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Fins are in!
The fruit of the sea can be a wonderful addition to a well-balanced diet. Fish is a great lower-fat protein alternative and the diversity of seafood could keep menu planners going for months. But before you head to the market, check out these fishy tips:
- Saltwater fish (such as cod and flounder) have thicker bones than freshwater fish (such as catfish and trout), that have hundreds of filament-thin bones. If you don't like fighting those tiny bones, choose saltwater species when buying whole fish.
- Prepare fresh fish for cooking by washing it with cold running water and then patting dry with paper towels.
- When grilling fish, make sure the grill is very hot and brush oil on the fish before placing on the grill.
- Cook fresh fish within two days.
- Instead of tartar sauce with fish, try a spicy dipping sauce made with marmalade or peach jam and prepared hot mustard.
- Always marinade seafood in the refrigerator, not on the counter top.
- When buying live lobsters or crabs, be sure to pick the most active of the group.
- Fresh shrimp and scallops should be firm and dry.
- When you buy shrimp, select the ones that have the shell closely fit to the body. Loose shells are a sign of shrinkage, and they are probably not fresh.
- Cook fish to perfection, whether a steak, fillet or whole fish or whether you're baking, broiling, sauteing or frying the fish, by following the following rule: Cook it 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Measure the width of the fillet, steak, or whole fish. If it's ½ inch thick, cook it five minutes; and so on. Works every time!
COOKING TIP: Rub lemon juice over fingers before handling fish to avoid any odour clinging to the hands.
COOKING TIP: Fresh fish should never smell "fishy". A good way to test if the fish is fresh is to press on it gently. If it leaves an indentation, don't buy that fish – it's not good. Look for shiny skin, clear eyes, and gills that are bright pink to red in colour.
COOKING TIP: To keep breading on food during frying, add ½ teaspoon of sugar to the batter.
"Super Tasting Allstar Recipes" from the parents, students and teachers of Langley Fundamental Middle School, Langley, BC, Canada