Why scup is crazy delicious
Scup, also known as porgy, is a fish that is often overlooked. With its mild, sweet flavor and flaky texture, scup is a versatile choice for a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, and frying. Scup is low in fat, rich in nutrients, and best of all, SUSTAINABLE. A species that thrives in our New England waters, scup is often caught using environmentally friendly practices, making it a responsible choice for seafood lovers who are conscious of their environmental impact.
When Dune Brothers started serving scup from our downtown fish shack, it raised a few eyebrows as historically the fish was not perceived to have much value compared to the more popular cod, haddock, etc. However, as more chefs and home cooks explore economical and environmentally-friendly seafood options, scup is finally starting to get the respect it deserves! Scup can be intimidating to some as they have quite a few bones, but with a bit of patience and finesse you will find that a gentle flake of a fork is all you need to get that sweet scup meat.
It can be seasoned simply with lemon and herbs, or cooked in more complex dishes that highlight its delicate flavor. In our restaurant we love roasting it whole with harissa seasoning and olive oil. Dune Brothers Fox Point is currently serving up scup in the dining room and in the market, please come by and try some!