Trevally is quite the catch for the earnest fishermen who reel in this scrappy sport fish and for those fortunate enough to find it fresh and prepare it for the dinner table. Its firm flesh and mild-flavored, slightly oily meat make this fish suitable to many palates. Trevally shines when pan-fried or baked, but it should be marinated beforehand or wrapped in foil to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Oven-Baked Trevally Fillets
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Rinse off each trevally fillet with cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Tear off sheets of aluminum foil large enough to wrap each fillet in. Place a fillet in the center of the foil and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add additional seasonings to taste or include vegetables like tomatoes and onions.
Step 3
Fold the aluminum foil around the fillet and seal tightly. Arrange the foil packets on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each packet.
Step 4
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Pan-Fried Trevally Fillets
Step 1
Create a simple marinade for the trevally fillets and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes prior to cooking. Try a marinade of olive oil and lemon juice and seasonings like salt and pepper.
Step 2
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated trevally fillets.
Step 3
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once during cooking, or until the fillets flake easily with a fork. Remove the trevally from the pan and serve with fresh lemon wedges or herbed mayo, if desired.
References
- The Food Coach: Silver Trevally
- Taste: Trevally with Tomatoes and Olive Sauce
- Fish & Shellfish: The Cook's Indispensable Companion; James Peterson
- UDSA: Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
Tips
- Look for trevally fillets that are firm and pink in color, absent any brown markings.
- When pan-frying, saute onions, tomatoes and other seasonings prior to adding the trevally, if desired.
- Pair baked or pan-fried trevally with couscous or rice, roasted potatoes or steamed fresh vegetables.
Warnings
- Cook fish to an internal temperature of 145 F to avoid the risk of a foodborne illness.
Writer Bio
Christina Kalinowski is a writer from the Twin Cities who began her career in 2011. She contributes food and drink related articles to The Daily Meal. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from Purdue University.