I used to think Seafood was just sushi or fish sticks, man, was I so wrong. A lot of Americans are avid seafood consumers – we increased from eating 15.6 pounds per person in 1990 to around 20 pounds in recent years, though that dropped down to 19.8 pounds in 2022.
But here’s the thing, some of the best fish aren’t even in sushi rolls on Instagram or the state fair. Tiny wild sardines have just about 300 mg of omega-3s for each 3-ounce serving, plus vitamin D and calcium. And anti-social Alaska pollock—the facility of numerous fish sandwiches—is one of the most fraudulent U.S. catches, filling a million tons a year without exploiting the ecosystem.
Well, I started digging and came up with 14 fish you won’t be able to resist. They taste great, are rich in goodness. If you’re ready to mix up your next seafood night and discover some hidden gems of flavors, then let’s submerge in some culinary discovery!
Whelks: The Sweet Surprise from the Sea
Whelk is the poor man’s seafood, as everyone prefers scallops or lobster. These are sea snails (yes, snails), which, when cooked correctly, offer gentle and mild sweet textures at the dining table. And they also have the great virtue of being so multifunctional that they are equally as lovely in a juicy seafood stew as they are when grilled with garlic and butter. Whelks are now gaining popularity again, and deservedly so, as they were a popular form of street food in Victorian England.
Porgy: Flavorful and Sustainable
Disregard the slick commercialism of names like sea bass. Porgy, also known as scup, is a pure flavor with a subtle nuttiness that complements strong spices very well. It is not only eco-conscious because it has a healthy population, but also due to its firm and flaky texture, it is a kitchen chameleon. Eat it whole, flake it into tacos, or grill it with chili lime spice.
Pacific Halibut: A Meaty, Mild Delight
Pacific halibut is the fish that will help you cross over to the dark side of fishiness of flavors. This bottom fish is solid, steak-textured, and has a mild, flavorful taste that is a marinade champion. It is also a source of potassium and vitamin D. And here comes the best part: Pacific halibut is sustainably harvested, unlike its Atlantic counterparts, so that you can eat to your heart’s content.
Mahi Mahi: The Tropical Favorite
Imagine a sun-soaked island on your plate. That’s mahi mahi. It has a light, sweet flavor and firm, white meat, making it perfect for grilling. Just imagine it with mango salsa or garlic butter drizzled over it. Better still, it is a sustainable seafood option, typically harvested in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Swordfish: The Steak of the Sea
In case you are in the mood to have something substantial and complete, swordfish will be your newfound love. Its meatiness is also appropriately cooked, with charred edges and a tender inside. You can slice it thick, marinate it with a bit of lemon and herbs, and watch it become the highlight of your next barbecue party.
Skate: The Underdog with Wings
Skate may be an exotic-sounding name, but it is essentially a lowly relative of the rays and sharks. Its wings are soft and flavored like scallops, with a sweet, tender texture that complements hearty meals. Consider the Old Bay spice, lemon butter, or even a curry glaze.
Pollock: Mild and Affordable
Chances are, it’s already on your plate, but you are not even aware of it (hello, fish sticks). It is a cheap, soft, and flaky fish that can be prepared easily and pairs well with every sauce and seasoning imaginable. Additionally, it is one of the most sustainable fish in U.S. waters.
Tilapia: Sweet and Simple
Tilapia is like that reliable friend who is always available when you need them. It features a sweet yet mild flavor and can be served as a base to almost every seasoning or cooking technique. Tilapia is also great since it is inexpensive, easy to cook, and environmentally friendly.
Anchovies: Tiny Powerhouses of Umami
Anchovies come with the heavy artillery as far as taste is concerned. These small fish are a salt and umami bomb that can elevate a pasta sauce, salad, or even a roast. Mediterranean dishes are built around them, and it is time to give them a chance because they are simple yet explosive in flavor.
Shrimp: The Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
There’s a reason shrimp is a global favorite. It is fast, versatile, and delicious. If in tacos, stir-fries, or stews, shrimp never disappoints. Additionally, they have sustainable management in most parts, allowing them to be used responsibly.
Farmed Salmon: Meeting Demand Responsibly
Salmon has become a household name, but farmed varieties are emerging to meet the high demand and alleviate the pressure on wild stocks. Salmon is a delicious and one of the most nutritious products in your dishes, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Abalone Farming: Delicacy in a Tank
Abalone is a high-end delicacy known for its soft, buttery taste. In common with other abalone, traditional uses tend to overharvest these molluscs, but farmed abalone means you can now have your delicacy and eat too. It is evidence that sustainability and pleasure can co-exist.
Flounder: Mild and Flaky
The creamiest texture and mild flavor of flounder win the hearts of seafood cuisine beginners. It can be baked with lemon and dill or pan-fried with a light crust, making this dish very versatile and comfortably delicious.
It has a mild flavor, making it a perfect palate to accentuate with boldness in terms of sauce or seasonings. Flounder is a very versatile fish that can be served as the main dish or as an ingredient in seafood stew.
Catfish: A Freshwater Classic
Although technically not a sea fish, catfish has a generally mild, slightly sweet taste and is worth including in this list. A Southern favorite, it’s fantastic fried, blackened, or grilled. It is also a sustainable choice, as it is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
Key Takeaway
The ocean has much more to supply than just the same old fish that we have on the menus and in the markets. All these 14 species have something to offer to the variety table, including the sweet curiosity of whelks and the meaty savour of swordfish.
When you diversify your seafood sources, you not only treat your taste buds, but you also do your part by adopting sustainable fishing practices, which helps keep our oceans viable well into the future. It may be time to shake up your mealtime routine. There’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be discovered.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly, eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at six gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
