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My husband, Matt recently went on a 3/4 day sport fishing vessel called The San Diego and caught some nice-sized Yellowtail. He brought home approximately twenty pounds of fillets and one whole Yellowtail for smoking. It was Operation Yellowtail at our house. We prepared several dishes immediately, gave a few fillets to neighbors and co-workers and froze the rest.
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The San Diego is known as one of the best sport fishing vessels in San Diego and Matt agrees. He loves fishing and even holds a state record for catching the largest California Sheephead Fish at 30lbs., 8oz., from his kayak in 2009. It was quite impressive, like the Yellowtail above.
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As shown, we smoked the whole Yellowtail for 4 1/2 hours and it turned out amazing.
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It was tender and flaky with the perfect amount of smoke flavor.
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Smoked Yellowtail is a real treat with Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Caper Dill Sauce, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese, Red Onions, Capers, Pickles, Crackers, Red Bell Peppers and Pickles.
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On the first day, I made Ceviche and Poke with a few of the Yellowtail fillets.
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The Ceviche was simply made with Red Onions, Red Bell Peppers, Jalapenos, Cilantro, Lime and Lemon Juice — The Yellowtail marinated quickly and was ready to eat in 15 minutes.
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Another batch of chopped Yellowtail was mixed with Soy Sauce, Ponzu Sauce, grated Ginger and Green Onions to make Poke, which was pretty much ready to eat immediately too.
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We grilled Yellowtail fillets and ate ’em with a Mango Salsa made with fresh cut Mango, Red Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Jalapenos, Cilantro and Lime Juice — It was all so fresh tasting.
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We fried Yellowtail fillets to have with leftover Lemon Caper Dill and Cocktail Sauce.
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Yellowtail fared well with all preparations — Raw (Hamachi), rare, smoked, grilled and fried.
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The rest was frozen to later prepare differently — Perhaps bake, stew and/or broil, etc.
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Preparation of the frozen Yellowtail fillets shall be posted as updates below.
Yellowtail Recipe Update: Yellowtail Chowder. Check back for more to be linked here.
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