Good landings on Yellow Striped Trevally / Chooparai in Kerala and Tamil Nadu June and July, now available at Bonesca with fantastic pricing!
The yellow stripe trevally (Selaroides leptolepis) is a species of fish belonging to the Carangidae family, commonly referred to as the jack family. It is also known by various other names, including Indian scad, yellow-banded trevally, Chooparai and slender scad. This fish species is widely distributed in the warm coastal and offshore waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas. Here are some key characteristics of the yellow stripe trevally:
Appearance: The yellow stripe trevally is characterized by its slender and elongated body, typical of many fish in the jack family. As the name suggests, it has distinct yellow vertical stripes running along its sides, which are a prominent feature. The rest of its body is usually silvery in color.
Size: This species can reach lengths of up to around 40 centimeters (about 16 inches), although individuals caught for consumption are often smaller.
Habitat: Yellow stripe trevally are pelagic fish, which means they inhabit the open waters of the ocean rather than staying close to the seabed. They are often found in schools near the surface, where they feed on small planktonic organisms and small fish.
Distribution: The species is found in various parts of the Indian Ocean, including the coasts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. It also extends into the western Pacific Ocean, including areas around Indonesia and Australia.
Importance: The yellow stripe trevally is of commercial importance in many regions where it is found. It is often caught using various fishing methods, including purse seining and gillnetting.
The fish is consumed fresh or thawed from fresh frozen and is considered to be of good culinary quality.
As with any fishery, it's important to manage the harvesting of yellow stripe trevally sustainably to ensure the long-term health of the species and the marine ecosystem as a whole. Overfishing and improper fishing practices can lead to population declines and ecological imbalances. Proper fisheries management, including monitoring catch levels and implementing regulations, is crucial to ensure the species' survival and the health of marine environments.
Yellow stripe trevally is a versatile fish that can be prepared in various ways across different international cuisines. Here are some popular recipes from different kitchens around the world:
Indian Curry: In Indian cuisine, you can prepare a delicious curry using yellow stripe trevally. Marinate the fish with spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic in oil, then add tomatoes and the marinated fish. Simmer with coconut milk and spices until the fish is cooked and the flavors meld together. Serve the curry with rice or flatbreads like naan.
Japanese Sashimi: Japanese cuisine highlights the freshness and delicate flavors of fish. For yellow stripe trevally, you can thinly slice the fish and serve it as sashimi. Pair it with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for an authentic Japanese experience. Only use sashimi grade fish for this purpose.
Thai Grilled Fish: Thai cuisine often features grilled or barbecued fish with flavorful marinades. Marinate the yellow stripe trevally in a mixture of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and fish sauce. Grill the fish until it's cooked through and has a nice char. Serve it with a side of Thai sticky rice and a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers.
Mediterranean Baked Fish: In Mediterranean cuisine, you can bake yellow stripe trevally with Mediterranean herbs,
olive oil, garlic, and lemon slices. Place the marinated fish in a baking dish, cover it with the herb mixture, and bake
until it flakes easily with a fork. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Latin American Ceviche: Ceviche is a popular dish in Latin American cuisine where raw fish is "cooked" in citrus juices.
Marinate diced yellow stripe trevally in a mixture of lime and/or lemon juice, red onion, cilantro, and chili peppers.Let
the fish marinate in the fridge until it turns opaque. Serve the ceviche with tortilla chips or as a topping for tostadas.
Chinese Steamed Fish: Chinese cuisine often uses steaming to preserve the delicate flavors of fish. Marinate yellow
stripe trevally with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a bit of sesame oil. Steam the fish until it's cooked and tender.
Garnish with green onions and cilantro, and serve it with steamed rice.
Remember that these recipes are just starting points, and you can always adapt them to your personal taste preferences and the ingredients available to you. When preparing fish, especially for recipes like ceviche, ensure that the fish is fresh and of high quality to ensure both safety and flavor.
