Seafood is a nutrient-rich food that offers a wide range of health benefits. Fish is packed full of vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help your body stay healthy and can even prevent certain conditions. Yet many people experience a seafood aversion that keeps them from enjoying the health benefits and unique flavors of seafood dishes.
Why Do Some People Not Like Seafood?
Seafood has one of the most distinguishable smells. One of the reasons why some people avoid seafood is because of the strong smell of certain types of fish or other sea creatures. Others refuse to consume seafood because they don’t like its appearance or texture. Some fish can come with small bones and scales, which can be off-putting. If cooked incorrectly, fish, octopus, calamari, to name a few, can even take on a rubbery texture.
Is It Possible to Learn to Like Seafood?
Whatever your reason for avoiding this type of food, there are many ways to learn how to like it. The first step is to be open and willing to experiment until you find your favorite type of seafood. After all, there are many different types of fish and nearly endless ways of seasoning and preparing them. If you want to expand your palate and learn to enjoy seafood, start small and keep trying new dishes until you find your favorite.
How to Make Yourself Like Seafood
Here are a few tips to overcoming a seafood aversion and enjoying creative dishes focused on fish:
- Only cook and eat fresh fish: Preferably, you want to only cook with and consume the catch of the day. The fresher the fish, the less fishy it will smell and taste. Fresh fish will only have a very faint scent. If you can’t get the catch of the day, try frozen fish.
- Choose white-meat seafood: White meat seafood has a mild taste, absorbs flavors and seasonings and has the least fishy taste. Options such as tilapia, flounder, halibut, shrimp, scallops and Chilean sea bass are the perfect fish for picky eaters. Choosing dishes like shrimp tacos or grilled tilapia allows you to acclimate to the taste and build toward fishier seafood.
- Don’t overcook seafood: One of the most important things to remember is to not overcook seafood. When fish is overcooked, it takes on more of a rubbery texture.
- Use familiar spices and methods: Adding familiar spices and sauces to seafood can make the transition easier. For example, if you prefer smoky flavors, throw your fish on the grill. You can also fry seafood or incorporate it into your favorite dishes.
Experience Seafood With Personality at USS Nemo
At USS Nemo, we invite you to experience a unique fine dining restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes. Our menu options, ranging from coconut shrimp to grilled Scottish salmon, are all freshly caught and expertly prepared. To enjoy high-end dining in an unforgettable atmosphere, make your reservation today!
