🎣 Shore Jigging Must-Have Gear
Catch more kingfish, snapper, and trevally with the right gear:
✅ Zephyr Jig (30g) – Built for long casts and deep strikes
✅ Bom Dart 30g – Secure hooksets for soft plastics
✅ Slice Jigs – Deadly from shore for Bonito and Trevally
💥 Grab Your Jigs Today & Fish Smarter!

Secret Australian Tailor Recipes – The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Your Catch! 

Before we get to the sizzling grills and zesty marinades, let’s talk about how to catch that perfect tailor in the first place. One of the most reliable ways to hook tailor from the rocks or beach is with a fast-moving metal jig — and our Zephyr Jig is built exactly for that. 

Designed for long, accurate casts and aggressive fish like tailor, the Zephyr Jig mimics the flash and dart of fleeing baitfish that tailor can’t resist. So if you're chasing your next BBQ catch, start with the right lure — then come back here to cook it to perfection.

Catching tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a thrill for any Aussie angler, but did you know it's also a fantastic fish to cook? Whether you're grilling over an open flame or preparing a zesty marinade, tailor offers tender, flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with fresh Australian ingredients.

🔥 In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ How to clean & prepare tailor for cooking
✅ The best marinades & basting recipes for extra flavor
✅ Pro grilling techniques to keep your fish juicy & delicious

🎣 Ready to cook like a pro? Let’s dive in! 🍽️🔥

🐟 Why Tailor is a Must-Try Seafood in Australia

Tailor is one of Australia’s most exciting surf fishing species, often caught on slice jigs or live bait. It’s known for its mild, flaky flesh, making it perfect for grilling, baking, or even fish tacos.

✔ Mild, slightly sweet flavor – Pairs well with bold marinades
✔ Firm but delicate texture – Cooks quickly & absorbs flavors beautifully
✔ Best eaten fresh – Freezing can make it mushy due to its fine-grain meat

💡 Pro Tip: Want the best tailor fishing gear? Check out the ReproBaits Slice Jig for an easy way to land more tailor on your next trip! 🎣🔥

🎯 Preparing Your Fresh-Caught Tailor for Cooking

Before you fire up the grill, it's important to clean & prepare your fish properly. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your tailor ready for cooking.

🔪 Step 1: Cleaning the Fish

1️⃣ Rinse the fish thoroughly in cold water & pat dry.
2️⃣ Gut the fish by making a small incision along the belly & removing the internal organs.
3️⃣ Remove the scales by scraping with a fish scaler or knife from tail to head.
4️⃣ Gill the fish by cutting & removing the gill plates.
5️⃣ Make a few deep cuts into each side of the fish—this helps marinades soak in & cooks the fish evenly.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer fillets instead of whole fish, use a sharp knife to remove the fillets, leaving the skin on for grilling.

🔥 Best Tailor Marinades & Basting Recipes

Tailor absorbs flavors quickly, so marinating it before cooking adds depth & enhances the natural taste.

🍋 Classic Aussie Lemon & Garlic Marinade

✔ 1/4 cup olive oil
✔ Juice of 1 lemon
✔ 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
✔ 1 teaspoon crushed ginger
✔ 1 splash soy sauce
✔ Optional: Big pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes

🛠 How to Use It:
✅ Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).
✅ Brush marinade over the fish before grilling & while cooking.

💡 Pro Tip: Wrap the marinated fish in cling film overnight to help the flavors infuse into the meat.

🔥 Grilling Tailor to Perfection

Grilling tailor is one of the best ways to enjoy its fresh, delicate flavor. Here’s how to get it just right.

1️⃣ Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2️⃣ Place the fish skin-side down first – this prevents sticking & keeps it firm.
3️⃣ Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with marinade as it cooks.
4️⃣ Use tongs & a spatula to carefully flip the fish.
5️⃣ Remove from heat when fully cooked (flesh should be opaque & flaky).

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid freezing tailor—it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor & texture!

🍽️ Creative Ways to Serve Grilled Tailor

Tailor is versatile—it’s delicious straight off the grill, but you can also get creative with these easy recipes:

🌮 Tailor Fish Tacos

🔥 Grill the fish, then shred it into pieces.
🌮 Serve in soft tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado & lime.

🥗 Tailor Salad Wraps

🔥 Flake grilled tailor into lettuce cups.
🥑 Top with cherry tomatoes, avocado & balsamic vinaigrette.

🐟 Traditional Aussie BBQ Style

🔥 Grill whole tailor & serve with roasted potatoes & lemon butter sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Pair your tailor dish with a cold beer or crisp white wine for the ultimate Aussie meal! 🍺🍷

🐟 Spicy Aussie BBQ Tailor with Honey-Soy Glaze 🔥🍯

If you’re looking for a bold, Aussie-style flavor for your tailor, this spicy honey-soy BBQ recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky heat! It’s an easy way to bring out the fish’s natural flavors while adding an Asian-Aussie fusion twist.

🛒 Ingredients:

✔ 2 fresh tailor fillets (or whole fish, cleaned & scaled)
✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce
✔ 1 tbsp honey
✔ 1 tbsp sesame oil
✔ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tsp ginger, grated
✔ 1 tsp chili flakes (or fresh red chili, finely chopped)
✔ 1 tbsp lime juice
✔ 1/2 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tbsp chopped coriander (optional, for garnish)
✔ 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for serving, optional)

🔥 Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili, lime juice, and black pepper in a bowl.
2️⃣ Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3️⃣ Preheat BBQ or grill to medium-high heat.
4️⃣ Place fish skin-side down first, grilling for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with marinade as it cooks.
5️⃣ Check for doneness – The flesh should be flaky and slightly caramelized.
6️⃣ Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds & fresh coriander before serving.

🍽️ How to Serve:

🔥 With Steamed Rice & Greens – Perfect for an Asian-inspired meal.
🔥 In a Burger Bun – Serve with slaw & sriracha mayo for a tailor burger.
🔥 With Charred Veggies – BBQ zucchini, capsicum, or corn make great sides!

💡 Pro Tip: For extra smokiness, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the marinade!

🔥 Try this bold Aussie BBQ Tailor recipe & impress your mates at your next cook-up! 🎣🍽️

🔥 Tailor is Great Table Fare – Try It Today!

Catching & cooking tailor is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh, local seafood. Whether you grill it, bake it, or turn it into tacos, tailor is a must-try fish for any angler.

🎣 Shop the Best Tailor Fishing Gear 🎣
🛒 Check out our premium slice jigs, hooks & fishing tackle for the ultimate tailor fishing experience!

👉 Shop Now

❓ FAQs About Cooking Australian Tailor

🧐 What’s the Best Way to Cook Tailor?
🔥 Grilling is best—it enhances the natural flavor & keeps the fish juicy.

🎣 What’s the Best Marinade for Tailor?
🍋 Lemon, garlic, & olive oil marinades pair beautifully with tailor’s mild flavor.

🍽️ Can You Freeze Tailor?
❌ Avoid freezing! Tailor has fine-grain meat that turns mushy when frozen.

🥗 What Are the Best Sides for Grilled Tailor?
🥗 Fresh salads, roasted veggies, or BBQ potatoes make the perfect pairing!

🎣 Shore Jigging Must-Have Gear
Catch more kingfish, snapper, and trevally with the right gear:
✅ Zephyr Jig (30g) – Built for long casts and deep strikes
✅ Bom Dart 30g – Secure hooksets for soft plastics
✅ Slice Jigs – Deadly from shore for Bonito and Trevally
💥 Grab Your Jigs Today & Fish Smarter!