What Is Blackbelly Rosefish?
Blackbelly rosefish, often called rosies, is a deep-water fish that you will not often find at the fish market. It is usually caught as bycatch while fishermen are targeting larger deep-water fish.
Rosefish is caught along deep drop-offs from the Florida Keys up the East Coast, as well as across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean.
It is a striking fish with bright red-orange skin and large yellow eyes. Rosies are related to rockfish and scorpionfish and cook in much the same way.
Once filleted, the flesh is snowy white, firm, and succulent, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Some people compare it to lobster, although I think it tastes more like grouper or snapper.
Its firm texture makes it especially good for pan-searing.
