Yes, you can eat a skate. Skates are cartilaginous fish that belong to the same family as rays. Their flesh is white and delicate, with a mild flavor. However, the taste varies depending on the specific species of skate.

What Is a Skate?

Skate fish belong to the family Rajidae. They are characterized by their flat bodies, wing-like pectoral fins, and long tails. Skate fish are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments around the world.

Several species of skate fish exist, including the common skate, thornback skate, and blonde ray. These species vary in size, coloration, and distribution.

Skate fish are typically found in coastal waters, ranging from shallow estuaries to deeper offshore areas. They are bottom-dwelling fish and are often associated with sandy or muddy substrates.

Skate wings are the most commonly consumed part of the fish and can be pan-fried, baked, grilled, or used as an ingredient in soups and stews.

Are Skate and Ray the Same Thing?

Skate and ray are not exactly the same thing.

Skate refers specifically to the fish in the family Rajidae that have flat bodies and a cartilaginous skeleton. They have a diamond-shaped body with wing-like pectoral fins, and their tails are typically long and slender.

Ray, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various species of fish in the superorder Batoidea, which includes both skates and rays.

Is It Okay to Eat Skate?

Skate is considered edible and is consumed in various cuisines around the world. Remember that the skate’s wings or fillets are meaty and typically used for consumption.

Some skate species are overfished or caught using methods that harm the marine environment. Look for skate that is sourced from sustainable fisheries or has sustainable seafood certifications.

What Species of Skate is Best to Eat?

The common skate is often considered one of the best skate species to eat. Common skate is known for its large size and firm, white flesh. It has a delicate texture and a mildflavor. It swims in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

Other skate species that people consume include the thornback skate and the blonde ray. These species also have firm flesh and a mild taste.

Does Skate Have Bones?

Skate fish have bones, but they are quite different from the bones you find in most other fish. Skate fish, like the stingray, have cartilaginous skeletons, which means their bones are made of cartilage instead of hard bone. The cartilage in skate fish is flexible and pliable, making it easier to remove compared to the rigid bones of other fish.

When preparing skate for cooking, the cartilage can be easily removed by filleting the fish. However, some people actually enjoy eating the cartilage in skate, as it has a unique texture and flavor.

Do You Eat the Skin of a Skate?

The skin of a skate can be eaten.

The skin of a skate is thin and typically has a rough texture. Some people choose to leave the skin on during cooking, as it can help protect the delicate flesh of the skate while adding a slightly crispy texture.

Others remove the skin before cooking and eating skate for a smoother and more tender texture.

What Does Skate Taste Like?

Skate fish has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. The taste of skate is often described as delicate and similar to other white fish like flounder or sole. It also has a nutty note reminiscing of a combination of crab and scallop.

The texture of skate meat is unique and often considered quite firm yet tender and moist. It has a slightly fibrous texture that becomes flaky when cooked.

How to Clean & Fillet a Skate

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by placing the skate on a clean cutting board or work surface.
2. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow incision behind the pectoral fins. This will allow you to separate the wings from the body.
3. Hold the skate firmly and make a long, straight cut along the outer edges of the wings, following the natural contours.
4. Once the wings are separated, flip them over, skin side down, and remove any excess skin or membrane using a filleting knife.
5. Next, remove the central cartilage, known as the “backbone,” from each wing. Insert the tip of the knife at the base of the wing and carefully cut along the centerline to remove the cartilage.
6. After removing the cartilage, you will have two fillets from each wing. Trim away any remaining skin or dark patches using the knife.
7. Pat the fillets dry and they are ready to be cooked or stored.

Watch the video below on how to clean and fillet a skate.

What Are the Best Ways to Cook Skate?

Here are a few popular cooking methods:

1. Pan-Frying: Coat the skate fillets with breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You can serve with lemon wedges or a fish lemon juice sauce.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to around 400°F (200°C). Place the skate fillets in a baking dish and season them well. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle the skate fillets with olive oil and season them well. Place the fillets directly on the grill grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. Poaching: In a large skillet or shallow pan, bring fish or vegetable stock, white wine, or a combination of both to a simmer. Place the skate fillets in the liquid and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Serve with the poaching liquid or a sauce of your choice.

What Are the Health Benefits of Eating a Skate?

Skate is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and D, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

It’s also low in calories and contains lower levels of mercury.