With Holy Week approaching, fish prices begin to rise, and one in particular soars: codfish (Bacalhau). However, as we explained in a previous article, "Bacalhau" is not a fish species itself, but rather the name given to fish treated/processed by salting followed by drying. This technique is traditionally applied to at least 5 different fish species.
Be aware: Bacalhau is not a fish.
Bacalhau is the typical Portuguese name given to fish treated/processed by salting followed by drying (loss of water from the flesh), a technique traditionally applied to at least 5 different fish species. In this article, we published everything you need to know to choose and decide on the best Bacalhau.
But if you want to try an alternative that leaves nothing to be desired compared to traditional codfish, continue reading and be surprised.
FishCode Selection: 7 fish species that can replace Bacalhau?
If you appreciate fish with thick fillets and loins, white meat, and few bones, you can rest assured, as there are several species with these exceptional quality characteristics that will not leave you dependent on Portuguese codfish. We have prepared a selection that will surely delight you and impress everyone at your Easter lunch or dinner.
White-fleshed fish, thick fillet or loin, and with few bones.
1. Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas)
Pirarucu, classified by Michelin-starred Chef Alex Atala as the "Brazilian Codfish," is a native fish of the Amazon River. Raised with aquaculture techniques and fished under sustainable management policies, this fish can reach over 2 meters in length and more than 80 kilograms, making it the largest scaled fish in the world. With white meat and super thick fillets, Pirarucu is versatile in various preparations, offering tender meat and a mild flavor.
What is the price of Pirarucu fish?
Today you can easily find pirarucu in markets and fishmongers. Being a large species, it is usually sold portioned as loins and fillets.
- Average Price of Pirarucu: between R$45.00 and R$90.00 per kilogram.
Where to Buy Pirarucu?
In São Paulo, our recommendation goes to Peixaria Bio Pescado. Located in the Jardins neighborhood, this fish market specializes in Amazonian fish and offers a unique experience in its store.
Where to buy Pirarucu:
Raru Piscicultura (Itatiba SP).
2. Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis)
A fish with a strange name and appearance, but spectacular taste. A saltwater fish abundant on the Brazilian coast, with an average weight between 6 to 10KG, featuring thick loins and fillets. It has white, soft, and flavorful meat. The tripletail is one of the tips from a reference in fish supply in São Paulo, the Mar Direto fishmonger, led by Chef Cauê Tessuto. Today, the tripletail is featured as the fish of the day in the best restaurants in São Paulo.
Where to buy Tripletail?
It's not very easy to find this species, but we can certainly recommend the Mar Direto fishmonger itself, which, in addition to supplying the best restaurants in São Paulo, offers delivery service to end consumers. Just click here to learn more and place your order.
Where to buy Tripletail:
What is the price per kilo of tripletail?
The price of tripletail can range between R$50 and R$80/kg.
3. Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
The Grouper is a noble meat. The closed season for grouper ended on 02/28, so it is already possible to find it in fishmongers. Grouper meat has characteristics similar to our previous recommendations, with thick fillets, white meat, and a texture that flakes when roasted or grilled. Like other serranids, Grouper has a medium fat level that gives it a characteristic and highly appreciated flavor.
How much does grouper cost per kilo?
As we said earlier, Grouper is considered a noble fish, recognized and with a higher value.
The price of Grouper can range between R$80 and R$110/Kg.
Attention vulnerable species: we recommend checking the origin of sale.
4. Wreckfish - (Pseudopercis numida)
Wreckfish is an abundant fish in Brazil, found in deeper waters. Its white meat is considered excellent, with a mild flavor and very few bones. Specimens are usually sold weighing between 1.0 to 6kg. However, it is important to be aware of fishmongers who sell fillets of other fish as if they were Wreckfish.
What is the price of Wreckfish?
Wreckfish is an excellent option for any occasion, whether for a simple fillet for everyday lunch or a more elaborate dish for dinner. It offers excellent value for money, with its price usually below R$50.00 per kilo. However, during periods of the year like Easter, the price tends to rise.
The price of Wreckfish can vary between R$30.00 (whole fish) and R$70.00/Kg (fillet).
Where to find Wreckfish?
Montoza Pescado - Offers Delivery
5. Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)
The texture of Mahi-Mahi meat is firm and its flavor is mild, making it highly desired by sophisticated chefs. This fish, originating from warm waters, swims close to the surface in the open sea, preferring blue waters, and captivates many fishermen with its beauty. Internationally known as Mahi Mahi, it is easily accepted, surprising even those who are not big fans of fish.
What is the price of Mahi-Mahi
The price of Mahi-Mahi can vary between R$50.00 (whole fish) and R$90.00/Kg (fillet).
Where to buy Mahi-Mahi:
Montoza Pescado - Offers Delivery
6. Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Snook is, without a doubt, the most popular fish in our selection. All this recognition makes it highly desired by consumers, reflected in a higher value. Despite being an abundant species on the Brazilian coast, it is important to note that there is a risk of overfishing, requiring attention. Its white meat, boneless and with a mild flavor, has gained fame among consumers and restaurants.
Where to buy Snook?
Snook is easily found in markets, fishmongers, and restaurants.
Montoza Pescado - Offers Delivery
How much does Snook cost?
The average price of Snook is between R$50.00 (whole fish) and R$110.00/kg (fillet).
7. Filhote ( Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)
And finally, another freshwater fish from the Amazon region. When young, it is called Filhote, reaching an average of 30 kg. When adult, it can reach up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh 300 kg, then being called Piraíba. It has white meat and a thick, long fillet. It belongs to the Catfish family and is gradually being introduced in the Southeast and South regions. Chefs of famous restaurants, such as Sororoca Bar in the Pinheiros region, have already included Filhote on their menu.
Where to buy Filhote fish?
In São Paulo, our recommendation goes to Peixaria Bio Pescado. Located in the Jardins neighborhood, this fish market specializes in Amazonian fish and offers a unique experience in its store.
Where to buy Filhote: Peixaria Bio Pescado.
What is the price of Filhote fish?
The average price of Filhote varies between R$40.00 (whole or steaks) and R$80.00/Kg (fillet).
Conclusion:
These alternatives not only provide a delicious meal but also offer an opportunity to explore the diversity of Brazilian fish, maintaining the tradition of Easter with a touch of originality. Try these options and surprise everyone on this special date!
