With more time spent in the kitchen, people are increasingly looking to different ingredients for inspiration. That includes seafood — sales of canned and frozen seafood are 37 percent higher than last year, according to IRI Worldwide.
If you’re not familiar with buying and cooking seafood, there’s nothing to fear. Frozen seafood is an affordable, nutritious and sustainable protein that can earn a spot in your kitchen. Good food pioneers chef Nora Pouillon, a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and her daughter, Blue Circle Foods product director Nina Damato, offer these recommendations for sustainable frozen seafood, from defrosting techniques to cooking tips and seasonal pairings.
Why buy frozen?
Frozen seafood is just as high quality as fresh since modern techniques like flash-freezing preserve fish moments after it is caught. Stores generally carry a larger selection of frozen fish and it’s typically less expensive than fresh seafood. Because frozen fish keeps longer, you can find greater variety and more sustainable options. Plus, it’s convenient — use exactly the portion you need and save the rest for later — making it perfect for meal planning.
What about taste?
When done right, freezing locks in flavor and nutrients, so you can enjoy frozen fish that’s every bit as delicious as when it was caught.
How long will it last?
Frozen fish is safe indefinitely, but for best quality, the USDA recommends using frozen fish within 3-8 months after purchase.
How to thaw frozen fish safely?
If you know you’ll be serving fish, pop frozen fillets in the fridge the night before or the morning you plan to cook them.
How to cook directly from frozen?
How to season frozen fish?
Salt and pepper can enhance seafood’s flavor. If you’re feeling bold, a simple glaze or a crust of seasonings can elevate your fish to the next level.
What pairs well?
Frozen fish is a versatile protein that plays well with many recipes. Fatty fish like salmon brings out the flavors in seasonal veggies including zucchini and summer squash, while leaner fillets like cod can be breaded or used in tacos.
Fish also pairs excellently with a variety of wines. The trick is to serve delicate fish with light wines and heartier fish with richer, more substantial wines. If you’re in the mood for salmon, try Pouillon’s Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon. This recipe also works well with cod and can be served with a rose for a tasty seasonal pairing.
To learn more about frozen seafood and purchase sustainable fish, visit bluecirclefoods.com.
PUMPKIN SEED CRUSTED SALMON
2 cups frozen sweet corn
1 can (4 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked chili (optional)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 cup pumpkin seeds
4 teaspoons pumpkin seed oil or olive oil
2 tablespoons sliced scallions
2 Blue Circle Frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillets
(Source: Recipe courtesy of chef Nora Pouillon)
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