“Fish is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Most fish is a lean protein choice and a great alternative to white meat proteins like chicken or turkey. From shellfish like shrimp and crab, to whitefish like tilapia and cod, to fattier fishes like tuna and salmon, fish helps fill our diets with delicious variety,” says Andrea Karns of Karns Quality Foods.
What better time to learn how to cook this healthy alternative than when you have to stay home instead of dining out? Much of the country seems to agree, as retail seafood sales rose by approximately 25% over the course of the pandemic. According to the Global Aquaculture Alliance, as restaurants began to close their doors in March of 2020, the commercial demand for seafood took a steep decline, and with it, the price tag. With the decrease in prices and the increase in home-cooked meals, suddenly crab, salmon, and other seafood products have become popular staples of many American dining room tables.
"For my house, seafood is a mainstay because unlike other proteins, it's so easy to prepare and cooks in no time. For busy Moms, that's a huge win! Seafood is interesting because so many are hesitant to cook it, but enjoy eating it. But the pandemic has certainly shaved off some of that fear,” says Karns.
As Andrea points out, fish is actually one of the easiest proteins to cook. Most exhibit telltale signs to let us know when they are done cooking. For shrimp, watch for them to curl into a “C” shape, but avoid an “O” shape, as this means they could be overcooked. When fish is done, it should flake apart easily with a fork. When scallops go from translucent to opaque, it’s time to remove them from the heat. They should be white all the way through with no gray at the center. Take care, however, to avoid overcooking seafood as it can ruin the texture, becoming dry, chewy, or hard. For seafood newbies, Andrea suggests baked salmon or sauteed shrimp. Struggling to get kids to enjoy the taste of seafood? Try preparing fish with a flavor your child already loves! “Perhaps your child loves BBQ sauce—why not make BBQ shrimp? They're delicious served alongside buttered rice,” says Karns.
Though the demand for seafood at restaurants may take time to return to normal, many grocery stores—including Karns Foods—have reported that their new seafood sales are still going strong. Looking for inspiration? Check out these seafood recipes that are sure to bring new life to your weekly dinner menu.
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Sweet and Tangy Baked Salmon
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 6-8 oz. fillets of salmon
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
3. Mix together all ingredients.
4. Put the salmon on the baking sheet, evenly coat fillets with the mixture.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, to desired doneness.
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Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Karns Lump Crab Cakes (1 per person)
Portobello mushroom caps (1 per person)
Olive oil
Karns Butcher Love Seasoning (or any steak seasoning)
Shaved Parmesan cheese
Lettuce mix
Salad dressing or balsamic glaze
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Clean portobello mushroom cap with damp paper towel. Gently scoop mushroom gills out.
3. Drizzle cap with olive oil, sprinkle lightly with seasoning.
4. Place a crab cake in each mushroom, lightly push down.
5. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve on bed of lettuce with your favorite salad dressing.
