Stretching Your Seafood Dollar

Does seafood fit into your budget?

"HA!" YOU SAY.

How about seafood meals so affordable they’re perfect for any night of the week—even several nights a week?

"NO WAY!" YOU HOWL.

After all, seafood is expensive. Seafood is for special occasions... or moments of indulgence... or a night on the town (especially if someone else is picking up the check).

RIGHT?

We won’t tell you that some seafoods aren’t expensive. They are. The prices of such well-known favorites as ahi, king salmon or haddock can give even the most ardent—and affluent—seafood lover pause. But don’t think that the only way to serve great seafood is to shell out a bundle. Seafood can not only hold its own with thriftier foods, but it can also provide a healthful combination of low-fat protein and healthful omega-3 fatty acids that no other food offers. You just have to know how to serve seafood for less.

The first step toward seafood frugality comes with learning how to "stretch" fish and shellfish. The idea is to extend the more expensive ingredient by combining it with flavorful, nutritious and inexpensive "fillers" such as vegetables, pasta or rice. An added plus in recipes of this type is that they often make a full and satisfying meal, needing only some good crusty bread or a green salad alongside.

Next, you should learn how to select and prepare fish and shellfish that are less expensive. Don’t go to the market with your tastes set on expensive red snapper or halibut—and don’t assume that price equals quality and flavor. Instead, plan to check prices and be prepared to try some new species. Become familiar with the seasonal availability and pricing of fish and shellfish in your region. During December, for instance, fresh Dungeness crab is a bargain after the ocean season opens and crab flood the docks. Knowing the market trends and availability of seafood in your area will help to enhance your affordable seafood meals.

Of course, a great alternative to using fresh seafood is to use frozen seafood, such as our growing line of Simply Seafood® products. Frozen seafood offers the opportunity to prepare dishes that use out-of-season seafoods, and for a great price.

The following recipes offer remarkably delicious money-saving ideas.

• Italian Clam and Vegetable Bowl
• Mu Shu Salmon
• Greek Salad with Marinated Calamari Rings
• Shrimp Sate with Indonesian-Style Peanut Pasta
• Seafood Risotto