Grey Mullet

Fish

Grey Mullet

Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus and related Mugilidae) is a coastal schooling fish with firm, moderately oily flesh and a mild to earthy flavour that tracks water quality—clean estuary and marine fish taste clean; muddy habitats can taint the meat. Fillets are greyish-white with a strong skin; whole fish take well to grilling and baking. Hard roe is cured as bottarga (avgotaraho) in Mediterranean and East Asian traditions. Score and grill skin-on, bake with herbs and citrus, or salt-cure fillets. Freshness and careful gutting matter: the gut cavity can hold strong flavours. Popular from the Mediterranean to East Asia and warm coasts worldwide; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture both supply markets.

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Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

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Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedChilledCuredDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledRoastedSaltedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

ASC CertifiedDay BoatFree SwumHand FilletedHook and LineLine-CaughtMSC CertifiedOrganicPole-CaughtResponsibly SourcedSeasonalSustainable

Sources

AquacultureIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

DarkEarthyFirmMoistOilyRich

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 134

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 5.17 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.95 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.15 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.94 g
  • Cholesterol 53.8 mg
  • Sodium 73.8 mg
  • Salt 0.19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 21.4 g
  • Water 73.1 g
Detailed nutrients

Fish flesh is lean to oily depending on species; marine omega-3s rise in fatty fish.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Grey Mullet.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

Coastal and river fishing for grey mullet and related species supplied essential protein long before agriculture spread globally.

Salting, drying, smoking, and fermenting extended the shelf life of grey mullet and enabled long-distance trade.

Ice preservation and railway transport brought fresh grey mullet to inland cities beyond fishing ports.

Industrial freezing, aquaculture, and global logistics made grey mullet widely available in international markets.

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