The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Ocean Fish – West Coast

Introduction

The West Coast of the U.S. is known for its incredible seafood, with a diverse range of fish species thriving in the cold Pacific waters. Whether you're fishing off the coasts of California, Oregon, or Washington, this guide will help you learn the best cleaning, cooking, and seasoning techniques to highlight the unique flavors of your catch.

Common West Coast Ocean Fish & Best Cooking Methods

1. Pacific Halibut

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
🔥 Pro Tip: Sear with butter and garlic for a rich, golden crust.

2. Salmon (King, Coho, Sockeye)

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Grilled, smoked, baked.
🔥 Pro Tip: Cedar plank grilling enhances the natural smoky flavors.

3. Lingcod

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Pan-fried, roasted, or grilled.
🔥 Pro Tip: Lightly coat with panko and pan-fry for a crispy texture.

4. Rockfish

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Baked, grilled, or fish tacos.
🔥 Pro Tip: Marinate in citrus and spices for a flavorful fish taco filling.

5. Dungeness Crab

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Boiled, steamed, or grilled.
🔥 Pro Tip: Dip in garlic butter or use in a seafood boil.

6. Albacore Tuna

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Seared rare, grilled, or canned.
🔥 Pro Tip: Serve seared tuna with a soy-ginger glaze for an umami boost.

7. California Yellowtail

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Grilled, sashimi-style, or smoked.
🔥 Pro Tip: Marinate in teriyaki sauce before grilling for added depth.

8. Pacific Swordfish

🔥 Best Cooking Methods: Grilled or pan-seared.
🔥 Pro Tip: A simple rub of olive oil, salt, and lemon enhances its meaty texture.

PHOTO: Various West Coast Fish & Their Cooking Styles

How to Clean & Prepare Your Fish

Step 1: Gutting the Fish

1️⃣ Make an incision from the gills to the belly and remove the innards.
2️⃣ Rinse thoroughly to remove any debris or blood.
3️⃣ Pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning or storing.

Step 2: Filleting (For Boneless Cuts)

1️⃣ Slice behind the head and work the knife down along the backbone.
2️⃣ Carefully separate the fillet from the skin if desired.
3️⃣ Trim any excess bones before cooking.

PHOTO: Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning & Filleting Fish

Best Cooking Techniques for West Coast Ocean Fish

1. Grilling Over Open Flame

🔥 Best For: Salmon, yellowtail, swordfish, halibut.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a fish basket or cedar plank to prevent delicate fillets from sticking.

2. Pan-Frying for a Crispy Crust

🔥 Best For: Lingcod, rockfish, halibut.
🔥 Pro Tip: A mix of butter and oil prevents burning while adding great flavor.

3. Baking for Moist, Flavorful Fish

🔥 Best For: Rockfish, salmon, halibut.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bake with lemon slices and herbs at 375°F for optimal moisture.

4. Smoking for Deep Flavor

🔥 Best For: Salmon, tuna, yellowtail.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use alderwood or cherry wood for a smooth, smoky finish.

PHOTO: Different Cooking Methods for Ocean Fish

Ocean Fish Recipes

1. Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets

• 1 cedar plank, soaked for 1 hour

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 2 sprigs fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Place salmon on cedar plank and season.

3. Grill indirectly for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily.

4. Serve with lemon slices & fresh dill.

2. Pan-Seared Halibut with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 halibut fillets

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Season fish and sear for 3-4 minutes per side.

3. Baste with butter and add parsley before serving.

3. Rockfish Tacos with Lime Crema

Ingredients:

• 2 rockfish fillets

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 6 small corn tortillas

• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. Rub fish with taco seasoning and olive oil.

2. Sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side.

3. Mix sour cream with lime juice for crema topping.

4. Assemble tacos with cabbage, fish, and lime crema.

PHOTO: Plated West Coast Ocean Fish Dishes

Final Tips for Cooking Ocean Fish

✅ Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fish pairs well with simple seasonings.
✅ Control Heat: High heat for grilling and pan-searing, lower heat for baking.
✅ Don’t Overcook: Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
✅ Enhance Flavor: Lemon, butter, and fresh herbs complement most ocean fish.

🔥 Shop our premium seafood seasoning blends & grilling accessories! 🔥

PHOTO: Our Ocean Fish Spice Collection