Have you gotten stuck in a culinary rut? Eating the same few meals every week, wondering how to shake it up? The solution is simple—look to the seas. There are different types of seafood enjoyed all around the world, most of which you’ve probably never tried. Let this short list inspire you to broaden your gastronomic horizons.
Spain: Paella
Enjoy your seafood—shrimp, mussels, clams—on a bed of tender, saffron-infused rice. Residents of Valencia claim this colorful dish as their own, but you can bring a taste of Spain to your table at home. Seafood, chicken, rice, and vegetables are all cooked in one pan and served together.
Great Britain: Fish and Chips
This British staple stemmed from the Catholic tradition of forgoing meat on Fridays, opting instead for a fish dinner. The fish is usually cod or haddock, deep-fried and served with chips (fries). Top it off with simple salt and malt vinegar, or cook up a delicious gravy to smother those chips.
Peru: Ceviche
If you don’t think you’ve got the stomach for raw fish, you’ve never tried Peruvian ceviche! Fresh-caught white fish, usually tilapia or halibut, is cubed and marinated in lime juice to “cook” it. Serve with sweet potatoes, corn, and some of the extra marinating liquid, called leche de tigre.
Alaska, USA: King Salmon
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most bountiful fisheries in the world, and the Sitka region takes particular pride in its salmon. Alaskan king salmon is unique among fish for its health benefits and wild-caught taste; serve with garlic butter and plenty of lemon juice.
Japan: Unagi
While sushi is undoubtedly the most popular Japanese seafood offering, this island country has access to all different kinds of seafood. Unagi, or freshwater eel, is best eaten grilled or baked. It’s a fatty fish with a sweet and mild taste, and its porous flesh makes it a prime candidate for adventurous sauces.
Enjoy a variety of seafood from around the world, either on your next vacation or in your kitchen this week. Oceans account for over 70 percent of this planet’s surface area; consider their offerings for tasty inspiration!
