Fishmasters.com
Home > Freshwater Fishing > Can You Eat Sturgeon and What Does It Taste Like? 

Can You Eat Sturgeon and What Does It Taste Like? 

Sturgeons look like prehistoric fish. This makes sense because their ancestry can be traced all the way back to the Triassic period. Physically, they resemble a shark due to their characteristics.

sturgeon swimming

They mostly dwell in fresh water that has an abundance of nutrients. While the fish itself may not look that appetizing, there is still the question: can you eat sturgeon?

The answers regarding this fish may surprise you.


Do People Eat Sturgeon? 

Yes! You can eat sturgeon. They are most famous for their eggs, a delicacy also known as caviar.

a spoonful of sturgeon caviar

There are a few different ways it can be prepared, but it is completely safe to consume. Many compare the firmness and the texture of the fish to crab or lobster.

Many prefer to eat this particular fish deep-fried, but it is also prepared on the grill or simply in a frying pan.

catching sturgeon

There are no risks associated with eating this fish, so if you want to try it, it’s perfectly safe!

Sturgeons, unfortunately, have been impacted by changes to their natural habitat.

a sturgeon swimming

While normally found in fresh water in areas of Russia, Ukraine, and North America, their population is either threatened or already endangered due to their popularity for harvesting caviar.

And, that’s a shame for fish whose roots can be traced back so far.


Is It Edible? 

Sturgeon, despite its appearance in the water, is actually a very delectable fish. It has a consistency and texture that fish-lovers very much enjoy.

sturgeon jumping out of the water

When prepared properly, either raw, cooked, or even boiled, this fish is a favorite among seafood lovers.

It is very tender and quite easy to consume if prepared properly. 


What Does It Taste Like? 

Sturgeon varies in flavor but most agree that it has a mild taste that is perfect for people who aren’t even a huge fan of fish in general.

Cold smoked sturgeon fillet
Cold smoked sturgeon fillet

It has a delicate flavor that pairs well with butter. It’s actually a great fish for those who enjoy chicken to try because the texture is very similar to that of chicken.

There are others who state that sturgeon also resembles lobster in taste and consistency.

sturgeon swimming at night

It is not an overly fishy-tasting fish, especially if it has been caught in freshwater, which is the most likely scenario.


Is It Safe to Eat? 

This fish is completely safe to eat! There are no poisons or other worrisome factors. It’s actually a particularly safe fish to eat because it can even be consumed raw.

a fresh sturgeon on a plate for cooking

It can be consumed raw, fried, cooked up on the grill, smoked or even boiled. Unlike some other fish, this one comes with no risk.

So, when somebody asks if you can eat sturgeon, you know the answer. Sturgeon is actually high on the list of many seafood lovers’ list of favorites because it can be prepared in so many different ways and has a nice, delicate taste that isn’t overwhelming, even for first-timers.

a single sturgeon

However, in many areas, this fish is threatened or endangered. If given the choice, try a different fish!


Can You Eat It Raw? 

Raw fish is a favorite of many people, especially in sushi form. So, can you eat sturgeon raw?

a raw sturgeon fillet

Yes, you can! In fact, in many circles, sturgeon is actually preferred in raw form. It is said to keep much of its great taste when eaten raw.

Those who enjoy eating this type of fish say it has a certain consistency and flavor that is quite delicious. It’s claimed that the best way to enjoy this type of fish is to eat it raw.

a sturgeon swimming

Many prefer to eat it as sashimi with some marinade, though the type of marinade is going to depend on your individual tastes. It has a tender texture that makes eating it raw quite a treat.


Add comment