Wahoo shows up on a lot of menus and in very few home kitchens, which is a shame. If you like tuna or swordfish, you will love wahoo.
Fresh wahoo, straight off a Florida boat
Wahoo is a prized sport fish in Florida waters, and it is every bit as good on the plate as it is on the line. Here is everything you need to know before you buy your first fillet.
What does wahoo taste like?
Wahoo is mild and clean with a firm, meaty texture. It does not taste fishy. The flesh cooks up white and flaky-firm, somewhere between tuna and swordfish, which is why it is so popular grilled or blackened.
What does wahoo cost?
Wahoo is usually sold by the pound and priced like a premium fish, in the same range as fresh tuna or swordfish. The price moves with the season and the catch, so it is best to check current pricing. You can always see today’s price on our wahoo fillet page.
How to buy wahoo fresh
Fresh wahoo should smell like clean ocean air, never sour or overly fishy. Look for firm, moist, translucent flesh that springs back when pressed. The surest way to guarantee freshness is to buy from a source that gets it straight from local boats.
Why local matters for seafood
Most grocery seafood is frozen, thawed, and days or weeks old by the time you see it. Fish from local boats reaches you in a fraction of that time, and you can taste the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Is wahoo a healthy fish?
Yes. Wahoo is a lean source of protein with healthy omega-3 fats and a low fat content overall.
Is wahoo the same as ono?
Yes. Ono is the Hawaiian name for the same fish. The word ono means delicious, which tells you something.
Ready to try it? Order a fresh wahoo fillet, browse the local seafood lineup, then read how to cook wahoo at home.
Simple ways to cook wahoo
Wahoo is forgiving as long as you do not overcook it. Grill it over high heat, sear it in a hot pan, or blacken it with a Cajun rub. It also takes beautifully to the smoker. Because the flesh is lean and firm, it makes excellent kabobs and holds together in tacos far better than a flaky white fish would.
For a full walkthrough, read our guide on how to cook wahoo, grilled or pan-seared, then pick up a fillet and put it to work this week.
