Seafood Cooking, Freshness, Safety Guide From Experts

Freshness is crucial when buying seafood like shrimp and salmon to ensure safety and optimal taste, with experts advising buyers to rely on sensory cues such as smell and appearance. Fresh shrimp should smell clean and ocean-like, without any ammonia odor, which signals spoilage, and should have firm, bright flesh without discoloration or black spots. For salmon, look for bright, moist, and shiny fillets, with wild salmon typically having a more vivid color compared to farmed varieties; different salmon species also have distinct colors that indicate quality. When preparing a seafood boil, it’s essential to add ingredients in the right order according to their cooking times to avoid undercooked potatoes or rubbery seafood, which is a common mistake. Those lacking fish sauce in their pantry can substitute it with soy sauce, which provides a similar umami and salty flavor profile, though not identical, making it a versatile alternative in many dishes. Meanwhile, certain tinned seafood options, such as Trader Joe’s grilled sardines, may disappoint with poor texture and flavor, highlighting the importance of product quality in seafood selections.