fried sword fish

How to Cook Scad: A Simple Guide

Scad, or maurolicus, is a versatile and flavorful fish perfect for quick, delicious meals. Here’s a simple guide to preparing it three ways.

Pan-Fried Scad (Crispy & Golden)

Clean the scad, score both sides, and marinate with salt, pepper, and ginger for 15 minutes. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of soy-vinegar sauce.

Steamed Scad (Healthy & Tender)

Score the fish and stuff with ginger, scallions, and garlic. Steam for 8–10 minutes until the flesh flakes easily. Top with hot oil, light soy sauce, and a sprinkle of cilantro. For extra flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine before steaming.

Grilled Scad (Smoky & Savory)

Marinate scad in a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes for 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the marinade. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Each method highlights scad’s natural taste—crispy, tender, or smoky. Enjoy this affordable fish as a main dish or with steamed rice!