Easy Ways to Season Fish for Beginners

When I first started cooking fish, I honestly had no clue what to put on it. I guess you could say this sushi-loving girl was pretty clueless when it came to cooking seafood at home. But I had to start somewhere! So I started asking a lot of my friends for their favorite seafood recipes and their favorite way to prepare fish. I wrote them all down and started experimenting in the kitchen.

And you know what I found out? Fish is actually pretty versatile!

There are many different ways to season seafood depending on the type of fish and the flavors you enjoy. Whether you love fresh herbs, citrus, buttery sauces, or a little kick of spice, there's really no wrong place to start. Here are some easy ideas that helped me along the way.

Salmon 

Salmon can handle bolder flavors because of its rich, meaty flesh. I love using dill weed, fennel seed, and lemon zest for something fresh and simple. If you want to turn up the heat, chili pepper or curry powder with garlic tastes amazing too. Salmon is a fish that's really hard to mess up once you find flavor combinations you enjoy together. 

Trout

Trout tastes so good with fresh herbs and bright flavors. Onion, bay leaves, cayenne, cilantro, orange zest, and shallots all complement the fish well. My personal favorite combo is cilantro and orange zest because of its light and fresh taste, perfect for spring or summer dinners.

Haddock

Haddock is another great white fish that works with all sorts of seasonings. Fresh herbs are always a good option, but I also love using warm spices like garam masala and turmeric. One of my favorite ways to serve haddock is with those spices and a little fresh yogurt on top. It sounds fancy, but it's actually really simple!

Scallops

Scallops are one of my favorite seafood dishes to make because they don't need much addition to taste absolutely delicious. Sauté them in butter with garlic and onions for an easy restaurant-style meal, or bake them in chicken broth with a little parsley for a lighter option. Sometimes the simplest flavors end up being the best ones. 

Final Thoughts

Seasoning fish really doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Once you start throwing together different herbs, spices, and sauces, cooking seafood at home becomes a lot less intimidating. Remember to start simple, have fun with it, and don't be afraid to experiment a little. 

All you really need are a few good seasonings and a fresh piece of fish!

Cheers,

Lindsay