If you’ve never tried seafood before, you may be intimidated by the variety of dishes available. This article will outline the different dishes you should try in a seafood restaurant. Some of the more common options include pan-fried sea bass and grilled mackerel. Others are more adventurous and may even include items you’d never think to order yourself. However, you may find a wide variety of seafood that is a -must-try in places like seafood restaurant Plano, so don’t close your doors just yet.
Avoid tilapia
While tilapia is available in most seafood restaurants, the popularity of the fish has led some to question its health benefits. Although tilapia does not naturally pose health risks, increased demand has led to unsavory farming practices. Read on to discover why you should avoid tilapia at seafood restaurants. Then, weigh the benefits of tilapia against the cons of this fish and decide whether it is right for you.
First, you need to know the risks associated with eating tilapia. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 73 percent of the tilapia we eat comes from China. That means that tilapia from that country may be contaminated with animal feces. However, the good news is that tilapia does contain essential nutrients, including B vitamins. Fortunately, tilapia is high in protein and other nutrients. Nonetheless, most Americans do not meet the recommended seafood intake.
Another problem with tilapia is that not all of it is raised with the same care and standards. Not only is this fish’s environmental impact high, but tilapia’s nutritional value can vary significantly from country to country. Fresh or frozen tilapia from Mexico or Indonesia can provide significant health benefits. Be wary of tilapia from countries with low standards, such as China.
Avoid grilled mackerel
Aside from being delicious, grilled mackerel is also an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium, and iron. In addition, regular consumption of oily fish is proven to benefit the heart, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of cancer and arthritis.
The first thing to remember is that mackerel is a high-quality source of protein. Its high omega-3 content and low-calorie content make it a highly nutritious option. Fresh mackerel contains 15.8 grams of protein per three ounces. Eating fresh mackerel is also beneficial for dry skin and cancer prevention. Lastly, mackerel has a low calorie-to-protein ratio, a healthier option than grilled mackerel.
To prepare mackerel at home, place a fillet on a sheet of parchment paper. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt—Grill mackerel on medium-high heat, skin side down. The skin side should cook first, so it does not stick to the pan. Afterward, you can serve the fish with grilled vegetables or lime slices.
Avoid pan-fried sea bass.
While it’s tempting to order pan-fried sea bass in a seafood-themed restaurant, you should avoid it. This dish’s delicate, earthy flavor pairs well with citrusy ingredients. To achieve this, you should order the fish skin-side up, grilled without pin bones, and enjoy a zingy lemon sauce or garlic-infused olive oil. In addition, if you’re not a fan of solid fish flavors, you can order fluke, a mild fish.
While this fish is non-oily and white, it can become rubbery if it’s overcooked. Sea bass cooked to medium-rare has a delicate texture, juicy taste, and nutty flavor. Sea bass steaks can be eaten whole or cut into steaks. Whole fish tends to be moist and tender, but you should still ask for it medium-rare or rare.
If you are unsure of what you’re looking for in a fish, you can always try cooking it yourself. It has a mild, delicate flavor that pairs well with acidic and sweet flavors. You can also use a simple sauce to enhance the flavor and serve it with boiled potatoes or lentils. If you’re eating it out at a seafood restaurant, you’ll likely want to order it as a starter.