From the Sea to Your Plate: Tips for Choosing Fresh Seafood for Grilling
Summertime is the season for grilling and seafood is a perfect addition to any BBQ. However, choosing the right seafood can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the seafood market or don’t live near the coast. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips for choosing fresh seafood for grilling.
1. Look for Local Seafood
The first tip for finding the freshest seafood is to buy local. When seafood travels long distances, it loses its freshness and quality. Buying from a local seafood market or fishery guarantees that you’re getting fresh seafood, especially if it was caught that day. Look for seafood markets that advertise their products as local, fresh, and sustainable.
2. Check for Signs of Freshness
When choosing seafood, there are several things to look for to ensure its freshness:
- Look for clear and shiny eyes. Fish with cloudy eyes may not be as fresh.
- Check the gills. They should be bright red or pink, not brown or gray.
- The skin should also be shiny, firm, and free of any discoloration or bruises.
- For shellfish, such as shrimp or lobster, make sure the shells are intact and not cracked.
3. Know the Season
Each type of seafood has its own peak season when it’s the freshest and most abundant. Ask your local fisherman or seafood market about the best time to buy the particular type of seafood you’re looking for. For example, salmon is best in the summer, while oysters are better in the fall and winter.
4. Choose the Right Cut
When grilling seafood, choosing the right cut is just as crucial as selecting fresh seafood. Here are some tips for selecting the best cuts for different types of seafood:
- Choose steaks for fish such as salmon, swordfish, or tuna. These types of fish hold up well on the grill and are delicious when seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Choose whole fish for grilling if you prefer a more delicate and tender flavor. Some examples include trout, snapper, or sea bass.
- Choose large, deveined shrimp if you’re grilling shrimp. Leave the shell on for extra flavor and moisture.
- For scallops, select larger, fresher scallops. These will sear well and have a lovely caramelized crust.
Conclusion
Choosing fresh seafood for grilling is easy with these tips. Simply remember to buy local, check for signs of freshness, know the season, and choose the right cut. With these essential tips, you’ll be guaranteed delicious and fresh seafood on your grill this summer.
