SPECIES

Rainbow Runner

Elagatis bipinnulata

This elegant fish is hugely popular in southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, French Polynesia, South America - anywhere it’s found, basically. In Australia, Rainbow Runner can be caught north of the Victorian border to Shark Bay in the west.

Known for their beautiful colouration and aggressive feeding habits, the majority of Rainbow Runner in Australia are either released or used as bait.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that this fish can’t be eaten. It has a lovely amount of fat, which makes for a versatile flesh suited to both a cooked and raw presentation. In Hawaii, the locals simply call this fish Salmon, and happily utilise it in any dish.

DIVE DEEPER

COMMERCIAL NAME

Rainbow Runner

Method of Capture

Line

Region

Northern Australia
Eastern Australia
Western Australia

Other names

Hawaiian Salmon, Rainbow Yellowtail, Rainbow-runner, Runner

Scientific Family

Carangidae

Seasonality

Supply variable, peaking from September-November.

Size

Maximum size of 100cm

Price range

Low priced.

Alternative Species

Kingfish, Golden Trevally

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES

SHOPPING TIPS

Usually sold as fillets - sometimes as whole fish. In whole fish look for lustrous skin, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh sea smell; flesh should be pale reddish, firm, lustrous and moist without any dull brown markings or oozing water.

STORAGE TIPS

Make sure whole fish is gilled, gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC. Sashimi-grade fish should be eaten within 24 hours of purchase, or else cooked.

COOKING TIPS

Average yield is 70-75%. Has a delicate flavour, medium oiliness and moist soft flesh, which quickly becomes dry if overcooked. The cooked flesh turns brownish-grey and breaks into large flakes; there are very few bones to worry about. Cut thick fillets into serving-size portions to allow even heat penetration. Most people prefer to remove the dark bloodline before cooking.

COOKING METHODS

Pan-fry, bake, grill, barbecue, smoke, raw (sashimi), pickle.

Flavour pairings

Anchovies, balsamic vinegar, capers, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, garlic, ginger, lemon, lime, olive oil, onion, soy sauce, tomato, wasabi.

IMPORTS

No.
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