Not all white fish are the same.
Some are soft and delicate, others are firmer and more substantial. Some are perfect for an easy family dinner, while others lend themselves beautifully to entertaining.
The good news? There isn't one “best” white fish.
The right choice depends on what you're cooking, who you're cooking for and the kind of meal you have in mind.
Hake — the everyday favourite
If you're looking for a versatile white fish to keep in the freezer, hake is hard to beat.
It has a mild flavour and soft, flaky texture, making it ideal for easy family meals and a particularly good choice for children who are still getting used to eating fish.
Try it:
baked with lemon and herbs;
crumbed or battered;
in homemade fish tacos; or
alongside chunky chips and tartare sauce.
Best for: Family dinners, children and classic fish and chips.
Kingklip — firm and substantial
Kingklip has a firmer, meatier texture than hake, making it a great choice when you want something a little more substantial.
Its firm flesh holds together beautifully during cooking and works particularly well with simple flavours that allow the fish itself to shine.
Serve it with roasted vegetables, baby potatoes or a simple lemon-butter sauce.
Best for: Dinner parties, weekend meals and when you want something a little more special.
Sea Bass — light and elegant
Sea bass is a lovely option when you're looking for something delicate but still elegant enough for entertaining.
Its mild flavour works well with Mediterranean-style ingredients such as lemon, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs.
Keep the preparation simple and let the fish do the work.
Best for: Light dinners and effortless entertaining.
Sole — delicate and quick to cook
Sole is more delicate than hake or kingklip and cooks relatively quickly.
It's particularly good with simple preparations — think butter, lemon, herbs and perhaps a few baby potatoes or seasonal vegetables alongside.
Best for: Quick meals and simple, elegant dinners.