Ask MenuPages: The Hogfish Dilemma
Dear MenuPages,
Where can I get hogfish?
Sincerely, AS
Quite a few places, as it turns out. First, a bit of background for those unfamiliar with the fish. Hogfish, also known as hog snapper (even though it's not a snapper — it's in the wrasse family), is common throughout the Keys, where they hang out near coral reefs and feed on mollusks and crustaceans. It's an excellent fish for eating, with its mild, delicate white flesh. The fish doesn't take easily to a hook and line, so most are speared by divers.
On to the question at hand: where to find it? Several fish markets in the area carry it. At Casablanca Seafood Market on the Miami River, the fish is available for $4.99/lb. Pop's Fish Market (131 W Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach; 954-427-1331) has hog snapper regularly at $8.99/lb, but it sells out quickly, so make sure to call ahead and ask them to set aside a fillet for you. Cod & Capers Seafood in Palm Beach Gardens carries it sporadically, at about $8.99/lb.
As far as restaurants go, the fish is more common on Keys menus than mainland ones. At Castaway in Marathon, you can get hogfish stuffed with shrimp and scallops. Try the macadamia-crusted hogfish with mango sauce at Kaiyo in Islamorada. And Cafe Solé in Key West serves hog snapper with a roasted red pepper zabaglione.
On the mainland, you can find hogfish prepared simply at Captain's Restaurant & Seafood House in Homestead, Dune Deck Cafe in Lantana, and Captain Charlies Reef Grill in Juno Beach. For something a bit different, try the whole fresh hog snapper at Thai Spice, which is seared, baked and then served with your choice of sauce.
