Ocean Whitefish (Tilefish)

Ocean Whitefish (Tilefish)
Caulolatilus princeps

Bring a taste of the Pacific to your table with ocean whitefish, a member of the tilefish family found along the Pacific coast. Especially common around the offshore islands and banks of Southern California and Baja California, this fish inhabits rocky reefs and shelters near kelp beds, feeding on shrimp, crabs, squid, and small fish.

In the kitchen, ocean whitefish offers mild flavor and lean, flaky flesh. It holds together well during baking and pan-frying, then separates into firm flakes on the plate. Its gentle flavor makes it versatile: try a simple preparation with lemon and herbs, or build a meal with whitefish around garlic, warm spices, and a bright salsa. It's not your average white fish; it fries up as some of the best whole-fillet fish and chips we've ever had!

We offer ocean whitefish in two preparations:

Whole, cleaned: A welcoming centerpiece for a shared meal and an opportunity to enjoy cooking the whole fish. Try roasting it with lemon slices, garlic, parsley, and olive oil, or serve it with ginger, scallions, and a savory sauce. Bring it to the table on a platter alongside roasted vegetables or rice, and lift the cooked flesh from the bones as you serve. Save the bones and other trimmings to make fish stock for another meal.

Skin-on fillets: A convenient option for everyday cooking, suitable for baking, grilling, pan-frying, or gentle poaching. Try baked fillets with tomatoes and olives, pan-fried portions with lemon butter, or seasoned pieces tucked into fish tacos with cabbage and lime. Fillets are sold with the skin attached; you can remove it before cooking to suit your preparation.

As with all of our fish, this Ocean Whitefish is caught with hook-and-line methods only, is immediately bled, slushed, and packed in ice to ensure the absolute highest quality.