Striped bass, also known as striper, linesider, rockfish, or simply stripers, is a popular gamefish found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Known for their aggressive feeding behavior, striped bass put up a strong fight when hooked, making them a favorite target species for recreational anglers.
In addition to being prized by anglers, striped bass are also highly regarded as a food fish. So what does striped bass taste like? Here’s a quick overview of the flavor profile of striped bass.
Quick Answer: Mild, Sweet, Delicate Texture
Striped bass have a mild, sweet flavor with a delicate texture. Their flesh is white, moist, and flaky when cooked properly. Many anglers and seafood lovers consider striped bass to be one of the best-tasting fish. The flesh has a very subtle and clean taste, not ‘fishy’ at all.
Flavor Comparison
Striped bass taste similar to other popular white fish like halibut, snapper, tilapia or flounder. The flesh has a delicate flavor and is not overtly fishy. Some people describe the flavor as between snapper and halibut, with a sweet mild taste and medium firm texture.
Here’s how the flavor of striped bass compares to some other popular types of fish:
- More delicate and sweeter than salmon
- More flavorful than tilapia or flounder
- Firmer texture than cod
- Milder tasting than mackerel or sardines
Key Factors Influencing Flavor
Several key factors affect the final flavor of the striped bass fillet:
Water Quality
Striped bass caught in clean, cold waters tend to have better flavor. Fish from polluted waters or warm rivers will have a less desirable taste.
Age & Size
Younger, smaller striped bass generally taste sweeter and more delicate. As the fish get bigger, the flesh becomes firmer and the flavor more pronounced.
Diet
A natural diet of baitfish results in better taste. Striped bass that feed on crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans can sometimes have a soft texture and muddier flavor.
Freshness
Freshly caught striped bass cooked within a couple days will have the best flavor and texture. Freshness is key with any seafood.
Cooking Method
Simple preparations like grilling, broiling, baking or pan searing help preserve the delicate flavor of striped bass. Deep frying or cooking for extended periods can make the flesh taste more ‘fishy’.
Fat Content
Striped bass have a moderate to high fat content depending on the time of year. More fat results in more pronounced flavor and change in texture.
Seasonality
During spring spawning runs, the fish have a very high fat content, which enhances the flavor. Late summer and fall fish tend to be leaner with a more subtle taste.
Seasoning & Preparation Tips
When cooking striped bass, simple preparations work best to highlight the mild sweet flavor. Here are some top tips for cooking striped bass fillets:
- Brush lightly with olive oil or butter and season minimally with salt, pepper and lemon. Avoid overseasoning.
- Broil, bake or grill the fillets just until opaque and flaky – be careful not to overcook.
- Pan sear or blacken fillets using a hot cast iron skillet for a crisp crust.
- Gently poach or steam fillets to retain moisture and delicate flavor.
- Bake in parchment paper or foil packets with veggies and fresh herbs.
- Marinate fillets briefly in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and spices.
- Sear or grill fillets and serve with a sauce like beurre blanc, hollandaise or chimichurri.
Complementary Flavors
Certain ingredients pair especially well with striped bass to accentuate its mild sweetness:
- Lemon – a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavor.
- Butter – enriches the delicate flavor.
- White Wine – complements the subtle taste.
- Dill – fresh dill accentuates the sweetness.
- Parsley – fresh parsley enhances overall flavor.
- Thyme – brings out subtle earthy notes.
- Fennel – anise flavor complements striped bass.
- Capers – briny flavor balances the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to serve your freshly caught or store-bought striped bass fillets:
Simple Grilled or Broiled
Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill or broil. Serve with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables.
Baked with Herbs
Place fillets in parchment paper with lemon slices, herbs like dill or fennel, olive oil and seasonings. Bake until fish flakes easily.
Ceviche
Dice raw bass fillets and marinate in lemon or lime juice with peppers, onion and cilantro. The lime ‘cooks’ the fish.
Poached
Gently poach fillets in simmering broth, white wine or court bouillon. Serve with hollandaise sauce and veggies.
Striped Bass Tacos
Blacken or pan sear fillets, break into chunks and serve in warm corn tortillas with cabbage, pico de gallo and avocado.
Striped Bass Soup
Add chunks of striped bass fillet to brothy seafood stews and chowders. Favorites include Manhattan style clam chowder, cioppino or bouillabaisse.
Striped Bass Sandwich
Blacken, grill or pan sear fillets and serve on a toasted bun with tartar sauce and lettuce. Delicious and easy meal.
Nutrition
Striped bass are packed with nutrients and are a healthy, lean protein choice. A 6 ounce cooked portion provides:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 34g – high quality complete protein
- Fat: 4g – mainly healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Carbs: 0g
- Vitamin B12: over 100% RDI
- Selenium: over 50% RDI – important antioxidant
- Potassium, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus – over 20% RDI each
Striped bass are naturally low in mercury and considered one of the more sustainable fish choices. They are a great way to get high quality protein and healthy fats into your diet.
Pricing & Availability
Price and availability of striped bass will depend on your location and time of year. Some tips:
- In season: Late spring through fall when stocks are most abundant.
- Peak season: Early summer when wild striped bass are migrating and spawning.
- Out of season: Winter months when fishing is limited.
- East Coast – More abundant, especially along the Atlantic seaboard.
- West Coast – Less common, mainly farmed bass imported from the Southeast.
- Fresh fillets – $12 to $18 per pound retail, cheaper buying direct whole fish.
- Frozen fillets – $8 to $12 per pound.
To find the best value, shop seasonally, buy direct from fishermen if possible, and consider buying whole fish to yield your own fillets.
Where to Buy
When buying striped bass, you have a few options:
Local Fish Market
Check your local fish market, seafood shop or wharf for freshly caught wild striped bass, especially during peak season. This ensures maximum freshness.
Fish Counter at Grocery Store
Many grocery stores now carry fresh or previously frozen striped bass fillets. Larger chains may have better prices but less turnover.
Online Seafood Retailers
Websites like Seattle Fish Company, Fulton Fish Market and Sea to Table ship fresh or frozen striped bass nationwide with overnight delivery.
Direct from Fishermen
Buying direct-off-the-boat from local fishermen is the best way to get high quality stripers at a good price.
Fish Markets
Asian and ethnic fish markets, especially in coastal cities, are great spots to find affordable whole fish like striped bass.
Big Box Stores
Club stores like Costco and BJ’s sometimes carry frozen striped bass fillets at a discount in large multi-packs.
Wild vs Farmed
Most striped bass sold commercially are wild caught, mainly by coastal and ocean anglers along the US East Coast. There is also some inland farming of striped bass in ponds mainly on the West Coast.
Key differences between wild and farmed striped bass:
| Wild Striped Bass | Farmed Striped Bass |
|---|---|
| Caught wild in the ocean and coastal rivers | Raised inland in freshwater ponds |
| More natural diet and environment | Artificial feed used in farming |
| More delicate texture and flavor | Milder taste and softer flesh |
| Supply depends on season and regulations | Available year-round |
| Higher price, especially out of season | Lower cost but quality very inconsistent |
| Requires sustainable management | Risk of pollution, disease in high density |
Overall, wild striped bass are considered superior. But high quality farmed fish can be a good affordable option, especially out of season.
Conclusion
With their mild, sweet flavor, delicate texture, and versatility, it’s easy to see why striped bass are considered one of the best tasting fish for the table. When cooked properly and eaten fresh, striped bass provide a delicious, lean and nutritious meal rich in protein and omega-3s. Look for wild striped bass during peak season, and experiment with simple healthful preparations like grilling, baking or pan searing to enjoy this tasty fish at its best.
