Out of all the fish dishes you could buy, probably one you don’t hear about all that often is Corvina. It is commonly referred to as Cilus Gilberti, which is its scientific name. Corvina has an incredible taste, and is popular among fans of fresh fish cooking.
But there is more to Corvina than its taste, and that’s what we’ll be exploring in our article today! As well as how to cook it and what exactly it tastes like.
So before you rush out to buy some Corvina, give our article a read first so you know the best ways to prepare it and exactly what to expect when cooking it.
So What Exactly Is Corvina?
Corvina is a saltwater fish you can buy throughout the year. It is mainly found in the southeastern Pacific Ocean along the Central and South American coasts, where the waters are temperate to tropical.
Corvina tend to live in small schools or groups near sandy sea bottoms, as this is where they feed. You can easily identify them by their distinct croaking or drumming sounds.
They have silvery or coppery scales and are hard to find due to their colors helping them blend into their environment. They have a similar appearance to a Spotted Seatrout.
If you would like to harvest Corvina yourself, the best methods for catching them is by bottom trawling, or using a gillnet or handline.
This fish is widely used in culinary circles and is highly valuable in fish markets, particularly in South American coastal communities where it’s a dinner table staple.
How Does Corvina Taste?
Corvina is something known as Corbina, Corvina Drum, or Gulf Corvina. The fish has a mildly sweet, aromatic flavor and a buttery texture.
Some people find the flavor is similar to sea bass. When the meat is raw it’s slightly pink, but once cooked the meat is white.
Because Corvina has a mild flavor it is popular in lots of fish recipes, as you can easily adapt the flavor.
If you’re on a Mediterranean diet, Corvina is a great option for you as it is a healthy fish option that meets the requirement of a Mediterranean diet. Plus, regularly eating Corvina can also lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Like other fishes, Corvina soaks up the flavors of the other ingredients you cook them with. Plus, when you combine it with the right ingredients, it becomes a more nutritious meal.
But if you would like to serve Corvina raw, the flavor will be sharper but it will have sweet undertones. Because of its seaside fragrance and pinkish meat it also looks beautiful.
Corvina is also a fatty fish with a heart amount of minerals, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. It’s also a good fish to eat if you have cardiovascular disease.
When compared to other fishes, Corvina has just enough natural flavor that you don’t need to go wild with the seasonings. Because it’s a saltwater fish, it already has a good depth of flavor.
Where Should You Buy Corvina?
Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to find Corvina in the supermarket, although sometimes you may be able to buy frozen varieties of Corvina there.
But if you would like to buy fresh Corvina, the fish market is the best place to go! You also have the chance to discuss with a fishmonger what kind of variety of Corvina you should buy. We all know that the fresher the fish, the better it tastes!
Next time you go to your local fish market, see if they have Corvina!
How Should You Cook Corvina?
When it comes to cooking Corvina, anything is possible! You can grill it, fry it, bake it, or even eat it raw.
It is the best fish to use if you want to whip up a satisfying, hearty meal. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways you can prepare Corvina.
Ceviche
Corvina is a great option for this South American dish, particularly because Corvina is found in this region. It just makes sense to add Corvina to this refreshing, citrusy dish.
Fried
Fried Corvina is sure to make even those who usually dislike fried fish think twice! Breading or light batter goes a long way with this tasty fish.
Grilled
Since Corvina has firm meat, it can more than withstand the grill. Still, if you’re concerned about grilled Corvina falling apart then you can just leave the flesh on. You still get that great grilled taste without the fuss.
Roasted
Another way to cook Corvina is to roast it and stuff it with cheese, herbs, mushrooms, veggies, or whatever else you have available.
Sashimi
When you can enjoy a fish raw, that means you can open your repertoire up to sashimi. Just cut the fish into thin strips and serve with soy sauce.
Corvina is totally safe to eat and has no health risks associated with it. But if Corvina has been fished from polluted waters then the risk of the fish containing mercury is significantly higher.
Therefore, it’s best to stick to Corvina that has been fished from cleaner areas of the sea to avoid mercury poisoning.
How Should You Store Corvina?
You can store Corvina fish similarly to other fish, and it needs to be stored cold. Fresh Corvina needs to be sealed in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for no longer than 2 days.
If you can’t use the fish straight away, then we would recommend freezing it. To freeze Corvina, you still need to keep it in an airtight container, tightly wrapped in plastic.
Corvina will keep in the freezer for as long as you need it. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that after about 3 months, the fish will start to lose its texture and flavor.
Once the fish has defrosted, you need to cook Corvina within 24 hours to avoid spoiling.
Final Thoughts
If you really want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, then try cooking some Corvina.
However, it’s easy to prepare which makes it a great fish for those who aren’t totally confident in their culinary skills. It’s full of nutrients, has no potential health risks, and can be adapted to many styles of cooking.
If you want to try a new fish flavor, then we’re sure Corvina will impress you. From its appearance to its aroma, flavor, and texture, it’s definitely worth trying and is a fish you can tick off your cooking bucket list.
We hope our article has told you all you need to know about what Corvina tastes like, and how to cook it!
