Ever since man discovered the means to explore the aquatic world, seafoods have been an important part of our diet. In fact, there are restaurants around the world that serve strictly seafoods to their customers. What is it about these aquatic treats that make us keep wanting more? Apart from being nutritionally beneficial, Seafoods are tasty and delicious and offer us an irresistible alternative to meat.
As a result of the vast oceans consisting of diverse aquatic life, you might get confused when thinking about the specific seafood dish to order. Not to worry, I have compiled a list of the most popular seafood dishes that are served by some of the top restaurants in the world. This list should help you narrow down your options.
- Crab Cake
The idea behind this delicious American fish cake was first introduced in ancient times by English Settlers to the various colonies. Since then, there have been several variations of its recipe. However, the standard ingredients remain Shellfish meat, eggs, breadcrumbs and flavorings like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and fresh herbs.
- Sashimi
This Japanese dish mainly consists of shellfish, raw fish or occasionally meat, served alongside ingredients like ginger paste or wasabi and soy sauce. A sashimi dish can be creatively cut in several ways, either into thick or thin pieces. It can be taken as an appetizer with cucumbers, shiso leaves and seaweed.
- New England Clam Chowder
This dish is one of the earliest American delicacies formed by pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620. This delicacy is a stew that is often prepared with bits of salted pork, briny clams, sweet onions, milk, and potatoes.
- Ceviche
This popular seafood delicacy is indigenous to the people of Peru. It consists of a bit of raw fish or shellfish, flavored with onions, chili, salt, and pepper. The mixture is often soaked in lime juice with a high level of acidity for an improved texture and flavor. The acidity of the lime juice tenders the fish without the use of any heat. The fish used in preparation are usually freshly caught. The Chez Wong restaurant in Lima, Peru serves some of the best ceviche in the world.
- Fish and Chips
Perhaps, the most “English” dish on the list, fish and chips are widely eaten all around Europe. This dish consists of a white fish fillet and sliced up potatoes. There are several varieties of fish used in this delicacy. A few of them include flounder, Cod, and haddock. The fish fillet is then marinated with a batter that is made from flour, milk, eggs and then fried in oil. Maui Seafood Restaurants really have this dish down. Maui offers the freshest catches in the Pacific Ocean.
- Bisque
This delicious French soup is made with ingredients such as seafood, wine or cognac, cream, and several other spices. Traditionally, the soup is prepared by first using a grill to roast the shellfish and then heating it again in the flavored soup. The most popular type of this dish is the Lobster Bisque. It is made with the most fascinating flavors and spices. Little wonder this dish is loved by so many from across the globe.
- Bacalhau
Dishes made with Cod are most popular among Portuguese seafood lovers. These dishes are simple and can be ordered anytime, any day. However, a few variations are reserved for specific celebrations like Good Friday and Christmas eve. Some of the most popular bacalhau in Portugal include creamy bacalhau com natas, crispy bolinhos de bacalhau fritters, Staple bacalhau com todos reserved for Christmas eve and bacalhau a bras which is very common in Lisbon.
- Himono
Himono consists of different types of dried fish dishes. Some of the ingredients used include smaller fishes like sardines or mackerel. These fishes are cleaned, marinated, and then refrigerated or occasionally dried in the sun. This method was originally used for preservation, to increase shelf life. Before that, salting was the most common form of preservation. After drying, the fish could be eaten immediately or stored.
Himono is often eaten with rice and soy sauce. It could be taken for breakfast, lunch or could even be eaten as a snack at night.
- Spaghetti alle vongole
It will take you only a few minutes to prepare this meal. If you get the ingredients right, you should find it easy too. This takes nothing away from its flavor. Traditionally a Neapolitan dish, Spaghetti alle vongole consists of two main ingredients: Pasta and vongole clams. There are a few who prefer the dish without any tomatoes, called the Bianco version. Yet, there are others who prefer the fish made with crushed tomatoes called spaghetti alle vongole con la salsa di pomodoro.
This dish is also popular in Italian seafood restaurants like the popular osteria alle testiere and the Trattoria da Emilia. It is most often served in the summer, because of sufficient availability of fresh ingredients. This delicacy is one of the most popular meals of the Neapolitan dinner served on Christmas Eve. It is called the Cena della vigilia di Natale.