how to cook trevally

SqidCaught lots of trevally over the years across the country, using different methods and preparing in different ways.
Checked 16 Sept 2026
Trevally caught in Taranaki
Photo: Johnny Hendrikus

Quick answer

Trevally is best handled by bleeding it straight after catch, then serving it raw as sashimi, frying it, or hot or cold smoking it. The meat is naturally firm, so how you bleed and cook it makes a big difference to texture. Sashimi has a taste similar to kingfish, while smoking suits the firmer texture particularly well.

Key points

  • Bleed the fish immediately from the gills and gussets
  • Get it on ice as soon as possible
  • Sashimi tastes similar to kingfish
  • Frying works but the meat is tougher
  • Hot or cold smoking suits trevally well

Why preparation matters

Trevally has naturally tough, firm meat compared to many other fish. If it isn't bled or killed properly straight after catching, the meat firms up even more and becomes harder to enjoy. Bleeding it from the gills and gussets as soon as it's landed, then getting it on ice, keeps the meat in much better condition.

Eating it raw as sashimi

Trevally is well suited to being eaten raw as sashimi. The taste is quite similar to kingfish in this form. A simple dressing of lemon and lime juice with a bit of salt works well with it.

Frying trevally

Trevally can be fried using a coating of flour or breadcrumbs and some oil. Because the meat is firmer than many other fish, it can be a bit tougher to eat this way. Prepared correctly, though, it still eats well.

Smoking trevally

Smoking, whether hot or cold, is considered the best way to prepare trevally. Its firm flesh holds together well through the smoking process rather than breaking apart. The smoking process also helps tenderise the meat, balancing out its natural firmness.

Catching trevally worth knowing about

  • Strong fighters that run hard and stay low in the water

  • Take bait such as squid or pilchards

  • Predatory and will chase slow pitch, slow jigs or knife jigs

  • Trevally have a soft mouth and are prone to the hooks ripping out. Its best to play it out slowly rather than trying to reel it in quickly.

Questions people ask next

Do you need to bleed trevally before cooking it?

Yes, bleeding trevally straight after catching it helps keep the meat from becoming even firmer. Bleeding from the gills and gussets, then icing the fish quickly, gives the best result.

Is trevally good to eat raw?

Yes, trevally works well as sashimi and has a taste similar to kingfish in this form. A squeeze of lemon and lime juice with a bit of salt suits it well.

What is the best way to smoke trevally?

Trevally can be either hot or cold smoked. Its firm flesh holds together during smoking and the process helps tenderise the meat. General smoking times and temperatures vary by method and equipment, so it pays to check a specific smoking guide.

What bait or lures work best for catching trevally?

Trevally take bait such as squid or pilchards. They are also predatory and will chase slow pitch, slow jigs or knife jigs.

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