Arctic Char Matecumbe

Named after Matecumbe Key in Florida, with an LA twist! This Matecumbe Arctic Char fish recipe is perfect before the end of those summer tomatoes and basil!

This vibrant and flavorful dish combines the delicate taste of Arctic char with a zesty Matecumbe sauce made from fresh tomatoes, red onions, basil, capers, and lime juice. The fish is lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, melding the rich flavors of the sauce with the tender, flaky Arctic char filets, one of our best-selling seafood delivery options.

What is Matecumbe fish?

The origin of the Matecumbe sauce traces back to the Florida Keys, specifically in the Matecumbe area. This sauce is inspired by a dish from The Fish House in nearby Key Largo, Florida, a flaky white fish dish that’s topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, capers, fresh basil, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil.

And though the dish is typically made with a locally caught species such as snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi, it’s easily adaptable to other fish like the Arctic char. The fish of choice is usually baked (sometimes grilled) and topped with the sauce, which adds a burst of freshness and acidity that complements the natural sweetness of the fresh seafood.

About the Fish: Arctic Char

Biology: Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a cold-water fish that’s native to alpine lakes, as well as Arctic and subarctic waters in Russia, Iceland, Greenland, Scandinavia, Siberia, and Alaska.

Taste & Nutrition: Arctic char has a delicate, mild flavor similar to a cross between fresh salmon and trout. Its flesh is tender, firm, and rich, with a high oil content. It’s also loaded with nutrients, specifically, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins B12 and D, and minerals like selenium.

Cooking: Arctic char can be baked, grilled, smoked, or pan-seared, maintaining its moist texture.

Sustainability:Its sustainability and lower mercury levels make it a healthy, eco-friendly seafood choice.

Let’s get into the recipe: Arctic Char Matumbe.