How to Cook Fish

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How to Cook Fish - Recipes and Cooking Techniques

This page has tips on cooking fish as well as a selection of fish and seafood cookbooks, important links and other information.

Fish is known to be a healthy food choice. Eating baked or broiled fish at least once a week appears to reduce the risk of stroke and may have other benefits.

For specialized cooking recipes, check the lists of related information near the bottom of this page.

Baked Fish Is Healthy!

baked tilapia fishCurrent evidence suggests that eating baked or broiled (not fried) fish at least once a week appears to reduce the risk of stroke by about 25 percent. Eating fish more than four times a week seems to reduce stroke risk a bit more.

According to research, eating tuna and other types of fatty fish seems to help protect against memory loss and stroke, although the same results were not found in people who regularly ate fried fish.

In 2005, Harvard researchers reported their finding that, compared with eating fried fish less than once a month, eating fried fish more than once per week was associated with a 44 percent higher risk of stroke (Mozaffarian D et al. 2005). The term "fried fish" includes foods such as breaded, deep-fried fish sticks and fish sandwich fillets.

How To Cook Fish on the Grill

Fish can be grilled whole or as fillets or steaks. In addition to the natural flavors, fish are often seasoned with marinades or spices when grilled. The result is a healthy, delicious seafood dish.

According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association nearly eight out of ten households own an outdoor barbecue grill or smoker. During the peak months, May through September, almost half the grill owners grill one to two times per week. Grilling seafood has become one of the favorites because of its versatility and health benefits.

Non-Stick Grilling Pan - Grid - Sheet for Cooking Fish

Cooks may call these tools grilling sheets, pans or grids, but no matter which name is used, they are crucial for grilling fish and seafood. Grill sheets are also useful for cooking vegetables and other foods on gas or charcoal grills.

This cooking grid is perfect for cooking fish, shellfish, meat and vegetables on the grill. The grid has a black porcelain coating, making it extraordinarily strong even when exposed to high heat.

The non-stick surface prevents food from sticking, leaving fish fillets, steaks, chicken, and vegetables unmarred when transferred to serving dishes. The unit cleans up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher.

Fish and Seafood Cooking Terms

blacken - to sear fish or seafood in a cast iron frying pan or grill with high heat. The item is usually heavily coated with a blackening seasoning and typically cooked rare in the center.

brine - a salt solution used to soak fish and seafood prior to smoking or drying.

broil - to cook an item in the lower section of the oven where heat contacts the item from above. This method is good for browning the topside of a fillet or other seafood.

ceviche - also spelled cebiche or seviche is a form of citrus marinated seafood salad. Ceviche originated in Peru.

chowder - a rich soup using seafood, vegetables and either a tomato based or dairy based broth.

bisque - a rich spicy soup containing lobster, shrimp or other seafood.

fillet - a cut of fish which consists of one boneless side of the fish, either skin on or skin off.

surimi - a seafood product made from fully cooked fish and processed into products that look and taste similar to other seafood items such as crab meat, lobster meat or sea scallops.

smoke, smoking - a process where fish is soaked in a brine solution and exposed to low temperatures and wood smoke for a period of time.

Seafood Information

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How to Make Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a popular way to serve fish. A wide range of recipes are available, utilizing fish species such as mahi, tuna, wahoo, mako shark, salmon, halibut, grouper, snapper, catfish, tilapia and others. Fish tacos are simple to prepare, require few ingredients and make healthy meal choices.

Preparation of fish tacos depends on the type of fish chosen. Some species have a very distinct flavor and is best cooked in a manner that doesn't overwhelm the fish. These include species such as salmon and wahoo. Other fish with mild flavor lend themselves to a wider range of cooking styles, including grilling, blackening and broiling.

Bland fish, such as tilapia also make excellent foundations of fish tacos since their flavor can be improved by adding spices and using more intense cooking techniques. In either case, the fish is cooked, chopped and added to the taco along with other ingredients.

Depending on recipe variations or local preferences, fish tacos may contain additions such as lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, onion, sweet peppers, hot peppers, tomato, lime, mango, chili powder, cumin, sea salt, cheeses, sauces, etc.

Fish - Seafood Cookbooks

Fish Without a Doubt: The Cook's Essential Companion by Rick Moonen, Roy Finamore

Fish Without a Doubt: The Cook's Essential Companion by Rick Moonen, Roy Finamore

Comprehensive. Friendly. Indispensable. With more than more...0 points

First Book of Sushi (World Snacks) by Amy Wilson Sanger

First Book of Sushi (World Snacks) by Amy Wilson Sanger

For the littlest fans of that favorite Japanese fi more...0 points

The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, from Samurai to Supermarket by Trevor Corson

The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi, from Samurai to Supermarket by Trevor Corson

Everything you never knew about sushi-its surprising more...0 points

Fish Forever: The Definitive Guide to Understanding, Selecting, and Preparing Healthy, Delicious, and Environmentally Sustainable Seafood by Paul Johnson

Fish Forever: The Definitive Guide to Understanding, Selecting, and Preparing Healthy, Delicious, and Environmentally Sustainable Seafood by Paul Johnson

From a star fishmonger, a unique cookbook and guide more...0 points

Fish: The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking by Mark Bittman

Fish: The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking by Mark Bittman

Fish: The Complete Guide to Buying and Cooking is more...0 points

Fish & Shellfish: The Definitive Cook's Companion by James Peterson

Fish & Shellfish: The Definitive Cook's Companion by James Peterson

Every few decades a chef or a teacher writes a cookbook more...0 points

The New Legal Sea Foods Cookbook by Roger Berkowitz, Jane Doerfer

The New Legal Sea Foods Cookbook by Roger Berkowitz, Jane Doerfer

The complete guide to buying, cooking, and enjoying more...0 points

Fish Chowder

salmon chowderMost fish chowders can be categorized as either tomato based or cream based (New England). Both types are delicious and usually contain a few common ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, onions and celery.

Some chowders and soups contain not only fish but other types of seafood. Chowders can be made in advance and their flavor typically improves after being chilled for a day or more.

Articles on Cooking Fish

How to Make White Seafood Chowders
Among the most popular seafood dishes is a milk or cream based chowder. Classic chowder recipes combine a few basic vegetables with a single selection of seafood or perhaps a combination of fish and shellfish.
Salmon Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a popular way to serve smoked salmon and other seafood. A wide range of recipes are available, utilizing ingredients such cheeses, peppers, tomatoes and others.
New England Style Fish and Chips
Fish and chips (fish 'n' chips) is one of the most well known seafood dishes in the world. The meal, which originated in the United Kingdom consists of battered, deep-fried fish and sliced, deep-fried potatoes.
How to Prepare and Serve Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is one of the most delicious and healthy types of fish.
Seafood Sizes, Weights, Measures
This page offers a variety of information relating to seafood sizes, weights and units of measure.

Seafood Kitchen Accessories

Oxo Good Grips Oyster Knife

Oxo Good Grips Oyster Knife

It takes a pretty tough tool to work its way into more...1 point

Outset QS71 Stainless Steel Large 17

Outset QS71 Stainless Steel Large 17" x 11" Grill Grid with Handles

The sizzling Grilltop Collection from Outset provi more...1 point

Best Fish Sandwiches

fish sandwichAccording to the 2010 Technomic Sandwich Consumer Trend Report, sandwiches continue to be a strong seller. Consumers report eating 3.4 sandwiches per week.

One of the factors driving sandwich purchases is quality. 86% of consumers indicate that the quality of the meat (86%), the freshness of the ingredients (84%) and the quality of the bread (81%) have the most impact in creating a good sandwich.

Fish sandwiches vary widely by location, but most share a few common traits. A good fish sandwich should be mild, boneless, not greasy and have an appealing taste.

Among the most popular fish species used for fish sandwiches include cod, haddock, pollock, flounder, mahi mahi, whitefish, catfish and others.

Fish Species

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How To Tell if Fish is Fresh

Most seafood experts recommend that consumers look for the following when purchasing fresh fish:

Fresh fish should have a mild aroma.

Whole fish should have bright, clear and shiny eyes.

Scales should be shiny and cling tightly to the skin.

Gills should be bright pink or red.

Steaks and fillets should be moist with firm and shiny flesh.

The flesh should spring back when pressed.

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Stainless Steel Grilling Rack for Fish 

Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Stainless Steel Seafood Grilling Rack

Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

There is nothing like the high, dry heat of the grill to bring out the briny succulence of oysters, clams and mussels. The stainless steel shellfish rack from steven raichlen best of barbecue is designed to hold shellfish flat during grilling to you keep the succulent juices where they belong - in the shellfish, not on the coals.

Non-stick Grilling Tray 

Non-stick Grilling Tray (Great for Vegetables, Shrimp & Fish)

Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

Great for cooking fish & vegetables. 10.5in x 15in grilling tray. Non stick surface. For indoor & outdoor cooking.