This Mojarra Frita recipe is a delicious fried fish dish, bursting with flavor and crispy goodness. It is a culinary delight, perfect for all seafood lovers and ready in under 30 minutes!.
Mojarra is a popular dish enjoyed throughout Latin America, especially popular throughout Central and South America. Aside from being eaten all year, this dish is also made for holidays and special occasions. It’s especially popular during Lent and Good Friday.
Mojarra goes well with a lot of different foods. Sometimes I just eat it with a simple salad, yuca frita, and coditos. Sometimes I want to make a bigger meal for my family, so I serve it with arroz blanco, habichuelas guisadas, tostones, and avocado. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Tilapia and mojarra are two types of fish that are often confused with each other. At first glance, they look nearly identical. However, there are some key differences between these two fish that are worth understanding.
What is Mojarra?
The name “mojarra” refers to a family of saltwater fish known scientifically as Gerreidae. There are around 40 species of mojarra that are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Most mojarra are relatively small, silvery fish that grow to lengths of 4-8 inches. They typically have an oval, compressed body shape.
Some of the most common mojarra species include:
- Blue mojarra
- Goldspot mojarra
- Teardrop mojarra
- Slender mojarra
- Striped mojarra
Mojarra live in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove habitats. They shoal together in large schools and feed on small invertebrates. Mojarra are popular sport fish and also contribute to commercial fisheries throughout their range.
What is Tilapia?
While the name “mojarra” refers to a specific family of saltwater fish it is also used more broadly in Latin America to describe various freshwater species in the cichlid family. The most common cichlid referred to as mojarra is Nile tilapia.
Tilapia are native to Africa but have been introduced around the world There are hundreds of tilapia species and varieties Some of the most popular types raised for food include
- Nile tilapia
- Blue tilapia
- Mozambique tilapia
- Wami tilapia
Like mojarra, tilapia have an oval-shaped, compressed body profile. Most tilapia grow to 6-18 inches long when fully mature. They can live in fresh and brackish waters including lakes, rivers, ponds, and estuaries. Tilapia are omnivorous and eat algae, plants, and small animals.
Similarities Between Mojarra and Tilapia
It’s easy to see why mojarra and tilapia are often confused with one another. Here are some of their similarities:
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Shape: Both have a deep, laterally compressed oval shape. This distinct body form helps them maneuver easily in the water column.
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Coloration: Wild mojarra and tilapia generally have silver or gray base coloration with darker vertical bars or spots. Some strains have been selectively bred to be all white.
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Size: Most mojarra and tilapia species grow to a comparable small-to-medium size of 4-18 inches long.
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Habitat: Both fish live in warm, shallow waters near shorelines and coastal vegetation. Some species tolerate brackish water.
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Behavior: Mojarra and tilapia form large schools and shoals. They are fast swimmers that stay in constant motion.
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Diet: As opportunistic omnivores, their diets overlap significantly, consisting of phytoplankton, plants, insects, crustaceans, and other small prey.
Key Differences Between Mojarra and Tilapia
While mojarra and tilapia share many attributes, there are some important differences between them:
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Taxonomy: Mojarra are marine fish in the Gerreidae family, while tilapia are freshwater cichlids. This means they have distinct evolutionary lineages.
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Habitat: Mojarra live exclusively in saltwater environments, while tilapia tolerate fresh and brackish waters. They don’t overlap in the wild.
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Commercial farming: Tilapia are the second most farmed fish in the world after carp. Mojarra have local commercial fisheries but are not farmed extensively.
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Flavors: Mojarra have a subtler, more delicate flavor than tilapia. Tilapia are well-known for their mild, versatile taste.
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Cooking uses: Mojarra are best cooked gently using grilling or light frying. The firm fillets of tilapia adapt well to nearly any preparation.
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Nutrition: While both are lean source of protein, mojarra have higher levels of beneficial omega-3s compared to tilapia.
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Sustainability: Most mojarra fisheries are well-managed but some tilapia farming has raised environmental concerns.
Can They Be Used Interchangeably?
Mojarra and tilapia have slightly different tastes and textures. But they can substitute for one another in recipes in a pinch. Their fillets cook up white, flaky, and delicate in a similar way.
However, for the best results, it’s preferable to cook them according to their individual qualities. Mojarra shine with simple seasoning and quick cooking. Tilapia take well to all kinds of cuisines and preparations.
While interchangeable in some dishes, mojarra and tilapia offer their own unique merits. Understanding exactly what kind of fish you have ensures it will be handled correctly in the kitchen and enjoyed to its full potential on the plate.
What is Mojarra Fish?
I only know Mojarra as Fried Mojarra or Tilapia Frita, but Mojarra is actually a family of fish that includes tilapia and at least 53 other species. For this recipe, we will be using tilapia. It’s accessible for many of our readers and as such, is perfect for this recipe of fried Mojarra.
You can find whole tilapia at a fish market or even in the frozen seafood section of your grocery store.
Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: This dish is easy to make at home, so cooks of all levels can enjoy it.
- Good for the whole family: It’s mild but tasty, so both adults and kids love it. It’s a family favorite for dinner or any other special event.
- Possible Pairings: This dish goes well with many side dishes, such as salads, plain white rice, and rice and beans. This means that you can make a huge number of different meals with this dish.
- Crispy Delight: Every bite of this fried fish dish is satisfyingly crunchy. Its perfectly fried flavorful exterior, makes it irresistible!.
- Suitable for a Variety of Occasions: This fried fish dish can be eaten as a main course or as a finger food snack. It’s great for the holidays and can be served for a casual dinner or a special event.
- Whole Tilapia: If you don’t like cooking fish whole, ask the fish market to remove the head and tail for you.
- Seasoning – Use adobo or general purposegeneral-purpose seasoning. If you need to, you can also use just salt and pepper.
- Garlic – use freshly chopped garlic or garlic puree.
- Flour – all-purpose flour or cornstarch for coating fish.
- To add to fish after it’s done cooking, lemon or lime juice
- Oil – Use vegetable or canola oil for frying.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
What if I Cannot Find Whole Tilapia Where I Live?
You can also use any other whole fish that you like. Delicious options are red snapper, yellowtail and porgy.
Can I Use Fish Fillets Instead?
Although this dish is traditionally made using whole fish, you can also use fish fillets.
I’m Not a Fan of Using Flour for Fried Foods.
Coating the fish is completely optional and not necessary.
Step 1: Rinse the cavity and whole fish under cool water really well. Then, using a sharp knife, cut slits on the skin of the fish.
Step 2: Put garlic powder or chopped garlic on the fish all over and in between the cuts. Sprinkle with adobo, salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Add ½ inch to 1 inch of oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, CAREFULLY, add the fish. Note: When adding the fish be very careful as the oil can splatter.
Lower the heat to medium and cook the fish for about 10-12 minutes on one side. Then flip over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
When the fish is done, carefully take it out of the pan and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. The fish is done. Let the fish rest for 5 minutes and then serve. *Fish should be crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside.
The Reason Why You Should Stop Eating Tilapia Now Will Leave You Horrified
FAQ
Is mojarra fish the same as tilapia?
What is another name for mojarra?
What type of fish is the mojarra?
Is mojarra red snapper?
What is the difference between tilapia and mojarra?
In reality, there are a few differences between the two fish, and you can classify Mojarra as a particular kind of fish. As compared to Tilapia, Mojarra is relatively more minor in size. The color of this fish is quite pale, and Tilapia often maintains a greyish dark color on its skin. Other than that, the structure of both fish is quite similar.
Is tilapia more expensive than mojarra?
Tilapia is usually more common due to its maximum supply coming from farms overseas. So, you will often notice that Mojarra is more expensive as compared to Tilapia. With that said, there are some variances when it comes to the texture and the flake size of the fish.
Is tilapia smaller than tilapia?
Most of the time, this fish is smaller than Tilapia even though it has a similar structure. Tilapia is primarily popular for its meat, while you will notice many anglers use Mojarra as bait. It brings consistency of exceptional fishing results if you’re aware of how to use this fish in your diet.
Are mojarra tilapias easy to grow?
From an aquaculture perspective, Mojarras are not commonly farmed on a large scale, primarily because they are not as easy to breed and grow as Tilapias. Conversely, Tilapia farming is a significant industry, with techniques and feeds developed to optimize their production due to their hardiness and ability to thrive on a vegetarian diet.