Flathead (Kukkar Fish)

Flathead Fish (Kukkar) — Firm, Mild & Perfect for Fry, Tawa, Curry & Grill | Nationwide Delivery

Flathead — locally known as Kukkar Fish — is a delicious firm white-meat fish that’s perfect for those who enjoy seafood with a clean, mild flavor and a satisfying bite. Known for its long, tapered body and chunky fillets, Flathead is a popular choice for fry, tawa masala, curry, baked dishes, pan-sear, grilled fillets, and seafood platters.

Its meat is firm yet tender, holding its shape beautifully during cooking—making it ideal for high-heat recipes like BBQ, tawa, and karahi-style masala. Because of its mild, non-fishy flavor, Kukkar Fish is loved by families and is especially great for people who prefer lighter, easy-to-eat seafood.

For customers living outside Karachi—Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot—Flathead is delivered through Anbar Fish’s temperature-controlled cold-chain system, ensuring sea-fresh quality across Pakistan.

Similar Seafood to Try

If you enjoy Flathead (Kukkar), you may also like: Cobia (Sangra), Mahi Mahi Fillet (Amloshk), Reef Cod (Daama)

Flavor Profile

The flesh of flathead (Kukkar fish) is as white and sweet a meat as you can find with a much firmer texture than a channel catfish. Very comparable to lobster when broiled.

Nomenclature

English Name: Flathead
Local Name: Kukkar Fish
Scientific Name: Platycephalidae

Habitat

Flathead (Kukkar) is a sea fish that mainly lives in Benthic regions, over sand or coral rubble bottoms.

Catching Method

Flathead (Kukkar Fish) is caught using gillnets, and bottom trawls.

Physical Attributes

Flathead (Kukkar Fish) has Scales on the body. The body is elongated and the head is moderately depressed. Flathead has 3 preopercular spines. It has teeth on the vomer in 2 separate patches.

Color

Flathead (Kukkar Fish) is generally grey or brown with a white body below.

Size

On average, the flathead kukkar fish ranges from 0.2 kg to 1 kg per fish. However, larger sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

Flathead Kukkar Fish is preferred for slices, boneless fillets, and boneless fingers

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole: 100 %
Gutted: 80 %
Headless and Gutted: 60 %
Slices: 60 %
Boneless: 37 %

Why Flathead (Kukkar) Is a Customer Favorite

Firm White Meat – Holds shape during fry, grill & curry
Mild, Clean Taste – Family-friendly and non-smelly
Versatile Cooking Options – Fry, curry, BBQ, grill, baked
High Meat Yield – Great value for price
Great for Desi & Continental Recipes
Fresh, Chilled Nationwide Delivery
Hygienically Cleaned & Ready to Cook

Health Benefits of Flathead Fish

High in Lean Protein – Supports fitness & daily nutrition
Low Fat, Low Calories – Ideal for healthy meal plans
Omega-3 Rich – Promotes brain & heart health
Vitamins B12 & D – Boost immunity & energy levels
Easy to Digest – Suitable for all age groups

Cooking Inspiration

Flathead Fry (Kukkar Fry) – Crispy outside, juicy inside
Tawa Masala Kukkar – Packed with spicy desi flavors
Kukkar Curry – Firm pieces that don’t break apart
Lemon Herb Grilled Fillet – Light & aromatic
Pan-Seared Flathead – Browned edges, soft center
Baked Kukkar with Veggies – Healthy & flavorful
Seafood Platter – Works well alongside prawns & calamari

Chef’s Tip: Marinate with lemon, crushed garlic, paprika or red chili, cumin, and crushed coriander for restaurant-style flavor.

Flathead (Kukkar Fish) – FAQ