Unless you catch the fish yourself you really have no way of really knowing how fresh that fish really is but here are some tips you can follow to make sure you end up with a fresh tasty fish for what ever fish recipe you are making.

1. Your fishes eyes should be bright and clear and fill the whole eye socket of the fish. If the eye has shrunk then you know the fish is not fresh and you really should move on to another fish or another seafood shop.

2. Your fish you are thinking of buying should be shiny and bright. Not dull and lifeless. If it has any discolored patches on it don't buy that fish.

3. A fresh fish should smell like water not fish. If there is a strong fishy smell then you don't want that fish. Don't buy no stinky fish.

4. Your fishes gills should be a rich red color. If they are brick red or gray then again don't buy the fish. Move on to another fish or another seafood shop.

When Buying A Lobster.

When you buy lobsters out of a tank keep in mind that you want the lobsters that are moving around in the tank. Not the one that is quietly setting over there in the corner. Lobsters are actually starving there in the tank and you want to buy them when they are as freshly arrived in the tank as possible for a fresh tasting lobster. If none are moving ask when does the next shipment arrive and go back on that day to purchase your lobster.

When Your Buying Shellfish.

You should buy your shell fish only where you are allowed to check them out. If you set a clam or a mussel on the counter and then touch its shell in a moment or two you should see it snap its shell closed. When you cook shellfish always discard any that do not open when you cook them. When buying oysters in the shell you want clean smelling oysters that look fresh. Ask the seller if they can open one for you to examine. The oyster should be plump and fresh. And there should be a water smell not a stinking smell. If you smell something bad don't buy the oysters at all.

Tips On Crab Meat

When you buy crab meat especially the canned cracked crab found in seafood delis you want your crab to be as fresh as possible. Their should be a date on the can when it was packed. If that date is several weeks old then you do not want that can of crab. It has been frozen. Also when you buy fresh cracked crab in the can be sure to pour it out in a bowl before you use it and check through it carefully for bits of crab shell.

Buy your shrimp whole and frozen unless you live in a shrimp producing area then by all means buy your shrimp fresh. Or if you live in a place like the coastal or barrier island regions of say North Carolina or South Carolina consider catching your shrimp fresh with a cast net for the best tasting shrimp you will ever eat.

How About Shrimp And Grits

Shrimp And Grits Recipe

Here I'm going to share one of my very best recipes for shrimp and grits. Now along the coastal regions from the outer banks of North Carolina around to New Orleans you'll find shrimp and grits made many different ways. Here with this shrimp and grits recipe I tried to come up with a recipe for shrimp and grits that anyone should be able to make and enjoy.

For your grits you will want to use instant or quick grits and buy them in a large box so you won't have to be opening all those little packs. For your grits part of the recipe you will want to follow the below recipe.

1. 2 Cups Quick or Instant Grits.

2. 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Garlic.

3. 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning.

4. 1 Teaspoon Salt.

5. 2 Cups Chicken Broth.

6. 1 8 Ounce Package Cream Cheese.

7. 1 Tablespoon Real Butter.

Place your grits and chicken broth in a small sauce pan. Bring almost to a boil and turn down to simmer. Now add in your other ingredients and stir well to make sure everything is well mixed.

Now for your shrimp and gravy you will want to follow the below recipe. You will probably really want to make your shrimp and gravy first and then make your grits.

Shrimp And Gravy Recipe

1. 1/4 Pound Bacon chopped fine.

2. 1 Purple Sweet Onion chopped up fine.

3. 1 Red and 1 Green Bell Pepper seeded and chopped fine.

4. 3 Green Onions Chopped Fine including the green onion tops.

5. 1 Cup Real Butter.

6. 1 Cup All Purpose Flour.

7. 1 Teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper.

8. 1 Teaspoon Salt.

9. 6 Cups Chicken Stock.

10. 2 Pounds Peeled and Deveined Shrimp.

Start off by frying your bacon until it is crisp. Take a slotted cooks spoon and remove your bacon to a stock pot. Leave the bacon drippings in the pan. Add in the purple sweet onion and the bell pepper and saute until done. Add to the stock pot. Clean the saute pan and then you will want to brown the all purpose flour in the butter until brown. When brown rake into the stock pot.

Now add in the chicken stock and the seasonings and bring almost to a boil and add in your shrimp. Reduce to medium heat and cook until the shrimp is done. Now stir in your chopped green onions and turn off. Stir the pot well to mix up all the ingredients well.

You will want to make your grits now and when they are done place a serving of grits on the plate and ladle a serving of shrimp and gravy over your grits. You have now made one of the most delicious shrimp and grits recipes that you will ever eat.

You can if you wish try pouring your grits into a loaf pan and when firm slice them in thick slices and dip in beaten egg and then roll in flour , salt , and pepper. Fry until golden brown and then serve your shrimp and gravy over each fried slice of grits.

Comments

If you make any of the recipes on this page please post a comment below and tell us how the recipe or recipes turned out for you. What did you make and how did you like it.

Fish Shops or Seafood Markets should not stink and they must be spotless and clean. If there is a public restroom check it out. Is it clean? If they don't keep the bathroom clean then you probably don't want to buy fish and seafood there.

In some parts of the USA you can find really great fish and seafood being sold on the roadside or at Flea Markets but none of the fish or seafood should stink. And everything should be kept as clean as possible. Fish should be on ice as should all seafood. Be sure to check everything out well before you buy your fish or seafood.