FOOD NEWS
Expensive Fish That Are Totally Worth The Splurge
BY Nadine Murphy
Chilean Sea Bass
A single pound of Chilean sea bass can go for around $60 a pound. Its versatile white flesh is soft and creamy, with a buttery, almost nutty flavor.
It has large flakes and a high fat content, which gives it a silky mouthfeel. Taste aside, the reason for its hefty price tag is directly related to its demand.
Fugu
Fugu, or pufferfish, contains toxins that can be deadly if not prepared correctly, so chefs must train for five or six years before making it. In taste, it's light and sweet.
Its meat is chewy and firm yet silky. The thrill of eating something so deadly and the extensive training required to prepare it make it a pricey option, costing $100 a pound.
Beluga Sturgeon Caviar
No caviar is more coveted than Beluga, which sells for about $4,000 a pound. This caviar has a nutty, creamy richness with little fishiness.
Its taste is so refined that many believe it should be eaten as a standalone dish. It is a luxury that, due to availability, accessibility, and cost, few will ever experience.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is deemed the king of sushi. It's the most in-demand tuna at sushi bars and Michelin-starred eateries for its soft, buttery mouthfeel and oily richness.
Its meat is darker and uniquely high in fat, which gives it a buttery taste. It became the world's most expensive fish, with $3 million paid for 618 pounds in Tokyo in 2019.
Swordfish
A pound of swordfish sells for between $11 and $40 per pound. Its high cost is due to its deep water habitat and the fact that it's large, powerful, and very fast.
The swordfish is a meaty fish with a firm texture, often eaten as a steak. Its mild, sweet flavor makes it ideal for marinades, and it's not a fishy-tasting fish.