Also known as “poor man’s lobster”, monk fish is prized for its mildly sweet flavor and texture that’s similar to lobster. We’ve rounded up 9 of the best monkfish recipes for you to try at home. 

Monkfish holds up well to grilling, pan-frying, and baking, and is delicious served alongside veggies.

What is Monkfish?

Monkfish is a deep-water fish that looks like a bit of a monster in its natural habitat. In fact, some people call these fish sea devils or frog fish. A variety of predatory anglerfish belonging to the Lophius genus, these bottom feeders live on the seafloor and prey on smaller fish.

What Does Monkfish Taste Like?

Monkfish has a mild and slightly sweet taste that pairs well with many sauces. The flesh is firm and does not flake apart when cooked.

Its dense, meaty texture is often compared to that of lobster or scallops, with many referring to monkfish as the “poor man’s lobster.”

Best Monkfish Recipes

How to Cook Monkfish

If you’re not familiar with monkfish, the information on this post provides you with everything you need to know. It also includes an easy-to-follow recipe for monkfish with a lemon butter sauce that’s ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes. 

Spiced Monkfish

The monkfish in this dish is seasoned with a delicious blend of ginger, Korean chili powder, turmeric, and saffron. Serve it with steamed rice and your favorite green veggie.

Mediterranean Monkfish Tail Fillet

Follow the steps in this recipe to make delicious monkfish tail fillets that are full of flavor. 

Serve it with your favorite sides for a light and healthy meal. 

“Poor Man’s Lobster” – Monkfish with Herb Brown Butter

The lobster-like flavor and texture of monkfish is what makes it so special. This dish is impressive enough to serve to guests at your next get-together.

Baked Monkfish Fillet

This roasted monkfish with lemon & parsley butter couldn’t be easier to make! You’ll need a handful of ingredients and it’s ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes. Serve it with potatoes and steamed broccoli. 

Monkfish with a Lemon Pepper Crust

Serve this tasty lemon pepper crust monkfish when you’re in the mood for something light. It’s served with a tangy lemon anchovy vinaigrette and would be delicious with a fresh garden salad. 

Skewered Monkfish Kebabs

Serve these tasty skewered monkfish kebabs the next time you’re hosting a summer get-together. The monkfish is marinated in a flavorful blend of seasonings and is then grilled to perfection.  

Steamed Monkfish

This simple steamed monkfish is full of traditional Chinese flavors. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready to eat in short order. 

Grilled Monkfish

Monkfish has a lobster-like texture that makes it ideal for grilling. This dish is super simple and uses just four ingredients. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies and corn on the cob.

FAQ About Monkfish

How Long Does It Take to Cook Monkfish?

Monkfish cooks quickly and can get rubbery when overcooked, so be sure to watch it carefully. While a 1-inch thick fillet will take just 6 to 7 minutes of cooking time, a thicker 3-inch fillet may easily take 15 minutes or more.

Where to Buy Monkfish

You can buy monkfish at grocery stores and fish markets. The tail meat is the only edible part of this fish, and you can buy it whole or filleted.

How to Store Monkfish

Monkfish taste best when it’s fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 2 days after purchasing. If your monk fish is frozen, you can store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.