When it comes to eating seafood, Americans prefer to go fish away from home. Unlike other countries, U.S. consumers have historically purchased 70% of the seafood they eat in restaurants, leaving what they perceive as delicate, complicated buying and cooking to the professionals. But the widespread closure of restaurants nationwide means that seafood lovers now have the responsibility for choosing and cooking their own sustainable seafood.
If you’re intimidated by cooking seafood at home, it’s time to get hooked. You’re in good company: Cooking seafood at home is now trending. Grocery sales of fresh, canned, and frozen seafood are all going up, including unusual items such as fish collars, shad roe, skate, and Spanish mackerel. Americans are finally casting away their fish fears (It’s too smelly! What if I overcook it?!) and embracing seafood of all kinds as a healthy, quick-cooking meal option.
Not up for a culinary adventure? There are plenty of simple, super-fast preparations for your favorite fish (and almost any type of seafood). Try these easy recipes from our chefs, registered dietitians, and celebrity chef friends that will have you enjoying sustainable seafood at home tonight.
RECIPES
Super Easy (But Still Adventurous!)
Spicy Pasta Pomodoro with Tuna and Capers
Mackerel and White Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs
Seared Sardine Avocado Toast with Smoked Paprika
Smoked Bluefish Salad
Build Your Cooking Skills and Your Palate!
Nikki Cooper’s Southern Fried Catfish and Grits
Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Tomatoes and Herbs
Seared Tilapia with Cilantro Chimichurri
Seared Black Cod and Succotash with Lemon Parsley Oil
Want more easy sustainable seafood recipes? Check out this collection from Seafood Watch.
Looking for a good source for local seafood?
In spite of increased grocery purchases and new direct markets, fisherfolk are still struggling to make ends meet. Now is a perfect time to try buying direct, and LocalCatch.org offers a nationwide map of community supported fisheries and small-scale harvesters, making it easy to find one in your area.