Seafood is one of the most delicious, tasty, and healthy types of protein available on the market today. But when you are looking to impress someone, whether a client or a date, you may be wondering what the most premium types of seafood are and how to serve them.
We’ve made this list of the top premium seafoods available, as well as where you can buy them. No matter who you are trying to impress, this list will teach you everything you need to know about premium seafood, so read on!
1. Stone Crab
Stone crab is the best of the best premium seafood. Not only is stone crab meat delicious, but it is also 100% sustainable, meaning this is a seafood that you can feel good about eating. Be aware, however, that it is seasonal, so it can be hard to get at certain times of the year.
Stone crab claw meat is easy to prepare as it can be consumed hot or cold. It tastes best when dipped in clarified butter or Joe’s mustard sauce, so don’t forget to add some to your order. We recommend ordering 2-3lbs per person you plan to serve to ensure you have enough to go around!
2. Caviar
After stone crab, there is no seafood quite as prestigious as Caviar. Caviar is a name for an entire class of seafood, and your exact experience will vary depending on the type you choose to buy. Caviar are fish eggs, and some of the best varieties available include Imperial, Royal Kaluga, and Premium Sturgeon caviar.
As delicious as caviar is, not everyone likes the flavor on its own. We recommend taking the time to create mouth-watering appetizers with caviar using blinis and cream fraiche. The result will be a dish that no one will forget!
3. Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna are large fish that can weigh up to 1,500lbs and are typically caught in the Atlantic sea, though many variations of this breed of fish live in the oceans around the globe. Bluefin tuna is frequently consumed raw as sushi or sashimi, though it can also be seared or cooked prior to eating.
Because of its initial popularity, the number of bluefin tuna has decreased drastically over the last decade, leaving less than 38% of the population that once was. As such, the species has been protected, and therefore, the number of Bluefin tuna fished each year has dropped, leading the fish to carry a premium price tag.
Bluefin tuna is delicious, flavorful, and a favorite around the globe. If you can afford the high cost, any dish made with this fish is truly worth it.
4. Langoustines
Langoustines are the smaller, sweeter and lesser known cousin of lobsters, and many people around the world are just discovering how delicious they are. Fished out of the cold waters of the North Sea, these creatures are also protected, meaning they come at a premium cost.
One thing we love about langoustines is that they just go so well with everything. While you can serve them on their own with clarified butter (just like lobster), we find they are best enjoyed with a creamy or citrusy pasta. No matter how you prepare them, langoustines are positively delicious and should be first on your list for your next fancy seafood dinner!
5. Lobster
Of course, everyone has had lobster meat at some point in their life, and it's easy to see why. Lobsters are easy to fish, and their meat is delicious when warmed and dipped in butter. You can also consume them cold, in a lobster salad, or on a sandwich.
Lobsters can be found all over the world, and there are several varieties to choose from. They can be purchased whole, or you can save time and buy just the tail. Many companies even offer pre-stuffed lobster tails or already cooked and peeled lobster meat, which makes planning your next lobster dinner a breeze!
6. Alaskan King Crab
Alaskan king crab is one of the largest crab species on the planet and is known for its absolutely delicious and tender meat. Because of this crab's size, you’ll always get your money’s worth as the legs are positively huge and packed with meat!
We recommend serving crab steamed with clarified butter for dipping. Obviously, you’ll also need to have a tool to crack open the legs!
While Alaskan king crab is our favorite, know that there are some varieties available that are a little cheaper (and a little less premium). Those who don’t want to peel their own crab should choose Dungeness crab, while those who want the same experience as Alaskan king crab for less can order giant North Sea crab.
7. Oysters
Last but certainly not least, on our list of premium seafood is oysters. Oysters are mollusks that grow both on boats and at the bottom of harbors. There are many different breed of oyster found around the world, leading to widely different taste experiences based on the type of oyster you order.
Oysters are perhaps most famous for the variety that creates pearls, though we personally prefer the tasty type and couldn’t care less about the pearls! Oysters can be served raw, grilled, or even fried, meaning you can truly cook them how you want!
These tasty morsels can carry high price tags depending on your location, though they can be available for relatively cheap by the sea. Just make sure you follow all instructions for storing oysters to ensure they are safe to eat.
Where to Buy Premium Seafood
As you can see, there are so many different types of premium seafood you can order to suit your fancy. Those living by the sea have an advantage, of course, but thanks to online seafood suppliers like Stone Crab Club, you can order fresh and delicious seafood directly from your door no matter where you live!
If you like to eat seafood year-round, ensure you check out their subscription options, and don’t forget to add all the necessary tools and dips to your basket when you order!