The Sea And Me

-
Image
 Keeping My Mind. I’ve been out at sea for the past 15 years now; it’s all I do. I wait for the tide to rise high enough to get the boat out of the Scottish harbour, travel five miles out into the North Sea (the most treacherous sea in the world), and then drop my anchor and grab about three hours of sleep. Of course, I check the weather beforehand, and as much as I try to be careful, the weather can change on a whim. I wish I didn’t have to sleep, but everyone knows that’s impossible. It can be even more dangerous when you’re asleep, not just because the weather can change suddenly, but also because fishing trawlers have a nasty habit of catching fire. There’s a mountain of electrical cabling mixed with a fuel tank containing 2000 litres of diesel, plus other hazards that I won’t bore you with being on board. This is a video I took not long ago, it was of a trawler on fire close to me. So yes, it is the most dangerous job in the world, just one wrong step and it's game over! Yet,...
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The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Red Gurnard

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 Red gurnard might not be the most famous fish at the fishmonger, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t on every dinner plate! With its striking red skin, firm texture, and subtly sweet flavour, this underrated gem is becoming a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. 


Buy Red Gurnard From Our Trawler




🌊 Why Red Gurnard Is a Hidden Treasure

🐠 Unique Flavour & Firm Texture

Red gurnard has a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a firm, meaty texture. Unlike more delicate white fish, it holds together beautifully in stews, curries, and pan fried dishes.

Its flavour sits somewhere between monkfish and sea bass, subtle enough to pair with fresh herbs, but robust enough for richer sauces. 🍋🌿🍅

🍳 A Fish That Excels in Many Recipes

Thanks to its sturdy flesh, red gurnard works brilliantly in:

  • 🍲 Mediterranean stews

  • 🍛 Coconut curries

  • 🍳 Pan fried fillets

  • 🌿 Baked dishes with herbs

  • 🍅 Tomato based sauces

It’s one of the best fish for absorbing flavour while keeping its lovely bite.

💪 Red Gurnard Nutrition Facts (Per 100g Cooked)

Red gurnard offers an impressive nutritional profile - lean, high in protein, and full of essential vitamins and minerals. 🌱⚡

NutrientAmountBenefit
🔥 Calories~105 kcalLean and nourishing
💪 Protein18–20 gBuilds and repairs muscle
🥑 Total Fat~2 gLow fat, heart friendly
🧠 Omega-3250–300 mgSupports heart & brain health
⚡ B12~2.5 µg (100% NRV)Boosts energy & nerve function
🌞 Vitamin DModerateSupports bones & immunity
🛡️ Selenium~25 µg (35% NRV)Antioxidant protection
🦴 Phosphorus~180 mg (18% NRV)Strengthens bones

Naturally gluten free, low carb, low fat, and ideal for a healthy seafood based diet. 🌿💙

❤️ Health Benefits of Eating Red Gurnard

  • 💪 High in lean protein for muscle health

  • 💓 Low in fat and heart-friendly

  • 🧠 Omega-3 rich for brain and cardiovascular support

  • ⚡ Excellent B12 source to fight fatigue

  • 🌞 Supports immunity and bone health

  • 🥗 Great for weight management - satisfying but light 


Gurnard proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring!

🔥 Best Ways to Cook Red Gurnard

1. 🍳 Pan Fried Red Gurnard

Quick, crisp, and delicious.
Season the fillets, heat oil in a pan, fry skin side down, and finish with lemon and herbs. Perfect with potatoes or fresh greens. 🍋🥔

2. 🧂 Oven-Baked Gurnard

A simple, fuss free method.
Bake fillets or whole fish with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs for a Mediterranean inspired dish. 🌿🍅

3. 🍛 Red Gurnard Curry

Its firm flesh holds up beautifully in spice rich curries.
Simmer with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and vegetables for a warming, aromatic meal. 🍛🌶️

4. 🍲 Gurnard in Fish Stew

Red gurnard is a favourite in rustic European fish stews.
Its flavour deepens when cooked slowly in broth, wine, or tomato sauce. Serve with crusty bread. 🥖🔥

5. 🐟 Chargrilled Gurnard

Brush with oil, season well, and grill until the skin crisps.
Great with citrus based dressings or chimichurri. 🍋🌱

See Our Seafood Recipes

🌿 Perfect Flavour Pairings for Red Gurnard

  • 🍋 Lemon, orange, or lime

  • 🧄 Garlic & shallots

  • 🍅 Tomatoes & olives

  • 🌶️ Paprika, chilli, cumin

  • 🌿 Parsley, basil, thyme

  • 🧈 Butter-based sauces

Its mild sweetness pairs beautifully with bold Mediterranean and Asian flavours.

🌍 Sustainability & Sourcing

Red gurnard is often sustainably caught in UK waters and has healthy stock levels. Buying from local boats or day catch fisheries ensures freshness and supports responsible fishing communities. 🌊💙🛥️

🎣 Conclusion: A Delicious, Underrated Gem

Red gurnard may not be the most well known fish, but it’s one of the most rewarding to cook. With its sweet taste, firm texture, and wide recipe versatility, it deserves a top spot in any seafood lover’s kitchen.


Taste the difference of truly fresh, responsibly caught fish.





Scotland, United Kingdom Scotland, UK

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