Gurnard
Gurnard is an odd fish indeed, with ‘wings’ and ‘legs’. For years discounted as bait for crab and lobster fishing, or stock for soup, gorgeous Gurnard is now valued as a tasty, sustainable catch. Gurnard come in red, yellow or grey varieties, all of which have dense, meaty flesh, found mainly in the tail, and a rich, relatively fishy, flavour.
Our whole, fresh gurnard are relatively small by nature, ranging from 150g to 500g. One large fish will make a generous portion for one. If you prefer, we can fillet the fish for you. Please be aware that the filleted weight will be approximately 40% of the whole fish weight.
All varieties of gurnard are abundant along the Dorset coast. The fish tend to move out into deeper water in the winter, and come into shallower inshore waters in the warmer summer months, feeding on offshore sandbanks or along sandy coastlines around underwater gullies where prey has gathered. In Weymouth, they’re typically caught in day boat nets.
Seasonality: All year
Nutritional information per 100g:
Kcal | 80 kcal |
Protein | 18.3g |
Fat | 0.7g |
Saturates | 0.1g |
Salt | 0.15g |
Carbohydrates | 0g |
Sugars | 0g |
Rich in vitamin B12, vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorous
Contains FISH
Commonly used for stocks and soups, including the famous French bouillabaisse, gurnard pan fries or grills extremely well, as well as standing up to stronger flavours. Pair it with Mediterranean flavours including garlic, herbs, pancetta and chorizo.
Gurnard is perfect for roasting whole in the oven after pan searing with butter. Once cooked, the meat can be picked away from the bones easily, saving you the hassle of filleting it.
Pan fried fillets are often served as a starter, complemented by ingredients with a certain sharpness, such as onions, white wine and lemon.
Best eaten immediately.
Store in the fridge between 0ºC-5ºC, and eat within 2-3 days.
If you don’t plan to eat within 3 days, then freeze on day of delivery and eat within 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Do not refreeze.
Locally caught, sustainable seafood
We're Weymouth's harbourside fishmonger, based in the historic Old Fish Market, with counters full of the freshest Dorset seafood and shellfish, landed daily on the quayside right outside the shop. We're a community business with strong ties to the local fleet, proud of our produce and its provenance, always ready to answer your questions or offer some expert advice.
