Seafood is one of the best foods because it tastes great, is incredibly healthy, and is low in calories.
Consuming in moderation can help with weight loss and improve heart health by keeping your cholesterol levels in check.
However, with so many different types of seafood on the market, Shopping for them can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Here are different types of seafood to check out.
1. Salmon
There are many types of seafood, but salmon is one of the most popular. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for health.
Nevertheless, there are several different types of salmon, including wild and farmed salmon.
Wild salmon is caught in the wild and typically has a higher-quality flavor. Farmed salmon is raised in captivity and has a milder flavor.
When choosing salmon, you should also consider its sustainability. Salmon certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council is a good choice.
2. Mackerel
A type of fish with silver sides has a dark blue or greenback. They are found in all oceans, but most commonly in the Atlantic.
Mackerel can grow up to three feet long and weigh up to twenty pounds.
Nonetheless, most mackerels are less than a foot long and weigh less than a pound. Some people eat them raw, while others cook them.
There is no right way to prepare this kind of seafood because it is tasty in both ways among different types of seafood.
3. Tuna
Tuna is a versatile fish that can be cooked in various ways. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and it’s a good source of protein.
There are several different types of seafood named tuna, including bluefin, yellowfin, and albacore. Each other variety of seafood has its unique flavor and texture.
In addition, when choosing tuna, you should consider how it will be cooked and what you’ll pair it with.
For example, if you plan on making sushi or ceviche, choosing a chunk of light-colored meat like albacore is best. This way, the meat will stand out against the rice or fruit.
If cooking sashimi, look for dark red chunks like those from Bluefin tuna; this way, the natural fat content will provide extra moisture and richness when eaten raw.
4. Halibut
Most people don’t know that there are different types of halibut. The Pacific halibut is the most prominent member of the flatfish family.
It can grow to eight feet long and weigh up to 700 pounds! The Atlantic halibut is smaller, only growing up to four feet long.
Halibut, on the other hand, is a popular seafood found in cold waters worldwide. It’s usually available fresh but sometimes as canned or frozen filets.
There’s white halibut, which has less flavor than other different types of seafood.
There’s also an oilier halibut, suitable for frying because it fries well and stays moist even when overcooked.
5. Cod
Most people are familiar with cod, but there are several different types. Alaskan cod, for example, is a type of fish found in the Pacific Ocean near Alaska.
Another type of cod is the Atlantic cod, which is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, there are Pacific cod and Arctic cod.
These fish are similar in appearance but have different geographical origins among different types of seafood.
6. Fin Fish
Fish that have fins and scales are considered finfish. These fish live in saltwater and can be found in all oceans. Some fin fish are also farmed in freshwater ponds.
Examples include Shellfish: Shellfish is an animal with a shell on the outside, such as shrimp or lobster.
Notwithstanding, most types of shellfish live in saltwater. In contrast, some can also be found in freshwater or on land.
7. Catfish
Various catfish are available, but the most common in the U.S. are channel catfish and blue catfish.
Channel catfish have a milder flavor, while blue catfish are often described as earthy or nutty.
Other types of catfish include flathead, bullhead, and blacktip shark.
Flathead tastes richer with notes of ocean fish, like halibut and tuna. Blacktip sharks are firmer than other types of seafood and have a sweet finish.
8. Bluegill
Bluegill is another type of freshwater fish that lives primarily in the U.S., Though it’s also found worldwide in warmer climates such as Africa and Brazil.
The flesh is light-colored and mildly sweet. As it ages, the meat becomes more tender.
Above all, Bluegill filets can be pan-fried, oven-baked, grilled, or microwaved for about five minutes before serving.
This list will help if you’re looking for other types of seafood that you might not be familiar with yet but that sound interesting (eel?!).
9. Trout
Trout is a common type of freshwater fish found in rivers and streams. It has a greenish-brown body with dark spots and a white belly.
However, the flesh is pinkish-white and firm. Compared to other types of seafood, it has a mild flavor with a slightly nutty taste.
10. Walleye
As you know, seafood is a fish that people often eat. There are many different types of seafood, each with its unique flavor and texture.
One type of seafood that you may not be familiar with is walleye.
Walleye is a fish native to North America. It has a mild flavor and a firm texture. If you’re looking for a new variety of seafood, walleye is a great option!
11. Oyster
This seafood staple has been around for centuries and is beloved by many for its unique taste and texture among different types of seafood.
Oysters can be eaten raw, fried, baked, or grilled and are often served with a squeeze of lemon juice or a cocktail sauce.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to add some variety to your seafood repertoire, why not try oysters?
They come in dozens of different varieties and flavors, so it’s easy to find one that suits your tastes.
12. Squid
When most people think of seafood, they think of fish. But there’s so much more to seafood than just fish! There’s also squid.
Squid is a type of cephalopod, a group of animals that includes octopuses and cuttlefish.
Squids are found in all oceans and, like other types of seafood, come in many different shapes and sizes.
Usually, Some squid are even able to change their color! Squids can grow up to six feet long.
They typically live on the ocean floor but sometimes dive deep into the water column. The favorite way for people to eat squid is grilled or fried.
13. Freshwater Eel
These eels are found in rivers and lakes worldwide. They have long, snake-like bodies with small heads. Their diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
More specifically, Freshwater eels are often used in sushi dishes. Unlike other types of seafood, they should be cooked before consumption.
14. Panga
Pangas are large freshwater fish and other types of seafood that live in African rivers. They feed on other fish, shrimp, and small aquatic animals that live near the water’s surface.
15. Clam
Clams are different types of seafood that can be found in both fresh and saltwater.
Clams can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or baked. They are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
For instance, there are three main types of clams: quahogs, littlenecks, and cherrystones.
Quahogs are the most significant type and come from New England waters.
Littleneck clams originate from Oregon Coast waters, and cherrystones come from Long Island Sound.
16. Octopus
Octopus is a different and popular type of seafood in many cultures, but it can be tricky to cook.
If you’re not careful, it can end up rubbery and tough. But when appropriately cooked, Octopus is tender and delicious.
Here’s what you need to know about cooking Octopus. -Try boiling or poaching the Octopus for about 10 minutes. Cook until tender but still a little firm.
Finish by brushing with olive oil, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and grilling or frying until crisp on all sides.
However, boiled octopuses are done at 8 per pound (16 minutes for 1 lb). Poached octopuses should be cooked until they are entirely pink inside with no tinge of gray or white – 2-3 minutes per pound (4-6 minutes for 1 lb).
17. Shrimps (or Prawns)
Shrimps are one of the most popular seafood items around the world. They’re small, they’re tasty, and they’re relatively easy to prepare.
But did you know that there are different types of seafood named shrimp?
Here’s a quick guide to some of the more common shrimp varieties. Pink shrimp (or Gulf Pink): These come from Florida or Mexico and have pink flesh delicately flavored with sea salt.
Snow crab (or Chilean King Crab): These crabs are native to South America, and their claws can grow up to 10 inches long!
18. Crayfish
Crayfish, also known as crawfish, are different types of seafood and a freshwater crustacean that resemble small lobsters.
They can be found in streams, rivers, and lakes worldwide and are a popular delicacy in many cultures.
Nevertheless, over 500 crayfish species come in various colors, including red, blue, and green.
Crawfish are typically harvested in the springtime when they are most active.
In addition, to catch them, farmers will use bait traps or nets. Once they are caught, the crayfish are then cooked and eaten. Crawfish can be boiled, baked, fried, or grilled.
19. Sea Cucumber
The sea cucumber is a marine invertebrate that resembles a soft-bodied cucumber. They are found in all oceans and range in size from a few centimeters to over three meters.
Most sea cucumbers feed on tiny organisms that live in the sediment, but some are filter feeders. On the other hand, Sea cucumbers play an essential role in the ecosystem.
By aerating and turning over the sediment, compared to other different types of seafood, it provides oxygen and nutrients for other animals.
20. Lobster
Many people enjoy lobster, a type of seafood that can be boiled, baked, or grilled. It is high in protein and low in fat.
It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your health. There are two main types of lobster: American lobster and European lobster.
American lobster is found in the Atlantic Ocean, while European lobster is in the Mediterranean Sea.
Nonetheless, both types have long bodies with claws on the ends of their arms. Their differences are their color and size.
American lobsters tend to be greenish-brown in color with large feet, while European lobsters are typically brownish-red with smaller claws.
21. Roe/Caviar
Roe is the eggs of a fish, and caviar is a type of roe that has been salt-cured. Roe can be fresh or frozen and is often used as a garnish or sushi ingredient.
Caviar is more expensive than other types of roe because it is saltier and has a more intense flavor.
Though the most common different types of seafood caviar are Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga, and Jakotka, some people think the best time to enjoy caviar is in the wintertime when people are looking for ways to keep warm.
22. Crab
Blue crabs, Dungeness crabs, king crabs, snow crabs, and stone crabs are all popular types of crabs.
Crab meat is delicate and sweet, making it a popular choice for seafood lovers of different kinds of seafood.
When selecting crab, look for bright colors and firm meat. Avoid any crab with a fishy smell. Moreover, purchase fresh or frozen crab only when you need it.
Cook the crabs by boiling them in water or steaming them until they turn red.
Be sure to throw away the cooking water because the flavors will permeate your food if you use it again in another dish.
Frozen and canned versions of these shellfish can be found year-round at most grocery stores.
23. Jellyfish
Believe it or not, jellyfish are different types of seafood! These fascinating creatures can be found in every ocean, from the surface to the deep sea.
Jellyfish come in various shapes and sizes and can be translucent or brightly colored.
In other words, some jellyfish are even bioluminescent, meaning they can produce their own light.
While most jellyfish are harmless to humans, a few species can deliver a painful sting.
But don’t worry – these jellyfish only live in tropical climates, so chances are you won’t find them anywhere near your local supermarket.
Many grocery stores only carry three types of jellyfish: blue with white rings (which is also known as Blue Gold), pink with white stripes (known as Mimic Octopus), and red with yellow rings (also known as Red Pearls).
24. Uni (Sea Urchin)
Uni is the Japanese word for sea urchin. It’s a popular ingredient in sushi and sashimi and is often eaten raw.
Uni has a slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture compared to other different types of seafood.
The orange-colored uni is the most common type, but you may also see green or purple uni.
This is to say, a dish called uni no Hana combines thinly sliced uni with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sugar.
Unagi (eel): Unagi is an eel grilled over charcoal after being dipped in sweetened soy sauce and sake.
Conclusion
While many different types of seafood can be broadly classified into three categories: fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Each type has a unique flavor and texture, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy.
Moreover, when in doubt, ask your local fishmonger for advice on what’s fresh and delicious.
If you’re looking for something healthy and sustainable, avoid shrimp or lobster (a crustacean).
Finally, the best-selling seafood items at grocery stores include canned tuna, salmon, frozen shrimp (also known as prawns), crab meat, oysters, clams (or scallops), and anchovies or sardines.
