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Seafood is a nutritious and delicious option for mealtime and is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Data shows that global seafood consumption hit an all-time high in 2019. It has been an upward climb since then, and from current indications, 2023 might be no different. As seafood is a delicacy enjoyed by many, it would help to know how to properly handle it, especially if you’re a seafood lover or often have to prepare it for others. Doing this includes ensuring that taste and texture are at their best. Here are some seafood preparation tips and tricks to consider.

1. Choose fresh seafood

The first and most important step in preparing seafood is to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh seafood should have a bright, vibrant color and a fresh, ocean-like scent. If the seafood has an unusually unpleasant smell, it is likely, not fresh, and you should avoid using it. Fresh seafood is also firm and should not have an unusually slimy texture. Admittedly, choosing fresh seafood can be challenging when you don’t know where to start. In such cases, it would help to find out if the seafood has been well-frozen with techniques such as flash freezing. This preservation method is used by many frozen food companies, such as Premier Catch, to keep your seafood fresh. The technique ensures that fish, crustaceans, or other seafood are frozen immediately after harvesting. It uses extremely low freezing temperatures, which enhances freshness and quality. Remember that the quality of any meal begins with its freshness and quick preservation methods. And this leads to the next point.

2. Store seafood properly after purchasing

You may not always use your seafood immediately when you buy it. In that case, it’s vital to store it properly at home. Seafood is highly perishable, making it all the more important to learn basic tricks to keep them fresher for extended periods. It would help if you kept fresh seafood at a constant temperature of (4°C) 40°F or below. Any value higher can start a deterioration process. That is when it begins to develop a slimy texture and a pungent smell. If you go ahead to cook with spoiled seafood, you put your health at risk.

To keep your seafood as fresh as possible, wrap it in moisture-proof packaging in the freezer. You can also store it in the fridge if you bought it frozen, but you must consume it within two days. If you leave it any longer, it will lose its freshness. However, seafood can go for as long as three to six months in a freezer with a constant temperature.

3. Marinate longer for improved flavour

The minimum time you can marinate seafood is thirty minutes for added taste. You can make marinades from several ingredients, including lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and spices. It’s worth noting that seafood tends to have a raw ocean smell that not everybody is enthusiastic about. Therefore, you might need lots of lemon juice and herbs to eliminate that peculiar smell. Some cooks prefer to marinate their seafood and store it in the refrigerator for up to 45 minutes. Also, it’s a good idea to reserve some of the marinades before adding the seafood to it. The reason is that you shouldn’t use the marinade which you used to soak the raw seafood to baste or glaze during the cooking process. This way, you reduce the risk of food poisoning. When marinating seafood, it is important to use a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag to ensure that the seafood is fully coated in the marinade. You can marinate it for up to 8 hours for maximum taste.

4. Cook seafood thoroughly and serve with complementary flavors

Seafood should be cooked quickly over high heat to maintain its texture and taste. The cooking time will depend on the type of seafood prepared and the cooking method used. Generally, it would be best to cook seafood until it’s opaque and its internal temperature reaches 62.7°C (145°F). Overcooking it can cause it to become tough and dry, so be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking. The final step in preparing seafood is to serve it with complementary flavors to enhance its taste. Some popular pairings for seafood include citrus slices, garlic, herbs, and spices. Depending on your preference, you can also serve it with various sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Doing this will help you create a deliciously balanced meal.

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This is a contributed post