What is a Stone Licking Fish? The Nutritional Value and Delicious Dishes of Stone Licking Fish

If you're curious about what a stone loach is, then look no further!

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Many people are curious about a unique fish called stone suckerfish. Today, we will reveal what this fish is, its nutritional value, and some delicious dishes you can make with it!

1 What is a Stone Suckerfish (Ninja Fish)?

The stone suckerfish has several different names

The stone suckerfish, also known as the Ninja Fish or Hagfish in English, has a unique appearance. It is called Ninja Fish in Southern Vietnam, while in the North, it is known as stone suckerfish, and in Central Vietnam, it is named as the “hide-head-and-tail-fish.” This ancient fish has existed for over 300 million years and is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

It is a slimy, scaleless fish with a strange appearance, resembling an eel with short whiskers. It has a single skull but two brains. Unlike other fish, the stone suckerfish has no bones; instead, its body is composed entirely of soft cartilage. Its main colors are brown and dark gray on the back and belly, respectively. This nocturnal predator only hunts when night falls.

2 Nutritional Value of Stone Suckerfish (Ninja Fish)

The stone suckerfish is highly nutritious

This fish is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high levels of collagen, more than 200 times that of other fish. Additionally, it has more calcium than ordinary fish. Due to its nutritional benefits, nutritionists recommend it for people with osteoporosis or those who sweat excessively at night.

In traditional medicine, the stone suckerfish has been used to cook tonic soups and to boost yang energy. According to ancient medical books, this fish is especially beneficial for people with weak constitutions and stomach bleeding.

3 Is the Stone Suckerfish (Ninja Fish) Edible?

Stone suckerfish in sate sauce

The stone suckerfish is a nutritious food with a high protein content and can be prepared in various delicious ways. Despite its frightening appearance, the stone suckerfish is considered a delicacy, especially in South Korea.

4 How to Prepare Stone Suckerfish

Methods for preparing stone suckerfish

Stone suckerfish can be purchased as fillets, which are cleaned and vacuum-sealed. Even when frozen at -40 degrees Celsius, the fish retains its fresh flavor.

If you prefer fresh fish, you can clean and prepare it at home. The quickest method is to blanch the fish in boiling water, making it easier to remove the skin and slime. Alternatively, you can skin the fish while it is still alive. Use a nail or sharp object to fix the head in place, then make a diagonal cut at the head and pull the skin firmly. Next, cut open the belly and remove the intestines.

The fish’s stomach is also edible and tasty. Simply blanch it in boiling water, scrape off the slime with a knife, and rinse it with alcohol to remove any remaining slime. The best way to cook the stomach is to stir-fry it with vegetables.

Additionally, the stone suckerfish has eggs that run along its body. You can collect these eggs and stir-fry or deep-fry them.

5 Delicious Dishes Made with Stone Suckerfish

Stone Suckerfish in Sate Sauce

Stone suckerfish in sate sauce

The meat of the stone suckerfish is chewy and crunchy, as it has no bones, only cartilage. Most dishes made from this fish allow you to enjoy the crunchy cartilage and sweet, fragrant meat. The best way to prepare it is to grill it over charcoal and pair it with some alcohol on a rainy day.

Stir-fried Stone Suckerfish

Stir-fried stone suckerfish

Stir-fried stone suckerfish is a tasty and easy-to-eat dish. It goes well with bread, and the chewy, sweet meat pairs perfectly with sliced onions and tomatoes.

Stone Suckerfish Hot Pot

Stone suckerfish hot pot

The stone suckerfish hot pot is perfect for rainy days. The slightly sour and sweet broth, combined with the tender fish, vegetables, and noodles, creates a harmonious and addictive flavor.

Grilled Stone Suckerfish with Salt and Chili

Grilled stone suckerfish with salt and chili

This dish is simple to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients such as oil, salt, and chili. Marinate the fish in the mixture for 15 minutes before grilling it to perfection, preferably over charcoal.

6 Price and Availability of Stone Suckerfish

Stone suckerfish

To ensure the quality of your stone suckerfish, it is recommended to purchase it from reputable seafood markets or stores. Currently, the market price for this fish ranges from 120,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram.

Now you know all about the stone suckerfish, from its unique characteristics to its nutritional benefits and delicious culinary applications. We hope this information has inspired you to explore and enjoy this fascinating fish!

Frequently asked questions

A stone-licking fish, or ‘Ca Lembem Da’ in Vietnamese, is a unique type of catfish native to the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. They are called stone-licking fish because they have a peculiar behavior of sucking and licking stones, rocks, or other solid surfaces in their environment.

Stone-licking fish are considered a delicacy and are highly nutritious. They are a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy food choice.

Stone-licking fish can be prepared and cooked in a variety of delicious ways. Popular methods include steaming, grilling, frying, or incorporating them into soups and curries. They are known for their tender meat and unique flavor, which is enhanced by the stones they lick, giving them a distinct taste.

There are several popular dishes featuring stone-licking fish in Vietnamese cuisine. One well-known dish is ‘Canh Chua Ca Lembem Da’, which is a sour and spicy soup that combines the fish with tamarind, tomatoes, okra, and various vegetables. Another favorite is ‘Ca Lembem Da Nuong Xa’, where the fish is marinated with lemongrass and grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Stone-licking fish can be found and purchased in local markets or specialty fish stores in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. They are also available in some Asian grocery stores outside of Vietnam that specialize in frozen or fresh Southeast Asian seafood.
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