paul1927 Posted August 23, 2007 Report Posted August 23, 2007 When I first purchased the Q there were 2 things I desperately wanted to cook: 1. Ribs 2. Mullet. Ribs came out better than I could have imagined so I just kept cooking ribs. Yes, I cooked chicken and burgers with excellent results as well, but unlike ribs I had always cooked chicken and burgers. The ribs that I cooked pre-Q weren't even really edible. My favorite BBQ joint which was closing wouldn't or couldn't cook good ribs either--it was like eating shoe leather. Bobby Rubinos did sell some mouthwatering ribs which is why I so interested in learning to cook them for my family. Anyway, I forgot all about the mullet! I grew up in Tampa and tried mullet left and right. Mostly it was disgusting and I love fish. I didn't really consider mullet a fish because it didn't taste good. Didn't seem to matter who was cooking it. It just didn't taste good! So why did I want to cook a bad tasting fish like mullet on my Q? Well, this really old guy was pushing his smoked mullet on me and wouldn't take NO for an answer. I explained that I had tried mullet over and over and it was truly a bad tasting fish that shouldn't be eaten. The old guy says I know what what you are talking about, but I've been working on mullet recipes a long time and it really is different. These are delicious mullet! I say I have heard that so many times and it is always horrible tasting. Too salty or too smokey or green or just plain bad!!! He says yes, I agree, but I guarantee you will love these mullets. They are really special. I finally give in and warn him that if they taste like garbage that I will tell him so without heistation. WOW!!! The old guy really knew what he was talking about. Perfect smoke. Perfect salt. Perfect taste. Perfect feel; melted in my mouth. The only negative was that he didn't have many and they went quick! So anyone out there with mullet cooking or eating experience?
Bobkat Posted August 30, 2007 Report Posted August 30, 2007 Hey Paul, Was looking at the 'General' category today and saw MULLET!? First thing I thought was this guy must live around here...guess you grew up in Tampa. Last time I had smoked mullet was at Ted Peter's out on Pasadena Ave. Know where that is? But that was back in High School and since then I have discovered smoked Spanish and King Mackerel, also smoked Cobia. All of which I much prefer to mullet. As I'm typing this I can see a school of them about 20 yrds. from my window. But like you I have always thought (Mullet = ). Too fishy for my taste, but I'm guessing you could still get it at Ted's. Place is still there. I take it you no longer live in Tampa? btw - I make a smoked Kingfish spread that people tell me is as addictive as crack I can get you THAT recipe if you'd like.
paul1927 Posted September 1, 2007 Author Report Posted September 1, 2007 Hi Bobkat, Yes, I spent a few years in Tampa. I lived in a development called Imperial Point. The only other smoked fish that I can remember enjoying besides that mullet which was the first mullet ever that I'd eaten that didn't taste like (Mullet = ) were chubs and some other fish that looked a lot like chubs, but much larger. Yes, I've been gone from Tampa a long time. Most of my life has been in Miami. I LOVE fried kingfish, but it is difficult to imagine any fish spread tasting good. Of course, I couldn't imagine mullet tasting good and I enjoy seafood as much as pork or beef. I'm thinking that even if I find the mullet it won't taste good. That old man made a very special dish. I didn't think I was tasting anything but mullet with with very light smoke and very light salt. It melted when I ate it because the mullet had all this natural fat that was cooked to perfection. And, it looked beautiful! Is your spread difficult to make? I'm one lazy cook. NOT like grandma at all. Nice to hear you have the same aversion to mullet that I had--use to think a person would need to be starving to eat it!
Papa Posted March 16, 2008 Report Posted March 16, 2008 Smoked Fsh google Mother Earth News and search smoke fish. Select "SMOKE YOUR WAY TO INDEPENDENCE! (PART 2)" Happy Q
paul1927 Posted March 25, 2008 Author Report Posted March 25, 2008 Thank you Very Interesting Read For those who would rather copy and paste here is the link: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Foo ... art-2.aspx
