For the past couple of months, and for a majority of the year in NC, we have consistent access to fish in the Jack family. Right now those members are Amberjack and Banded Rudderfish. Both feed on squid, fish, and crustraceans, and are believed to spawn off our shores for most of the year. However, they are not a fish that we commonly see in restaurants or in the grocery store, so people tend to avoid them due to lack of familiarity.
Amberjack and Banded Rudderfish are actually very tasty fish, with a strong following among fishermen on the Atlantic coast. They are very firm, white fish, that take exceptionally well to grilling. However, it is strongly recommended that they be used fresh and not frozen, as they lose most of their great consistency after freezing. The flavor and consistency is similar to swordfish and cobia. Many restaurants even offer Amberjack as "White Grouper". However, while Grouper usually goes for $19/lb. at the grocery store, Amberjack is just $9.50/lb. freshly caught in NC and delivered directly to your door by Papa Spud's. So, if you're up for trying something new at a good price, why not try grilling up some fresh NC caught Amberjack of Rudderfish? They are also great for fish tacos!
Photo from:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-amberjack-50400000104825/
