How to Pick Good Fish at the Market
By Anthony Lin
Fish don't always come in a nice, clean filet in a shrink-wrapped package. But in some places, buying whole fish isn't just the norm, its the only option. Fishmongers and sellers typically do a good job of quality control and tossing out fish that'd gone off, but an extra set of eyes never hurts. If you're at the market and aren't able to tell the good from the bad, here's some things to look out for:
1. The Eyes
This is probably the most visible giveaway that a fish might have gone bad. If the eyes are crystal clear and look "lively", that means the fish is fresh and still good to eat. On the other hand, if the eyes are visibly cloudy or look like they have cataracts, chances are it's gone bad.
These sardines have clear/mostly clear eyes, they not only look good but can look good (I'll see myself out).
2. The Smell
Ironically, the "fishy" smell actually means that a fish has gone bad and has started breaking down. Fresh fish should have very little smell, and will normally smell like the ocean (or other body of water). The tried and true "sniff test" for every other food item also applies to fish and seafood.
3. The Texture
If a fish feels unusually soft or mushy, that's another sign that it either has or is beginning to go bad. Just like any other animal protein, there should be a bit of firmness in it if its still fresh and good to eat. If the flesh also looks likes its flaking or separating when uncooked, that's another bad sign. Fish meat should only flake once it's been cooked.
4. Timing
Once your fish makes it home, it needs to get cooked by the following day at the latest. Fish tend to spoil faster than other animal proteins, so unless you're ready to prepare it or freeze it, hold off until the day of to make your purchase. This also means there's a chance that the fish you're looking for (i.e. Red Snapper) might not be available. Your fish monger should be able to point you to other species that would be a good substitute, or tell you when restocks are coming in.
WT Seafood Market has a variety of fish available all-year round. Stop by our Seattle location and bag a stunning fish for your next meal. We're located at:
210 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA, United States, 98144