Shark meat is not one of those foods that we automatically consider to be delectable. However, shark delivers a great deal of tasty, high-protein meat for ingestion, just like any other type of sporty fish. Despite being consumed all throughout the world, it frequently goes by a different name in the United States. Even though it can be prepared in a variety of ways, if you’re dining out, it’s likely that you won’t be aware that a shark is on your plate.
Shark flesh typically has a highly meaty texture and is relatively pleasantly flavoured, however it varies between species. As a result, substituting shark for other fish is simple. For instance, fish and chips frequently contain shark. It is simple to cover shark meat with thick, fried batter because it has a similar flavour and consistency to other hardy fish, including haddock and cod. It can also be pan-fried or grilled and presented as a steak, just like you would serve a swordfish, depending on the establishment. The fins of the shark can be used in soup and it is also known to be brined, dried, salted, or marinated.
Since the establishment of the United States, sharks have been caught off its shore. Although certain historical operations reduced shark populations, targeting particular species for meat fishing has never been discouraged. Fin removal, however, is a serious crime. Nevertheless, 19 different shark species are protected by law and cannot be fished or processed in any form.
Shark species that can be legally caught and processed for commercial purposes are not the same species whose skin has traditionally been used to create shoes, belts, and other leather-like products. The meat sharks are considerably smaller and more prevalent. Fishing is permitted for sharks like makos, dogfish, threshers, and blacktips because they are not regarded as endangered.
Additionally, from the perspective of sustainability, fishing for sharks actually has a positive net effect since it aids in the recovery of other species whose populations have been overfished in the past and, in many cases, are still overfished.
Any shark you eat at a restaurant will be one of the species mentioned above. Also keep in mind that you probably won’t even be aware of what you are eating. There is a good chance you’re eating imitation crab if the fish in fish and chips, fish pie, or any other dish isn’t specified specifically.