When it comes to enjoying the best seafood dishes, starting with the freshest fish is crucial. Whether you’re shopping at your local grocery store or visiting a dedicated seafood market, knowing how to select the freshest fish can make all the difference in your meal’s taste and quality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you choose the best fish every time, ensuring that you always bring home the highest quality seafood for your culinary creations.

One of the most important factors in selecting fresh fish is trusting your senses. Fresh fish should have a mild, ocean-like aroma, reminiscent of the sea breeze. If the fish smells strong, fishy, or has an ammonia-like odor, it’s best to avoid it, as this is a clear indication that the fish is past its prime. Visually, you want to look for fish with shiny, metallic skin that glistens under the light. The eyes of the fish should be clear and slightly bulging, a sign of freshness. If the eyes are cloudy, sunken, or have a gray tint, it’s a warning sign that the fish may be old.

When examining whole fish, pay close attention to the eyes, as they are one of the best indicators of freshness. Clear, slightly bulging eyes signify that the fish has been recently caught and is still in its prime. If you’re purchasing fillets, look for flesh that is translucent and moist, with a vibrant color that is characteristic of the specific fish species. Avoid any fillets that have brown or yellow discoloration, as this is a sign of age and deterioration.

To ensure that you’re always getting the freshest fish possible, it’s essential to buy from reputable seafood markets or grocery stores with high turnover. These establishments typically have a steady stream of customers, which means their fish is constantly being restocked and is less likely to sit around for extended periods. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to ask the fishmonger or store manager about the origin of the fish and when it was caught. Locally caught fish is often fresher than fish that has been shipped from afar, as it spends less time in transit and reaches your plate sooner.

Another factor to consider when selecting fresh fish is seasonality. Just like fruits and vegetables, different fish species have peak seasons when they are most abundant and at their best quality. By familiarizing yourself with the seasonality of your favorite fish, you can ensure that you’re buying the freshest catch available. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide is an excellent resource for learning about the seasonality and sustainability of various fish species.

If you can’t find the specific fresh fish you’re looking for, don’t overlook frozen options. Fish that is flash-frozen at sea can be just as fresh as fish sold at the counter, as the rapid freezing process locks in the fish’s flavor, texture, and nutrients. When buying frozen fish, always check the packaging for any signs of damage or frost crystals, which could indicate that the fish has been thawed and refrozen, compromising its quality.

Once you’ve selected your perfect fish, it’s crucial to handle it properly to maintain its freshness. Keep the fish cold on the way home, either by using an insulated bag or requesting that the fishmonger pack it with ice. When you arrive home, store the fish in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which is typically the back. For optimal flavor and quality, aim to use your fresh fish within one to two days of purchase.

At Stewby’s Seafood Shanty, we understand the importance of using the freshest fish in our dishes. That’s why we take pride in sourcing our seafood directly from local fishermen, ensuring that our customers enjoy the best flavors the Gulf has to offer. Our commitment to freshness is evident in every bite of our signature dishes, from our succulent grilled grouper to our crispy fried shrimp. Visit one of our locations today and taste the difference that fresh, high-quality fish makes in our mouthwatering creations.