Atlantic Skate Wings

Trawl caught, East coast

Skate wings—which are oversized pectoral fins made of cartilage—are delicious, underutilized, and inexpensive, and we think they should be celebrated! They are mild and their flavor is often compared to that of scallops. Sometimes they get a bad rap, maybe because they spoil faster than other seafood.

(It IS true that skate are best when super fresh. If you are not planning to cook the night you pick up your fish, best to either freeze it 😠 or opt for the striped bass instead.)

As with most other fish, a simple sauce—such as brown butter and capers—allows its flavor to shine through. Seafood Watch rates skate a "Good Alternative." Low mercury level.