There are many flavors to discover under the sea, whether they are the small shrimps and clams or the hearty lobsters and stingray. Seafood dishes, accompanied with condiments such as rice and noodles, offer a lean source of protein necessary for us to build muscles and bone strength. They also keep our levels of blood cholesterol healthy, which protects us from various kinds of heart disease. Seafood may be prepared differently across cultures – our cookbook of recipes will give you a good head start on Asia’s culinary diversity!
Seafood preparation
Before learning how to cook seafood, you will need to understand how to choose the best from the market. Here are three things to note:
It should be refrigerated on thick ice that is not melting.
It should smell fresh and mild – if it smells fishy, sour or like, as some would say, ammonia, the seafood is spoilt and you must not purchase it.
If you do purchase frozen seafood packages, be sure not to take the packet that is torn or crushed at its edges.
Knowing how to store seafood after purchasing them is equally important. While you may store the seafood in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it, it is best advised to consume the food within two days. To maintain and enjoy the flavors made possible by its freshness however, you should cook and consume the seafood on the same day of purchase. While this may require a little more planning, we assure you that the effort will be worth it. After all, happiness lies in satisfying the tummy!
Seafood dishes for a feast
If you are still learning how to cook seafood, you can choose from our quick and easy Asian seafood recipes below to get started!
Have so many leftover rice? No problem! You can turn that leftover into something delicious with this Yang Zhou Fried Rice recipe. Check this authentic Chinese dish now!Explore More
Everybody loves dumplings. If you think making Har Gao is a difficult task, Asian Food Network is here to disagree. Check these easy steps and cook your own Har Gao now!Explore More
A dish as picturesque as sunrise by the beach, the Pumpkin Seafood Fried Rice is both a treat for the eyes and the mouth. The sweetness of the pumpkin, the saltiness of the dried scallops and the subtle fishy flavor of the dried shrimp, bound together by traditional Chinese sauces, coalesce into a delicious plate of rice that can be eaten on its own or paired with other dishes.Explore More
Is there anything quite as fun as stir-frying, or quite as tasty? The Shrimp Lo Mein will be your family favorite –not just because it is the winning combination of protein, vegetables and carbohydrates, but because it is quick to make and a wonderful combination of sweet (shrimp!) and savory (noodles!). Quick tip –use sesame oil after you’ve cooked your noodles to prevent them from sticking together.Explore More
Yet another favorite in the dim sum category, this crispy and juicy Beancurd Prawn Roll is so addictive that each mouth-watering bite will leave you wanting more. This dish is just as it sounds –chopped up pieces of sweet prawns wrapped in a beancurd skin, deep-fried until crispy and golden-brown. Serve it hot and with mayonnaise on the side!Explore More
Looking for a staple meal for weekday dinners? Look no further because the prawns and vegetable stir-fry isa quick and healthy dish that will satisfy little (and big) bellies alike. The garlic and variety of vegetables gives this dish its fragrance, and the prawn, its subtle sweetness. Here’s a tip –chop the broccoli small or steam it a little before frying so that it will have the same crunch as the other vegetables. Serve with a bowl of rice for a complete meal.Explore More
Introducing a staple and easy-to-prepare meal for the family - The Seafood White Bee Hoon, a dish that is considered a national cuisine along the ranks of Chilli Crab and Hainanese Chicken Rice. The bee hoon, simmered to perfection in a concoction of stock, fish sauce and spices, and mixed with fresh seafood, vegetables and creamy strings of egg is the perfect meal for the young and old.Explore More
Affectionately known as Potstickers in the West and Guo Tie in the East, the Pan Fried Dumpling is a crispy and juicy package that bursts with flavour, thanks to its filling of pork, prawns, ginger and seasoning. The trick is to fry the dumpling till it is golden, then steam it quickly with the right amount of water. Eat it hot with some ginger-soaked sauce made of soy sauce, black vinegar and sesame oil.Explore More
Looking for a dish that would wow your guests (but secretly takes no time nor the skill of a professional chef)? We present to you the Pan Seared Scallotswith Sesame Sauce and Glass Noodles, a dish so tasty that your guests will keep coming back for more. All you need are the glass noodles, scallops, basic sauces and seasoning, fresh garnishing and 10 minutes to cook!Explore More
