Fish

Epinephelus marginatus

A tier

Epinephelus marginatus is the dusky grouper of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic—thick, moist white flesh with large flakes and a mild sweet flavour that anchors grilled and oven-roasted grouper dishes. Large adults yield impressive steaks; smaller fish can be cooked whole. The species is slow-growing and often protected, so legal, well-managed fish is essential. Grill skin-on steaks, bake with olive oil and herbs, or steam Cantonese-style when size allows. Dusky grouper’s density forgives high heat better than delicate flatfish. Avoid undersized fish and respect local closed seasons.