Wahoo, known for its high-quality flesh and delicate flavor, is a prize fish among sports fishermen, especially in the subtropical seas of the Florida Keys. Renowned not only for its edibility but also for being one of the fastest fish in the ocean, wahoo offers an exciting catch and an even more exciting meal. Here’s how to turn your next catch into a delicious dish of grilled wahoo with mango salsa, complete with notes from a fishing trip to the Keys and some intriguing wahoo facts.
Wahoo Fishing in the Florida Keys
Fishing for wahoo in the Florida Keys is an experience unlike any other. Known locally as 'Ono', meaning "good to eat" in Hawaiian, wahoo can be targeted with techniques like high-speed trolling. A typical day might start at the crack of dawn, with sports fishermen ready to battle one of the ocean's swiftest predators. The best months to catch wahoo in the Keys are usually from late fall through early spring, when these fish frequent the waters.
Interesting Wahoo Facts
- Wahoo are part of the Scombridae family, which also includes mackerels and tuna.
- They are capable of swimming up to 60 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest fish in the sea.
- The flesh of the wahoo is less oily compared to other scombrids, which gives it a uniquely mild flavor and wonderful texture suitable for high-temperature cooking methods like grilling.
Whether it's your first time cooking wahoo or you're a seasoned chef, this grilled wahoo with mango salsa is sure to impress. Next time you're in the Keys or lucky enough to land one of these magnificent fish, remember this recipe as a fantastic way to celebrate your catch. Not only is this a delicious dish, but the excitement of catching a wahoo makes it all the more rewarding. Happy grilling and tight lines!
Looking for a fish recipe other than wahoo? Try our Baked Pompano Recipe or our Simple Grouper Piccata Recipe.
Grilled Wahoo Recipe with mango salsa
Ingredients
- 2 Fresh wahoo fillets about 6 ounces each
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3-6 Mint Leaves
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- ¼ teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango diced
- ¼ cup cucumber finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet white onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ medium jalapeno finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped mint leaves, garlic, coriander, cumin, turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. I like to use a small food processor instead of chopping the mint and the garlic. Put everything in the food processor and process on high until well blended. Place the wahoo steaks in a dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all sides of the fish are covered. Let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Using a paper towel, apply nonstick spray or canola oil to the grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve nice grill marks.
- Place the wahoo steaks on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning once, until the fish has nice grill marks and a perfect texture. As a very lean fish, wahoo should be grilled over medium heat to avoid drying out.
- While the fish is grilling, combine diced mango, red pepper, white onions, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Place grilled wahoo on a plate and top with a generous scoop of mango salsa. Serve with a side of corn tortillas or a fresh spinach mix or mashed potatoes and a vegetable for a complete meal.
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