Whst is "approachable" seafood?

[jujube]

A new seafood restaurant is opening here soon and there's a lot of hype about it.

Among other things, it's advertised as serving "fresh, approachable seafood".

Now, I don't know about you, but I myself definitely prefer my seafood to be "approachable". I'd rather not have to beat it to death with a gaff before I can eat it or wrestle it into the pot. I'd like the restaurant staff to be responsible for subduing my meal, thank-you-very-much.....

 

[LadyEmeraude]

That is hilarious! I so much love Seafood but am severely allergic to Shellfish.

fresh approachable seafood, my mind is coming up with endless possibilities LOL

 

[jujube]

I mean...are the crabs crabby? The mussels in a 'roid rage? The cockles cocky? Is the abalone full 'o baloney? Is the mackerel overly holy? Do the shrimps have a Napoleonic Complex? Are the crayfish...well...cray-cray? Is the dogfish gonna hump my leg? Are the shellfish selfish?

I just want a meal. I don't want to have to hold a counseling session first because the fish is having some sort of crisis.....

 

[hollydolly]

I'm sure you've read it already , Jujube lol.. but for those who don't know...

Approachable seafood" refers to
dishes, fish, and shellfish that are accessible to beginners, picky eaters, or those who dislike strong "fishy" flavors. It is characterized by mild tastes, familiar textures (often firm or flaky), and preparations that disguise the "oceanic" nature of the food, such as frying, breading, or mixing into pasta.



Key characteristics and examples of approachable seafood include:

• Mild White Fish: Cod, snapper, flathead, barramundi, and tilapia are considered entry-level because they are not overpowering in flavor.
• Familiar Forms: Pre-shelled crab, peeled prawns, and fish cakes/fingers are less intimidating than whole fish or shellfish with heads.
• Preparation Methods: Fried, grilled, or smoked preparations (like beer-battered fish or salmon) are often preferred over raw or steamed options.
• Comfort Food Pairing: Incorporating seafood into familiar dishes like tacos, pasta, or mac and cheese makes it more acceptable to reluctant eaters.

Top Examples of Approachable Seafood:

• Prawns/Shrimp: Particularly breaded, tempura-style, or in pasta.
• Mild White Fish: Cod (especially as fish and chips) and snapper.
• Crab Cakes: Provides the flavor without the effort of cracking shells.
• Salmon: Grilled or smoked, offering a richer but generally liked flavor.

"Approachable" seafood often excludes stronger-flavored fish like sardines or mackerel, and intimidating shellfish like whole, unpeeled oysters or mussels.

 

[Aunt Bea]

The more adjectives, the higher the price!

“Don't sell the steak; sell the sizzle. It is the sizzle that sells the steak and not the cow, although the cow is, of course, mighty important.” - Elmer Wheeler

 

[oscash]

I'm a bit fussy when it comes to eating Prawns. I have to smell them, either fresh or cooked. If they don't smell fresh, I stay clear.

 

[Nathan]

"Approachable" seafood...I'm thinking ya got to sneak up on most seafood or they'll take off like a rocket.

Shellfish are sitting ducks, you can walk right up(swim) and grab 'em, they don't put up much of a fight, except the ones that have spines.

 

[CinnamonSugar]

This reminds me of the motto of one of the seafood restaurants in New England. (Can’t remember if it was Portsmouth NH or Boston MA).

“Where the customers are fresh and the fish are Aristocratic”

 

[Kaila]

What? No squid or octopus?!!
Why go then?

 

[CinnamonSugar]

Oops! Wrong thread! lol sorry @Kaila

 

[Kaila]

oh, you didn't mean me?
@CinnamonSugar

Oops.

 

[Kaila]

So perhaps we could open another seafood restaurant, down the street... called:

Sneaky and Scary Seafood

(Includes fish with eyeballs that look back at you)

 

[Pepper]

Won’t eat anything that lives in water but found explanation by @hollydolly to be most interesting.

 

[hollydolly]

Won’t eat anything that lives in water but found explanation by @hollydolly to be most interesting.

I love seafood....

 

[hollydolly]

What? No squid or octopus?!!
Why go then?

I love Squid..... not overkeen on octopus, but it's a staple as Tapas in Spain ...

 

[hollydolly]

I'm a bit fussy when it comes to eating Prawns. I have to smell them, either fresh or cooked. If they don't smell fresh, I stay clear.

Very sensible...

 

[Nathan]

I love Squid..... not overkeen on octopus, but it's a staple as Tapas in Spain ...

Tempura calamari is delicious, I tried making it onetime, cooking is better left to the pros, my attempt went in the trash and I picked up a fast food burger to soothe my wounded psyche.

 

[Knight]

I was going with not a DIY catch a great white shark for a shark steak meal.

 

[Sunkist]

I love Squid..... not overkeen on octopus, but it's a staple as Tapas in Spain ...

 

[Pepper]

Just remembered in Zurich I used to like octopus omelette. And in London I liked escargot but I think those are land snails. I liked the buttery garlic sauce.

Maybe it’s a European thing for me.

As a kid I used to like smoked whitefish. I think it was all the salt.

Now I won’t touch that stuff.

 

[Sunkist]

Regular fish = o.k.
Anything else = no.

 

[Sunkist]

Just remembered in Zurich I used to like octopus omelette. And in London I liked escargot but I think those are land snails. I liked the buttery garlic sauce.

Maybe it’s a European thing for me.

As a kid I used to like smoked whitefish. I think it was all the salt.

Now I won’t touch that stuff.

You're making that up, aren't you???

 

[Pepper]

You're making that up, aren't you???

Or was it squid? NO. It was indeed octopus.

 

[hollydolly]

Just remembered in Zurich I used to like octopus omelette. And in London I liked escargot but I think those are land snails. I liked the buttery garlic sauce.

Maybe it’s a European thing for me.

As a kid I used to like smoked whitefish. I think it was all the salt.

Now I won’t touch that stuff.

I doubt you had octopus Omelette in Zurich...you may have had Black squid Omelette....there tho'

Octopus is a common mediteranean dish This is a picture of my tapas at a favourite Mall cafe in Southern Spain.... which you can see contains Octopus... I can take in small amounts like that...along with the various cheeses...

this is tempura batter Prawns which I love and have in the restaurants here in the UK (

This is Lobster stuffed with Prawns at a high end beach restaurant in Marbella Spain....

...you can tell I like Seafood can't you ?..lol....

 

[hollydolly]

Just remembered in Zurich I used to like octopus omelette. And in London I liked escargot but I think those are land snails. I liked the buttery garlic sauce.

Maybe it’s a European thing for me.

As a kid I used to like smoked whitefish. I think it was all the salt.

Now I won’t touch that stuff.

I don't like Escargot.. I had it once in Paris.... it was ..if you can believe it.. in a French Chinese restaurant in Central Paris... We couldn't understand the menu.. so we ended up with Escargot in some kind of green slimey sauce...