Shopping for fish can be a challenge, as you have to know how to tell them apart. Knowing fish names in English will help. As a mum, shopping for seafood is definitely an integral part of daily life. After all, you want to provide your family with the best and fresh seafood, especially fish.
Fish is a rich source of protein, and is very healthy as it’s low in unhealthy fats and oils. Fish are really versatile, so even for picky eaters they can be incorporated into any meal pretty easily. Here are fish names in English that will help you shop and choose fish a lot easier.
Ikan Bawal: Pomfret
There are several types of pomfrets on the market, including Chinese pomfret, black pomfret and white pomfret. White pomfret is most commonly eaten steamed, usually with some soy sauce and fried garlic as this really brings out the sweetness and smoothness of the flesh. Try this particular pomfret recipe from our very own contributor.
Ikan Kembung: Indian Mackerel or Long Jawed Mackerel
Kembung, or Indian mackerel, is often thought of as a budget menu item as it is within the more affordable range of fish. These small sized fish are about 10 to 15 cm in length, and are often fried and eaten with rice at a regular meal.
You may know the fish names in Malay here, but perhaps knowing what kembung is called in English may help you when you need to shop online or when traveling.
Ikan Siakap: Barramundi
Siakap is one of those medium to large sized fish that is usually eaten whole. It’s best served and shared during special occasions as one fish can feed the whole family.
The flesh of the barramundi is really sweet and tender, which is why many people love to have this fish grilled or steamed. Siakap is best bought and cooked as fresh as possible, as chilling may affect the texture of its flesh.
Ikan Pari: Stingray or Skate
Stingrays are sometimes known as skate in different parts of the world. No matter what you call them, they’re pretty versatile fish that taste good no matter how they’re cooked.
One of the main issues with ikan pari is the presence of a pungent smell, which many people describe as smelling like urine. This is from an organic chemical secreted by the fish itself called urea. When it is caught, bacteria breaks down the urea into ammonia and makes the smell even sharper.
Sometimes, improper gutting and handling of the fish will cause the urea to leak into the flesh, so make sure you’re alert and sniff the stingray before buying it.
Ikan Merah: Northern Red Snapper
Red snapper fish are easily recognisable due to their bright red colour, and they’re also another type of fish that’s considered medium to large sized. One of the most popular ways to cook this fish is by deep frying it and then serving it drenched in sweet and sour sauce, a recipe also known as ‘Ikan Tiga Rasa’.
Red snappers are also available in slices, which are great for cooking in curries, soups and stews.
Ikan Patin: Silver Catfish
You can pick out patin at a fishmonger’s or the seafood section by looking out for a silver-grey fish that’s smooth, and has an extended belly. This fish is usually sold as slices, and is most commonly used in recipes with curries, soups and gravies.
One of the more popular uses of patin is in ‘Patin Tempoyak’, a fish dish from Negeri Sembilan whereby the fish is cooked in a gravy made from fermented durians.
Ikan Tongkol: Skipjack Tuna
Tongkol are small sized fish that have an oval shape, with a very thin and narrow rear before its wide V-shaped tail. There are two types of tongkol on the market, tongkol hitam (black skipjack tuna) and tongkol putih (white skipjack tuna).
Tongkol hitam is said to be slightly sweeter and smoother in texture. You can recognise it as it has a longer fin and no wavy dark lines near its upper body. Tongkol putih, on the other hand, has a much shorter fin and distinct dark wavy lines around its upper body.
Ikan Haruan: Snakehead Murrel
Ikan haruan’s proper name in English is snakehead murrel, but they are sometimes also called mudfish or snakehead fish. Moreover, they are long fishes with flat heads and horizontally narrow bodies. They are freshwater fish, but are also able to live in stagnant and brackish water.
Snakehead murrells are eaten in a variety of ways here. More importantly, they are thought to have medicinal value as haruan essence is believed to help in wound healing and general health.
Ikan Parang: Wolf Herring
Ikan parang got its name because it resembles a long, steel knife (known as a ‘parang’ in Malay). Therefore, you should look for fish that’s really long and narrow when you’re looking for this fish in the market. Also, they should also be silver in colour.
Wolf Herrings can be rather rare and seasonal, as they are protected by law from over-fishing and fishermen need a license to catch them.
Ikan Tenggiri: Spanish Mackerel
Tenggiri fish is sometimes just referred to as mackerel, and it is a pretty versatile fish that is sold as slices. Tenggiri slices are often fried first before being cooked in various sauces. Although it can be a bit bony, this fish is a favourite as part of everyday dishes with rice.
Summing Up on Fish Names in English
Know you’ll be able to buy and order these fish easily, as you know their names in more than one language. Ideally, you should strive to incorporate at least one to two portions of fish into your weekly diet plan. Hopefully the fish names from Malay to English provided here will help you shop easier, mummies!
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