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Fish steak facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A fish steak is a tasty piece of fish that's cut in a special way. It's like a thick slice of fish, often with a bone in the middle, but it can also be boneless. This is different from a fish fillet, which is cut along the side of the fish.

What is a Fish Steak?

A fish steak is a thick slice of fish. It's cut straight across the fish's body, from one side to the other. This means it often includes a piece of the fish's backbone. This is different from a fish fillet, which is cut along the side of the fish, avoiding the main bones. Most of a fish's body is made of muscle that we can eat, which is great!

How is a Fish Steak Cut?

Salmon Fish
Salmon steak (left), fillet (right).

Fish steaks are cut across the fish, like slicing a loaf of bread. This cut can include the skin and bones. It's usually done for bigger fish, especially those weighing more than about 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds). Cutting through the backbone of a large fish can be tricky with a regular knife. That's why people often use a special butcher's saw to make fish steaks. It takes less time to prepare a fish steak than a fillet, because steaks often keep the skin and bones.

What Kinds of Fish Make Good Steaks?

Larger fish are usually chosen for making steaks. Some popular types of fish that are often cut into steaks include:

Sometimes, if a fish is very large, its steaks can be cut into smaller, boneless pieces.

How Do You Cook Fish Steaks?

Fish steaks are very versatile and can be cooked in many ways. You can:

  • Grill them
  • Pan-fry them
  • Broil them (cook under direct heat)
  • Bake them

Unlike beef steaks, which can take a long time to cook and sometimes be tough, fish cooks very quickly. Fish steaks are usually tender and easy to eat. They are also less likely to fall apart while cooking compared to fish fillets. Often, fish steaks are baked in a yummy sauce to add more flavor.

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Fish steak Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.