Buying Fresh Fish and Easy Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home

Buying fresh fish and preparing simple, delicious meals at home can be a rewarding experience. This guide will help you choose the freshest fish and provide you with easy recipes, including some special dishes you can find at Pismos Coastal Grill.

How to Buy Fresh Fish

1. Know What to Look For

• Eyes: Fresh fish should have clear, bright eyes that are slightly bulging. Avoid fish with sunken or cloudy eyes.

• Smell: Fresh fish should smell like the ocean—clean and briny. Avoid fish that has a strong, fishy odor.

• Gills: Check the gills to ensure they are bright red or pink. Brown or gray gills are a sign of spoilage.

• Flesh: The flesh should be firm to the touch and bounce back when pressed. Avoid fish with soft or mushy flesh.

• Skin: Look for shiny, metallic skin with tightly adhering scales.

2. Where to Buy Fresh Fish

• Local Fish Markets: Local fish markets are often the best places to find fresh, high-quality seafood.

• Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores have a seafood counter with knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the best fish.

• Online Seafood Delivery: Several reputable online vendors deliver fresh fish directly to your door.

Top Easy Fish Recipes for Dinner

1. Pistachio-Crusted Calamari Steaks with Lemon Beurre Blanc

Ingredients:

• Pistachio-crusted calamari steaks (available at Pismos Coastal Grill fish market)

• Lemon beurre blanc sauce (available at Pismos Coastal Grill fish market)

• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Add the pistachio-crusted calamari steaks to the pan.

3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the calamari is cooked through.

4. Warm the lemon beurre blanc sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.

5. Serve the calamari steaks drizzled with the warm lemon beurre blanc sauce.

2. Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients: Salmon fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, fresh parsley.

Instructions:

1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter.

3. Add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes.

4. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

5. Add minced garlic and lemon juice to the pan, basting the salmon with the sauce.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

3. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients: Shrimp, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon juice, pasta, fresh parsley, salt, pepper.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.

3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.

4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, simmering for a few minutes.

5. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and season with salt and pepper.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Cooking seafood at home can be simple and rewarding. By following these tips and trying out these recipes, you can enjoy delicious, fresh seafood meals right from your kitchen.

Buying fresh fish and preparing it at home can be a delightful experience with the right tips and recipes. Whether you're a seafood novice or a seasoned home cook, these guidelines and dishes will help you create delicious and healthy meals that showcase the best of what the ocean has to offer.