Almaco, Lesser Amberjack, and Banded Rudderfish, you need to know what they look like and how many can be caught.

The Greater Amberjack is the largest of all the other fish in the Amberfish group. Some are identified by their size alone, as they can grow to reach about 150 pounds and can be up to six feet in length.

Other varieties include the Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, and the Lesser Amberjack. The smallest of this group can weigh just one pound and 10 inches in length.

What Type Of  Texture Does Amberjack Have:

The fish is usually cut into steaks as it is a firm fish similar to tuna, swordfish and shark. It has a firm texture, similar to mahdi mahdi, you may need a knife and fork to cut it, as you would a beef steak.

How Many Different Types Of Amberjack Are There?

Amberjack is from the species Seriola dumerili in the Carangidae.

Within that group there are nearly 150 different types of  Amberjack fish: The most popular varieties are the Lesser Amberjack, Greater Amberjack, Yellowtail Amberjack, Banded Rubberfish.

There are many other different types of Amberjack fish, but these are the most readily available, and fished for with the most requency.

Where Do Amberjack Come From?

There are over 140 species of Amberjack; those found in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Northeast coast are some of the most sought-after varieties.

RELATED: 27 Chinese Fish Recipes You Should Try

Is Amberjack A Good Fish To Eat?

Is Amberjack good to eat? Well, they can be good to eat, but they are unique fish because the taste of the fish changes as they age and grow. Most seem to agree that those that are 15-inches or less are the best for eating.

The larger the Amberjack gets, the stronger the flavor profile. Many don’t care for the taste of a mature amberjack but enjoy the taste of the smaller, younger fish.

How Do You Eat Amberjack?

Amberjack is a very versatile fish because it can be eaten in a number of different ways. Many people agree that grilling the Amberjack is a game changer.

When you cook Amberjack over charcoal, all you need are some simple seasonings as the charcoal imparts a smokey, deliciousness to the fish.

Is Amberjack Good For You?

Those that dream of catching and cooking their Amberjack fish need to be very careful and take special precautions.

The larger the Amberjack, the more likely it may have parasites and worms. These are usually found near the tail area.

Beware And Check Your Fish Before You Eat It!

The worms are long and thin and look like cooked spaghetti. That is how they got their name; spaghetti worms.

These are a type of tapeworm; it is usually found in the muscle of just about all species of Banded Rudderfish, Greater and Lesser Amberjacks, and Almaco Jack.

Often, anglers will grab and remove the worms with their fingers or knife. If the fish is cooked, it causes no harm to humans, but eating it raw can cause issues.

The spaghetti worms tend to be concentrated in the tail area. Before you plan an Amberjack dinner, cut off the tail section, this is where most of these worms will be.

If that area is clear, check the rest of the fish for worms. If none are present, the fish should be safe to eat.

Of course, it is my personal opinion, but many fishermen choose to discard the Amberjack when worms and parasites are found. I don’t blame them.

Environmental Toxins:

Just like many of the food sources we find in our waters, the different species of Amberjack fish can absorb toxins from the environment. The older the fish, the more toxins it may contain. 

Because many Amberjacks are large and high up on the food chain, they may have absorbed high amounts of heavy metals like mercury.

Another concern about eating fish from some areas is that they may contain ciguatera, which is created from microscopic algae.

Those choosing to consume an Amberjack should know where it was sourced from and be sure it is free of worms, parasites, and environmental toxins.

How Long Can You Store Amberjack?

If you don’t want to eat your Amberjack right away, or if you have been fishing and made a haul of Amberjack, you can store it in your freezer for up to eight months.

Just be sure to wrap it in freezer paper to protect it from freezer burn.

Most fish and shellfish, including Amberjacks, can be safely frozen for as long as three to eight months. While most shellfish can last up to 12 months. Please keep in mind that the optimum temperature is 0 F- 17.7 C.

If most fish are stored for more than eight months, they will have lost some of their flavor and fresh taste, so it is best to eat Amberjack when it is fresh to get the best dining experience.

How Do You Prepare An Amberjack For Freezing?

When freezing your Amberjack, rinse it then dry with a paper towel. Wrap it well in moisture-proof paper, or plastic wrap, that will keep it as fresh as possible and free from freezer burn until you are ready to cook it.

Once it is properly packaged, it will last for up to eight months in the freezer for optimal freshness.

How Can I Tell If The Amberjack Fish Is Bad:

First of all, it will have a smell. Amberjack is a very mild fish and has very little smell, so that’s your first clue. The filets or steaks should have firm, white meat. If the fish is slimy, soft and smells, it is no good. 

How Can I Choose Amberjack In The Supermarket:

Amberjack is rather difficult to find in most grocery stores and many need to go to specialty stores.

But when purchasing an Amberjack filet or steak, it should be displayed on fresh ice, it should be pure white, without any sliminess. It should be firm to the touch.

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What Does Amberjack Fish Taste Like?

Amberjack is a very mild-tasting fish, and many feel like it is a cross between mahi-mahi and tuna. It has nice flakiness with a steak-type consistency similar to swordfish or grouper.

Many say it is juicer than swordfish. It is not as dry, but it is a bit tougher than grouper.

So, if you have an Amberjack with no signs of parasites or spaghetti worms, and you want to cook them, go ahead and be daring and try it.

Some Parts Of The Fish Taste Different?

Some parts of Amberjack fish are better for eating than others. The best portion of fish comes from the loin area, which is usually cut into steak-like fillets. Some enjoy the belly portion, but others find it less appetizing.

It has a red line of meat that runs through the area, which is very unpleasant and should be removed before eating.

How Do You Cook Amberjack?

There are numerous ways to cook Amberjack fish. You can pan-fry it, grill it or broil it, no matter how you prefer to cook it, a young Amberjack can be quite delicious. A lot of the cooking choices come from personal preference. 

If you have some fresh Amberjack, or some in your freezer, here are some ways you can prepare it. Keep in mind it has a mild flavor, so you don’t want to prepare it with heavy spices that will overtake the taste.

A few basics:

• Brush with butter, add salt and pepper and bake until it is flaxy and opaque.
• It can be grilled on a medium-hot grill for about 4 minutes per side.
• Amberjack can be pan-fried with lemon, butter, salt, and pepper.
• Many like to add a Cajun twist to the Amberjack by adding some cayenne, paprika, and other herbs. Just make sure that you don’t use too many spices to overpower the fish.

Nutritionals For Amberjack:

Amberjack is a tasty fish and has a lot of protein and 0 carbs. But it must be eaten in moderation since some types contain a considerable amount of methylmercury.

100 grams of amberjack contain:

• 23,14 g protein
• 5,24 goffat
• 0 g carbohydrates
• 146 Kcal

Recipes For Amberjack: Quick Table

There is no question that, prepared properly, Amberjack is a great fish, without the common fishiness that many fish have. Here are some great recipes that you can easily make in your own home.

1. Grilled Amberjack

All you need for this recipe is seasoning salt, garlic, paprika, and butter. All items you probably have at home. All you do is preheat your grill after you season your fish and grill it for 5-7 minutes depending on the thickness of the filet.

The best part is using a charcoal grill imparts a wonderful smokiness to the fish! Your family will be asking for it on a regular basis.

Calories: 120

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

2. Pan Seared Lemon Butter Amberjack

This is probably one of the simplest yet tastiest recipes you can find. Simple ingredients like butter, lemon, thyme, salt and pepper is all an Amberjack steak needs to keep it juicy and flavorful.

While the recipe is simple, it brings out the flavor of the Amberjack without overpowering the light flavor of the fish.

Calories: 289

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

RELATED: Fish Sticks: Side Dishes to Serve With Them

3. Baked Amberjack

All you need for this recipe are a few ingredients that you probably have in your pantry or refrigerator.

Wine, mayo and old bay seasoning make this dish a winner for weeknights when you don’t want to make a heavy meal or have a plethora of dishes to do after dinner.

With this recipe, you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

Calories: 177

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Amberjack Fish Taste The Same?

No, size plays a significant role in how the Amberjack fish tastes. The larger the fish grows, the more intense its flavor becomes.

Most people prefer to enjoy Amberjack when the fish are small and have a milder taste. Most prepare small Amberjack either smoked or grilled, but they can be oven roasted with great results as well.

When Is The Best Time To Fish For Amberjack?

The Amberjack recreational season for fishing is August 1st through July 31st as set by the NOAA Fisheries. This is provided that the quota has not been met. 

Frequently, if the quota has been met before the season has officially ended, they will reduce the number of fish that can be caught or halt fishing them until the next season.

Where Do They Live And What Do They Eat?

Amberjack fish enjoy warm waters in tropical and subtropical environments. They are commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean around Florida, the Gulf Coast, California, and Mexico.

Their Favorite Places:

They tend to prefer deep waters, especially the Greater Amberjack, but the smaller species of Amberjack can be found in more shallow water.

During the winter, they stay close to the bottom of the water but move upwards as the spring and summer heat approaches. The best time to fish for them is early morning and late evening.

They tend to gather close to seamounts, reefs, and other areas close to shipwrecks, oil rigs and platforms, and reefs.

What Do Amberjack Fish Eat?

Amberjack fish aren’t very fussy about what they eat. During the summer, they stay close to rocky islands in the water, feasting on small fish.

They enjoy foraging for debris found on reefs as well as chub mackerel, squid, crab, shrimp, and other mollusks.

Get Pleasant Experience With Your Favorite Recipes

Amberjack Is A Type Of Fish That Is A Member Of The Jack Family And Has A Meaty Flavor.

Ingredients

• Grilled Amberjack

• Pan Seared Lemon Butter Amberjack

• Baked Amberjack

Directions

• Pick a recipe from the list above
• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and cook the food
• Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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