Pompano (Sonaf)

Introduction

Most people don’t realize how incredible Pompano (Sonaf) can be — often overlooked or mistaken for “white pomfret.” But the truth is this is a sweet, buttery, melt‑in‑the‑mouth Adriatic cousin with a clean ocean flavor and superb texture. At GwadarSeafood, we source it fresh from Arabian Sea fleets off Sindh and Balochistan, clean it hygienically on shore, and offer it whole or filleted—all to bring you top-tier flavor without fuss.

Why Pompano Is Worth a Try

• Mild, buttery sweetness, less fishy than pomfret yet richer than pangasius

• Tender flesh with light oil, great for masala fries, tandoor grills, or steamed steaks

• Holds shape well, even in oily curries or thick masalas

• Lean, protein-rich, yet with enough omega-3 to stay moist

• High value per rupee vs imported “white pomfret” price

• Easy-to-scale weight, ideal for market stalls, home cooking, and catering

Names & Taxonomy

Recognized as the golden pompano, this species differs from pomfret (Pampus spp.) in both genus and flesh quality

Sourcing & Catching Method

• Wild‑caught in the Arabian Sea, off Sindh and Balochistan shores

• Harvested using pelagic gillnets and hook-lines, minimizing stress and preserving freshness

• Offloaded and processed the same day, never dipped in chemicals or frozen at sea

Our partner vessels deliver to Karachi Fish Harbour within 24 hours of catch.

Physical Traits & Texture

• Shape: Deep-bodied and laterally compressed — wider than pomfret, thinner than scalefish ­

• Skin: Silvery with hints of yellow, sometimes black dorsal spots; tougher skin than pomfret but no strong odor

• Meat: Tender, light buttery layer under skin; remains intact under medium heat; flaky yet firm once cooked

Size Options

Standard weights available: 300 g – 2 kg per fish (commonly 1–1.5 kg) 
Most Karachites prefer the 1.2–1.8 kg range — perfect for tawa-style fry, curry head-on, or pre-marinated steaks.

• Smaller sizes are great for whole-fry

• Medium to large are ideal for curry cuts, steaming, or grilling

Cutting Options & Approximate Yields

These yields are in line with Pakistani seafood standards for Pompano \

Cooking Ideas – Rich, Local & Crave‑Worthy

Pompano’s shape and firm yet delicate flesh make it one of the most versatile fish in the Karachi seafood scene:

• Karachi-style Masala Fry: Marinate 500 g sliced pompano in red chili, lemon, garlic and besan — shallow fry on tawa until crisp

• Creamy Coconut Curry: Whole gutted pompano simmered in thick, spicy coconut gravy — the meat stays intact

• Tandoori Halwa-ish Steaks: Thick cut steaks grilled with yogurt, cumin, and paprika, basted with butter

• Steamed in Banana Leaves (Patra): Light curry steamed with mustard oil and green chilies (common in coastal homes)

• Also great for deep-fry fish fingers, air-fired fillets, and simple pan‑seared lemon‑pepper steaks

Tips for Selecting Fresh Pompano Fish

• Eyes should be clear—not cloudy

• Skin shine with no dull patches

• Flesh should spring back when pressed (body must feel firm and slightly bouncy when pressed)

• Smell should be fresh ocean — not ammonia or dock

• Gills still moist and red

At Gwadar Seafood, we only deliver Sonaf that passes all these checks.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate at ≤ 4 °C, consume within 36 hours

• For freezing: store in airtight containers, consume within 3–4 weeks

• Avoid freezing fillets multiple times — it affects softness

• Marinated slices freeze well raw, then pan-fry for a fast weeknight treat

Ideal Pairings & Seasonings

• Bold spices: Crushed Kashmir chili, coriander garlic paste, roasted cumin

• Accompaniments: Lemon rice, pickled tamarind chutney, puffed papad, naan

• Drinks: Mama’s lassi, mint soda, or strong green tea — all help cut richness

This fish thrives with high-flavor, low-sauce presentations — think spice and crunch, not heaviness.

Who Should Try Pompano?

• Seafood lovers bored of bland imported options

• Street-food fans craving Karachi fry at home

• Chefs wanting a better grip on thick masala pans

• Parents seeking boneless, flavorful fish for kids

• Budget-conscious cooks—rich taste, less cost than pomfret

• People new to seafood — no strong odor or fishy flavor

• Health-conscious eaters — low-fat and rich in good fats

• Home cooks who want quick, mess-free recipes

• Families with kids — soft, boneless options available

• Fans of clean, light masala cooking

Nutrition Highlights (Approx./100 g, steamed)

• Calories: ~186 kcal | Protein: 21 g | Fat: 11 g (mostly heart-healthy omega-3)

• Rich in essential amino acids and low in calories

• Slightly lower bone content than pomfret — easier digestibility

• Natural source of iron and vitamin D (moderate)
  *Note: nutritional values vary by size and feeding; not medical advice.

Need Something Similar?

You may also like:

• White Pomfret (Safaid Paplet) – Softer, with a silkier texture

• Queen Fish (Saram) – Flaky and flavorful for deep masalas