Pacific Rockfish

Pacific rockfish is a broad term covering dozens of related species found along the western coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California. Despite the name, they’re not related to the rock cod or rock flathead found in Australian waters. They’re slow-growing, long-lived reef fish — some species can live over a century.

The flesh is lean, white, and mildly flavoured with a moderately firm texture that holds up well to most cooking methods. Rockfish fillets are good baked, grilled, pan-fried, or used in tacos and chowders. The flavour is clean and unassertive, making it a reliable choice for dishes where the fish plays a supporting role alongside bolder ingredients.

Rockfish is not commonly sold in Australia under that name, though it appears in some imported frozen products. Locally, fish with a similar eating profile include flathead and whiting.