Seafood Secrets; tips on how to buy, store and eat our ocean’s catch!

From fish to mussels, prawns to crabs, seafood is not only a healthy, but traditional asset to our Australian diet. And whether we’re hosting a backyard BBQ for friends, or a whipping up a fresh family feast, here’s a few quality tips on how to buy, store and serve the best!

Always Buy from A Wholesaler

This is important for more the one reason! The first being that towns & suburbs close to our iconic coastlines, such as seafood from a Gold Coast Seafood Wholesaler, are more likely to stock fresh local catch. It’s also a great idea to form a relationship with your local wholesaler; they’ll steer you in the tastiest direction, and they’ll likewise get to know your preferences to accommodate your needs. You’ll also find them honest, as they’ll love your repeat clientele! Seafood wholesalers are usually able to recommend the best cooking methods and flavours for fish, crustaceans and molluscs too.

What Should Fresh Fish Look Like?

When visiting a fishmonger, search for fish that is rich in color and has a lustrous sheen. The texture should be firm and plump immediately back into shape after touching. The gills on a whole fish, and bloodlines in a fillet, should be rich red. And most of all, fish should smell of clean water and brine, rather than ‘fishy’.

What’s the Best Way to Store Fresh or Frozen Seafood?

Since seafood should be kept chilled at all times, it’s best to bring a cooler bag or even an esky when shopping at your wholesaler. You could even ask for some ice to keep your bounty cool on the journey home. If you’re eating your catch that night, or within a few days, store your seafood in an airtight container or bowl immediately. Then cover the container in glad wrap. Don’t leave in plastic bags or paper, and place in the coldest part of the fridge. Always eat before 3 days, ideally storing at 0-4 degrees Celsius; otherwise go frozen, as there’s some great alternate options in thawed seafood!

What are Easy and Affordable Options to Feed a Crowd?

Got a whole bunch coming over for a BBQ? Don’t stress, your local fishmonger has you covered! In areas like the Gold Coast, where an outdoor get-together is common as sunshine, your local Queensland wholesaler will no doubt have some stunning bargains for you. There are many types of prawns available at any one time, and you can grab a fresh or frozen few kilos for a catchy price. (Green prawns freeze wonderfully for future use). And the best part is, no complex recipes or culinary expertise is needed; a squirt of lemon and dip of tartare will do! Fresh Australian Snapper, Rainbow Trout and Whiting is often on special, and goes great on the grill. Flavour is always enhanced when fish is cooked on the bone, so a whole fish might be for you.

Yet once you’ve formed that all important relationship with your local wholesaler, you’ll be privy to every special on the menu!