When it comes to seafood, people often have firm views on it – either they love it, or they hate it. Of course, there are also those in between, who enjoy certain types of seafood and not others.
However, if you consider yourself someone who doesn’t enjoy seafood, it may just be because you haven’t found a type of seafood you like. Perhaps if you made your own seafood dishes, you would be able to prepare them in a way that you enjoy. And if you’re someone who does love seafood already, it’s always helpful to know how to properly make it. So, if you fall into either of those categories and you want to learn more about making seafood, you’ve come to the right place.
Consider the type of seafood
The great thing about seafood is that there are so many different types out there. From shellfish to light fillets to solid pieces of meat like tuna steaks – there’s something for everyone.
If you’re not used to making seafood, it’s always best to stick to something easy. If you enjoy a decadent meal, simply try making some pasta with some prawns. If you prefer more simple dishes, then a battered hake might be the way to go. Starting with basic dishes can help build your confidence until you are ready to try more challenging things like these Chilean Sea Bass fillets.
Find the right method
As mentioned, there are many options when it comes to what type of seafood you can choose to make. While this is a blessing, because you can choose what you like, it can also be a curse, because different kinds of seafood need to be cooked differently.
Therefore, just because you’ve gotten the hang of one type of seafood doesn’t mean that you can cook all seafood the same way.
If you’re not sure how to tackle a particular type of seafood, you can always start with online recipes until you have a better idea of which methods and techniques work best.
Choose the right side dishes
Luckily, seafood is a very versatile type of protein, which means you can serve it with just about any type of side. However, you should keep the type of seafood in mind when choosing a side.
For example, if you will be cooking a thick seafood steak, a baked potato could pair nicely. And if you will be opting for battered fish, your best bet is to go with the traditional fish and chips combo.
Because seafood is often a lighter dish, it can also pair wonderfully with vegetable dishes and salads. Next time you’re making seafood, have a look at these salad recipes for some inspiration.
Consider pairing it with wine
Of course, you can have your seafood with whatever drink you have, but most people would agree that seafood is great for pairing with fine.
Generally, white wine is recommended for seafood, but you can play around and try a few different wines to see what you like best. If you are at a restaurant, ask them what they would recommend pairing with fish – if you like it, you can always recreate the pairing at home. However, women may want to read this article before pouring themselves another glass of wine.
The quality matters
Most of us try to save money wherever we can – including our groceries. Unfortunately, while you may be able to get away with budget-friendly deals when it comes to certain items, seafood isn’t one of them.
Not only with bad quality seafood taste bad, but it can also lead to health problems. So, be sure to get high-quality seafood each time.
Because good seafood can be so expensive, most people only save it for special occasions. Perhaps you can make seafood for your next anniversary, or if you are hosting a dinner party. As tempting as it may be to opt for cheaper seafood, quality is of the utmost importance when it comes to seafood.
In conclusion
Many people are scared of making seafood, and their fears aren’t necessarily unfounded – seafood can be tricky to cook.
However, it can also be easier than you may think, as long as you have an idea of what you’re doing. Keep in mind that the first few times you try to make seafood could end up not working out as planned, and that’s okay! Keep trying until you have the hang of it. Try different methods, recipes, and types of seafood until you find what you like. Once you do, you probably won’t want to ever stop cooking seafood.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
