How to Cook Striper Fish
With its firm and meaty texture, stripers -- better known as striped bass -- can be prepared in a number of ways. Though wild striped bass are found primarily in their native waters along the East coast, they are also farm-raised all over the country and both types are widely available. Wild striped bass is fattier, however, giving it more natural flavor. Stripers hold up well to most cooking methods, including pan searing, roasting and grilling.
Pan-seared striped sea bass on a white plate. (Image: Kondor83/iStock/Getty Images)Pan-Cooked Striper
Step 1
Place striper fillets on a clean surface and season lightly with sea salt. You can also add additional seasonings as you see fit, such as pepper, garlic powder, coriander or herbs such as oregano and thyme.
Step 2
Coat a large skillet with canola or peanut oil and a pat of butter. Bring the oil to high heat on the stove.
Step 3
Add the striper fillets to the pan, skin-side down if the skin is still on the fillets. Let the fish sear for about 3 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to between medium and medium-high and flip the fillets over. Cook on the other side for about 4 minutes, until the outside is well seared and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Serve hot.
Baked Fish
Step 1
Preheat the oven to between 425 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a baking sheet with canola oil or cooking spray.
Step 2
Place the striped bass fillets on the baking sheet, skin side up. Season each one with salt, and any additional spices you prefer. Top each fillet with a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 3
Place the baking sheet and in the oven and bake the striper fillets for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the skin -- if still on -- is crispy and the flesh is completely opaque and flakes with a fork.
Grilled Striper
Step 1
Prepare your grill by brushing your grill grates with canola oil and lighting fresh coals in a charcoal grill, bringing them to a medium heat level. If you are using a gas grill, turn the burners to high for about 15 minutes and close the lid to preheat, then reduce the heat to medium.
Step 2
Season the striper fillets lightly with salt, pepper and additional seasonings as you see fit. You can also add a splash of lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavor.
Step 3
Add the fish to the grill, directly over the coals and skin side down. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on both sides, until both sides are slightly charred on the outside and the inside is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Things You'll Need
Salt
Additional seasonings, optional
Canola or peanut oil
Spatula
Tip
Take the striper fillets out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to bring them up to room temperature, ensuring they will fully cook in the proper amount of time.
If your striped bass fillets have the skin removed, place the fish on the grill first on the side where the skin would have been; it typically will look slightly shinier than the other side.
Make sure the striped bass fillets are fully cooked by cutting into one in the center and checking that it is fully opaque.
