This thresher shark recipe is easy to make, perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious. A shark steak is oven baked with lemon juice, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and butter. It's a very simple 30-minute seafood dish that is bursting with fresh and bright flavors!

Shark is definitely not something you see on the dinner table every day, but it's actually a very delicious fish to make.

Shark meat is thick, and meaty, and tastes pretty similar to alligator or chicken. It is very lean but when baked with cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and a savory garlic butter sauce it is anything but dry and bland!

This thresher shark recipe is incredibly moist and flavorful. Since this dish takes under 30 minutes to make, it's a great option for busy weeknight meals when you want something simple and delicious to make for your family.

How to make thresher shark recipe

Begin by adjusting your oven's temperature setting to 425°F. This high temperature will allow the shark steak to sear and lock in its flavors. As the oven works its magic and warms up, you can focus on preparing a deliciously zesty garlic mixture.

For the garlic mixture, grab a small bowl and combine finely chopped garlic, often referred to as minced garlic. Melt your butter—this can be done either by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and microwaving it in short intervals, stirring in between, or by gently heating it on the stove in a small saucepan until it turns into a liquid.

Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the garlic. Now, for the lemon: use a grater or zester to get fine shavings from its outer skin; this is your lemon zest. Add this fragrant zest to your bowl. Next, roll your lemon on the countertop with a bit of pressure – this helps to release more juice.

Then, cut it in half and firmly squeeze to extract its tangy juice, adding this to the bowl as well. Stir the contents together, blending them into a rich, aromatic paste.

Now, let's prep the shark steak. Select a baking dish suitable for oven use and lay the shark steak flat inside it. Gently pat the steak with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help the flavors from the garlic mixture adhere better.

Lightly season the top of the shark steak with salt and black pepper. This seasoning step will enhance the natural flavors of the shark. Once seasoned, spread the garlic mixture over the shark, ensuring it's generously covered.

For an added pop of color and flavor, scatter fresh cherry tomatoes around the shark steak in the baking dish. These tomatoes will roast alongside the shark, becoming sweet and slightly blistered, complementing the flavors of the fish.

Now, everything's set for baking! Carefully place your prepared baking dish into the hot oven. Let the shark bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.

The cooking time might slightly vary based on the thickness and size of your shark steak. A general rule is when the meat easily flakes with a fork, it's done.

Upon completion of baking, with caution and using oven mitts (as the dish will be sizzling hot), carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to rest.

Your baked thresher shark steak, bathed in a garlic-lemon sauce and accompanied by roasted cherry tomatoes, is now ready to be presented and relished. Remember to handle raw fish with care and clean up promptly. Bon appétit!

Recipe ingredients

Thresher shark steak. Fresh or thawed and cleaned if necessary.

Garlic. Gives a rich and savory garlic flavor and aroma to this seafood dish.

Butter. Keeps the fish moist while giving a nice buttery and savory flavor.

Lemon. Use both the zest and juice of the lemon to give an extra bright and delicious flavor to the shark steak.

Salt and black pepper. Generously season both sides to taste.

Cherry tomatoes. These sweet and fruity tomatoes will keep your shark meat moist and juicy while it bakes. It adds pops of wonderful flavor to the steak.

Adventurous dinner choice

Not all species of shark can be consumed, but thresher shark is a great one to try if you looking to be a little more adventurous with your diet!

If you are new to eating shark meat, a major concern that most people have is its mercury content.

While shark meat is known to have a high amount of mercury in it, when consumed in moderate amounts it is generally fine for most people. However, this is definitely something to keep in mind and avoid if you are pregnant or immune comprised.

Substitutions

Thresher shark steak. If you can't find thresher shark steaks substitute with either mako or blacktip shark steaks instead.

Tomatoes. Use grape tomatoes, plum-style tomatoes, Campari tomatoes, or even Roma tomatoes sliced in half.

Variations

Try soaking your steak in milk. This can be a helpful step to tenderize the shark steaks as well as get rid of an unpleasant odor or taste.

If you are dairy free, try using dairy-free vegan butter or olive oil instead.

Try cooking your thresher shark steak with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce and a little bit of brown sugar instead of tomatoes for a different flavor.

Serve or bake this fish steak with fresh chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

Side dishes

Simple Salad: A blend of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices, served with a light vinaigrette or lemon dressing.

Sautéed Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves quickly sautéed in olive oil with minced garlic, finished with a dash of salt.

Steamed Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.

White Rice: Plain, fluffy rice cooked in water or your favorite broth.

Storage suggestions

To store leftover thresher shark, allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the plastic or glass container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped fish in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Consume within 1-2 days for best quality and freshness. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it, but consume within a month to maintain its taste and texture.

Expert tips and notes

1. After baking, allowing the shark steak to rest for a few minutes will help redistribute the juices, resulting in a moister, more flavorful bite.
2. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with the lemony-garlic flavors of this dish.
3. If sustainability is a concern for you, ensure you're sourcing your shark from a reputable supplier who adheres to sustainable fishing practices.
4. If you have the time, letting the shark steak marinate in the garlic-lemon mixture for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge can intensify the flavors.

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Hope you will like this thresher shark recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.