If you adore the taste and health benefits of fish and love trying new species, consider checking out escolar. But how does this fish stack up to other healthy options, like tuna?
If you’re health conscious, escolar may be a brilliant fish to add to your diet.
This sweet, succulent fish can help manage cholesterol and give your body the protein it needs, among other benefits. Keep reading to learn all about escolar vs tuna!
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Which Fish Is Healthier?
When it comes to escolar vs tuna, which is healthier? It’s likely tuna. Both have health benefits and some risks, but tuna rarely causes stomach discomfort and is packed with nutrients!
Health Benefits
Both fish have some health benefits. Escolar can lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, prevent strokes, and even increase endurance. It’s high in protein and nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Tuna contains vitamins, fatty acids, iron, potassium, and protein, so it’s a well-rounded fish with plenty of nutrients. It may also lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, vision problems, and obesity.
Health Risks
Escolar can cause keriorrhea, which causes mild diarrhea and stomach cramps. It can cause this discomfort in pregnant people and those with bowel or gut issues. So, some people are just naturally unsuited to eating escolar.
On the other hand, tuna comes with the occasional risk of mercury poisoning when consumed in large quantities.
Culinary Uses
Tuna is one of the most widely used fish in the culinary world because it’s more affordable than luxury fish but still flavorful. People use tuna in canning, sushi, sashimi, steaks, filets, and more, making it one of the most versatile fish. From tuna melts to ahi tuna, it can be simple or high-end.
Escolar is mostly used for sushi and sashimi in Japanese restaurants. It’s most commonly served raw, but can also be pan-fried, braised, baked, or grilled, but it doesn’t hold its flavor as well when cooked.
Flavor
Escolar has a sensationally buttery and indulgent flavor with a silky smooth texture. It has a rich oily flavor with a slight sweetness that makes it fresh but decadent. Many compare it to lobster but with a more satiny texture.
Tuna has a surprisingly meaty flavor for fish, offering an oily and rich flavor comparable to beef steak! Both are flavorful and tender, but escolar has a lighter taste.
Appearance
Escolar is dark brown or black with small fins and a long sleek body. Tuna is usually light gray or metallic with larger fins and the same slender body.
Is escolar a good fish?
From a culinary perspective, many people consider escolar a superb fish. It has a fatty, succulent flavor and silky texture, making it excellent for many cooking styles and dishes.
Is escolar cheaper than tuna?
Yes, escolar is generally more affordable than tuna. Escolar costs around $12.50 per pound, while most tuna varieties cost about $17 per pound.
What does escolar taste like in sushi?
Escolar is one of the richest flavors for sushi, delivering a satiny texture and lavish fish flavor. Many describe it as buttery and mild with a fresh but rich flavor. The taste is unctuous and creamy, with just a hint of sweetness.
Does escolar taste fishy?
No, most people do not describe escolar as fishy-tasting. A fishy flavor typically means a pungent and slightly sharp, salty taste and escolar is the opposite of that. The luscious flavor is like lobster or scallops, so it’s far from fishy.