Fish

Mugil cephalus

A tier

Mugil cephalus is the flathead grey mullet—a cosmopolitan coastal fish with firm, somewhat rich flesh and famous roe processed as bottarga. Meat is tasty when fish are from clean water; muddy estuaries show in the cup. Texture holds for grilling and baking. Score thick skin, grill or bake whole, and cure the roe if you have it. Detest muddy fish—purge or choose better sources. A staple from the Mediterranean to East Asia under many local names.