At Panama Nautical Club, we are deeply passionate about the sea and the rich culinary experiences it provides. This is especially the case when it comes to one of the most prized catches: Wahoo. Wahoo are known for their striking appearance, rapid swimming speed, and robust fighting capabilities and are fished regularly in the Gulf of Chiriquí and around the renowned Hannibal Bank. If you land yourself a wahoo, why not treat yourself to a fresh ceviche or wahoo sushi. Below we share more on the best ways to eat wahoo.
The Taste of Wahoo Fish
This challenging catch is good to eat and can be grilled or eaten raw as wahoo sushi or wahoo ceviche. It is not a common fish to find in supermarkets or on restaurant menus, so it is a really special experience to have this type of fish on your plate.
Their flesh is firm yet tender, offering a mild, sweet flavor, becoming flaky if cooked and staying white in color even after cooking. Whether you choose to grill, bake, or broil, Wahoo meat maintains its integrity and absorbs flavors well, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Wahoo fish has an excellent nutritional value with many vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and niacin, contributing to a healthy diet, while being delicious for many people.
Our favorite way to appreciate wahoo’s unique flavor, is by making wahoo ceviche or wahoo sushi.
Tips for perfect wahoo ceviche and wahoo sushi:
- Pick the freshest fish
- Use good kitchen utensils, including sharp knives
- Ensure acid balance in wahoo ceviche by covering the fish entirely with lime juice
- Cut the fish uniformly for an appealing presentation
- Adjust spiciness to customize your taste
- Serve wahoo sushi soon after making it, as the rices and fish are best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature
How To Prepare Wahoo Ceviche
Preparing wahoo ceviche is a superb method for savoring the fresh, delicate flavor profile of Wahoo. Ceviche truly showcases the natural flavors of fish or seafood at its freshest. Wahoo ceviche utilizes the acidic power of citrus juices, primarily lime or lemon, to cure the fish. The acidity from the citrus effectively “cooks” the fish without the need for heat. This results in a uniquely tender and flavorful dish. Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare Wahoo ceviche, highlighting every step to ensure your dish is a success:
- To prepare Wahoo ceviche, start by ensuring that your Wahoo fillet is fresh and properly cleaned. Dice the fish into uniform, bite-sized pieces to promote even curing. Next, place the diced Wahoo in a non-reactive bowl and pour fresh lime juice over it, ensuring the fish is completely submerged in the juice.
- Gently stir to make sure all pieces are exposed to the juice. This will “cook” the fish, turning it opaque and firm. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes, depending on your preference for how “cooked” you like the fish. The longer you leave it, the more it will resemble the texture of cooked fish.
- While the fish is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red onion very thinly to ensure it blends well with other ingredients. Finely chop the cilantro and chilies. If you are including cucumber, tomato, or avocado, dice these into small, uniform pieces as well. After the fish has marinated, drain off most of the lime juice—leaving a bit to keep the mixture moist—and add the red onion, cilantro, chilies, and any other vegetables into the bowl with the fish. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the final touches, gently fold in the diced avocado last to preserve its texture; the avocado will add a creamy contrast to the firmness of the fish. Serve the ceviche immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to enhance the flavors. Ceviche is typically enjoyed cold and can be served with tortilla chips, on tostadas, or simply with a spoon.
How To Prepare Wahoo Sushi
Preparing wahoo sushi highlights the fresh, mild taste of Wahoo in a simple yet sophisticated dish. Wahoo is an excellent fish to make sushi for its firm texture and subtle sweetness. This dish offers a unique alternative to more traditional sushi fish choices like tuna or salmon.
- To prepare sushi rice, start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice then mix in a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. We recommend one tablespoon of vinegar, half a teaspoon of sugar, and a half teaspoon of salt per cup of uncooked rice. Fold this mixture gently into the warm rice using a wooden spoon. Then fan the rice to cool it quickly and enhance its glossy appearance.
- For the wahoo, use a very sharp knife to slice the fillet against the grain into long, thin slices. The slices should be around a quarter inch thick. This technique is crucial for achieving the right texture and ease of eating. It makes the slices ideal for nigiri-style sushi or laying over rice in rolls.
- When rolling the sushi, begin by placing a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat. Then spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about a half inch at the top of the sheet clear. Place slices of wahoo and any chosen garnishes like cucumber or avocado along the bottom edge of the rice-covered nori.
- Roll the nori tightly from the bottom up using the bamboo mat to guide you. Use a bit of water to seal the edge of the nori. For nigiri, form small oblong mounds of rice with your hands and gently press a slice of wahoo on top. You can also add a dab of wasabi between the rice and fish for added flavor.
- Once the roll is complete, use a sharp knife to slice it into even pieces, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean slices. Arrange the sushi pieces on a plate and serve them with small amounts of wasabi, soy sauce for dipping, and pickled ginger on the side.
Wahoo Fishing in Panama
Panama offers one of the best biodiversified spots in the world for sportfishing. Panama Nautical Club ensures that the thrill of the catch is complemented by a profound appreciation for the fishes taste. Whether you choose to prepare it at home or enjoy it prepared by our expert chefs, wahoo sushi and wahoo ceviche are standout dishes and we are keen for you to try it!
For those eager to embrace the full Panama Nautical Club experience, join us to challenge your fishing skills and indulge your taste buds. Check out our fishing packages, email us at panamanauticalclub@gmail.com or call +1 800 507 1246 for more info on availabilities for your next fishing adventure.
