Sierra

juanrrx, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pacific sierra is a large, prized mackerel-family fish found along Mexico's Pacific coast from Baja California to Ecuador. It has firm, dark, strongly flavored flesh that is excellent for ceviche, aguachile, grilling whole, and fish tacos. Sierra is one of the most important commercial and culinary fish in western Mexico — particularly in Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco — and is fundamentally different in character from the Atlantic mackerel found in European markets.

Culinary substitutes

Mackerel

Both are Scombridae with strong, oily flesh suited to grilling and curing — sierra is larger and firmer with a more pronounced flavor, Atlantic mackerel is smaller and more delicate.

Tuna

Both are firm, dark-fleshed Scombridae used in similar preparations — sierra works well in ceviches and tacos where tuna steak would also be used, though tuna is richer and more expensive.