> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://news.freshaig.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Seafood Cuts for Easy Cooking - URL: https://news.freshaig.com/seafood-cuts/ - Published: 2025-05-19T20:17:21.000Z - Updated: 2026-06-01T17:41:50.000Z - Description: From whole fish to fillets, different types of seafood cuts make for easy cooking and delicious meals. Learn about them with FreshAIG.com. - Author: Ben - Tags: Handling & Preparation, Handling, Preparation, Cutting, Fish, Fillet, Whole, Steak, Butterflied, Collar, Dressed, Cooking, Fish Market, Seafood Market, Merchant, Salmon, Tuna, Occasions, Fresh When it comes to cooking seafood, understanding the types of cuts can broaden your meal options. Different fish cuts found at your local merchants add value to your food preparation. Whether fillets or whole fish, [local fish markets](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/fish-market/) and even [fishermen](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/fisherman/) have fresh, wholesome product forms for everyone, including those new to seafood. ### **Why Fish Cutting is Important** The different ways in which fish are cut is not just about aesthetics; it [adds convenience and value](https://news.freshaig.com/value-of-local-seafood/) to your food prep. Whether you're more adventurous with your cooking or conscientious about the quality of ingredients you prepare, knowing how fish is cut can make life in the kitchen much easier and enhance the enjoyment of those you cook for. So here are some of the typical ways fish are cut when processed at a fish market or at home: ### **Cuts of Fish** **1\. Fillet**: This long, thin cutlet is taken from the side of the fish, perfect for those who prefer a boneless option. Fillets are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from [grilling](https://news.freshaig.com/grilling-seafood/), [roasting](https://news.freshaig.com/roasting-seafood/) to [poaching](https://news.freshaig.com/poaching-seafood/). See our guide for [filleting round and flat fish](https://news.freshaig.com/the-right-way-to-fillet-fish-at-home-mastering-round-and-flat-fish/) to learn how to do it easily on your own. ![Fish being filleted](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/Red-Snapper-being-Filleted-1.jpeg) Fillets are popular for their convenience and wide appeal **2\. Whole Fish**: Available with the head intact or removed, whole fish have not been [scaled](https://news.freshaig.com/how-to-scale-fish/) or gutted. This option is ideal for those who enjoy the full flavor and presentation of a complete fish. ![whole fish on ice](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/06/photo-1562322907-743d09b5b8a6.jpeg) Whole fish for full flavor and presentation **3\. Steaks**: Thick cross-sections of fish, steaks are perfect for [grilling](https://news.freshaig.com/grilling-seafood/), [broiling](https://news.freshaig.com/broiling-seafood/), and [sautéing](https://news.freshaig.com/sauteing-seafood/). They are typically cut from fish with firm flesh like [salmon](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/salmon/) and [tuna](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/tuna/), providing a hearty and satisfying meal. ![a salmon steak on top of a cutting board](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/photo-1641898378335-246c542f01f9.jpeg) Fish steaks make for a hearty and satisfying meal **4\. Butterflied**: A whole fish splayed open, butterflied fish is excellent for quick [grilling](https://news.freshaig.com/grilling-seafood/) and easy [frying](https://news.freshaig.com/frying-seafood/). This cut allows for even cooking and a crispy finish. ![Butterflied fish being grilled](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/Butterflied-Fish-Grilling-1.jpg) Butterflied fish are excellent for even cooking **5\. Collars**: Sourced from around the throat of the fish, collars are a delicacy known for their rich flavor and tender texture. They are perfect for [grilling](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/grill/) or [roasting](https://news.freshaig.com/roasting-seafood/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/Salted-Salmon-Collars--1.jpg) Fish collars are a rich and tender delicacy **6\. Dressed**: With internals, scales, and fins removed, dressed fish offer a convenient option for those who prefer a ready-to-cook fish for [braising](https://news.freshaig.com/braising-and-stewing-seafood/) or [roasting](https://news.freshaig.com/roasting-seafood/). ![Dressed fish with heads and fins removed](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/headless-fish-on-board-1.jpg) Dressed fish are convenient and ready to cook ### **Take Home** Whether you clean and cut fish yourself or purchase pre-cut options, it's important that it's done correctly to save time, money, and get the value you're looking for. [Fishmongers](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/fishmonger/) at your local seafood market and fishermen in your community are experts at cutting fish. [FreshAIG.com](https://freshaig.com/?ref=news.freshaig.com), the online seafood directory and marketplace, improves access to them, offering a variety of items for your convenience, making it easier than ever to [enjoy fresh seafood](https://news.freshaig.com/feel-good-about-fresh-seafood/). Visit [FreshAIG.com](https://freshaig.com/?ref=news.freshaig.com) to find the freshest seafood available. Try our easy to follow kitchen tested [recipes](https://news.freshaig.com/tag/recipes/) that will enhance your cooking and dinner experiences. Don't forget to share your home-cooked seafood creations using #FreshAIG on social media and [join our community of seafood lovers](https://freshaig.com/?ref=news.freshaig.com). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ef/82/ef820f72-8b0c-4a65-b801-73426196d380/content/images/2025/05/Favicon--128-x-128-px--1-1.png)