Considered a delicacy in the countries bordering the Mediterranean is the Red Mullet, otherwise known as a Rouget. Red Mullet are prized fish harvested by commercial fishing boats off the coast of Spain, France, and Italy. Because of the taste and texture, can they be cooked in a multitude of ways. However, Red Mullet can be difficult to source in the United States because they come from overseas. How do you buy Red Mullet in the United States?

Why Is Red Mullet So Popular?

Rougets are small in size, typically between ten and fourteen inches, and are harvested by gill and trawl nets. Each fish weighs between a third and a half of a pound. The fillets are low in fat but high in protein. The taste of the white fillets is often described as being buttery or creamy by most. Considering that each fish’s yield is minimal, you should account for two to three fish per person. 

How Do You Buy Red Mullet In The United States?

The Rouget is very popular in European countries; however, don’t expect to find red mullet for sale in the United States. Many different varieties are imported from other countries, but rouget fish is unlikely to make that list. 

Since they are primarily unavailable at a seafood shop, the next best option is to order Red Mullet online. Online seafood providers will ship the product overnight but expect to pay top dollar. When it comes to red mullet price, expect to pay upwards of $45 dollars for five fish.

The process of preparing fish to ship requires time and materials because you won’t find red mullet near me in the United States. Time and materials add to the cost, which is part of the reason aside from shipping and the seafood that online orders shipped to your home are expensive. What is the process involved with getting the fish from the supplier to your doorstep in excellent condition?

Packaging Process When You Buy Red Mullet

When purchasing rougets, here is the process to package and ship the fish fresh to your door. Remember, when ordering from the United States, the rougets are traveling oversees so the fish must remain chilled for an extended period of time.

-The box that the contents are placed is typically a double layerd. One is insulated, and one is cardboard.

-Most often, the seafood is in a vacuum-sealed bag.

-Gel-centered ice packs are placed near the product. In some cases, dry ice can be used. However, the seafood must avoid directly touching the ice. 

-To prevent the fish from being bruised during shipping, packing peanuts or other cushion surrounds the seafood to keep it tightly packed. 

-Once everything is packed inside, the box must be taped closed. High-quality shipping tape is necessary to prevent the container from accidentally opening. 

-All of this must be done in a timely fashion. The seafood is packaged just before its sent off to the shipping company for overnight delivery. 

-Ensure to be at your home around the time of arrival to remove the fish from the packaging and place in the refrigerator. Leaving the cooler exposed to the elements for extended periods of time can lead to the rougets becoming spoiled.

It is unique that rouget can be prepared for shipment in a variety of ways. Here the ways that they are sold:

–Whole

-Cleaned with the head and tail on

-Cleaned with the head and tail off

When you place the order, pay close attention to the number of fish and the average weight. The last thing you want to have happened after taking all of the efforts is to fall short on what is needed for the planned meal. 

When it comes to red mullet fish where to buy, here are a few well know suppliers that ship nationwide. Check out Citarella and Maine Lobster Seafood Group.

Now You Know Where To Buy Red Mullet

Remember, it is unlikely to find red mullet fish for sale near me. The ability to have nearly any type of seafood shipped fresh to your door is hard to imagine—the click of a button on the internet and it’s on its way. Whether you’re ordering red mullet fish for sale or any other type of fish, crustacean, or shellfish, it can all be shipped overnight. Even better is the fact that you can order many seafood varieties that are not found in your local seafood market. With the multitude of options, no reason not to try many types of fish. Give Red Mullet a try. It might just become a favorite.