(ARA) - Some diners are often intimidated to try seafood or may think it's too expensive to enjoy regularly. But with the wide assortment of types and dishes available today, there is an option out there for every taste and any budget. It's easy to find fresh, delicious, affordable seafood meals the whole family will enjoy.Seafood expert and Red Lobster Executive Chef Michael LaDuke offers tips for navigating your way to a perfect seafood meal.
* Start simple. When eating seafood for the first time, or introducing seafood to kids, start with something simple. Try shrimp as a topping on a salad or your favorite pizza. Shrimp is great seafood for beginners because it is widely available and very reasonably priced.
* Try it grilled. Seafood is often prepared oven broiled or sauteed, but why not try your next piece of fresh fish, such as salmon, grilled over an open flame? "Wood-fire grilling sears in the natural juices of fresh fish while adding subtle flavor," says LaDuke. "Not to mention, grilling is a healthful way to prepare protein-rich seafood."
* Find comfort in familiar flavors. Broadening your seafood horizons is easy when you start with a sauce or topping you already know and love. A well-known seasoning, like Parmesan cheese, or a common crusted topping, like pecans, can be paired with your favorite fresh fish and add a new dimension to your meal. A good fish for seafood beginners is tilapia, because of its mild taste and light texture. Chef LaDuke recommends Red Lobster's new Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia, an affordable selection, that features a creamy blend of cheese and breadcrumbs that is then baked until crispy and golden. This dish is one of several new menu items offered at Red Lobster for less than $20.
* Create your own combination. Next time you're dining at a seafood restaurant, order a combination plate, which allows you to savor multiple flavors and try different preparations at the same time. This lets you discover the type of seafood you enjoy the most. "Red Lobster serves several dishes that pair seafood varieties and preparations together - like our Maple-Glazed Salmon and Shrimp or Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Scallops," notes Chef LaDuke. "It's a delicious way to try something new."
* Discover daily specials. A special or standalone menu is a great place to find new or unique dishes to try. "Ask a seafood expert about daily specials and promotions," says LaDuke. "This is often where the chef can get a little more creative with tastes." It also allows you to rely on the advice of a trusted resource to find new seafood varieties like rainbow trout, mahi-mahi or halibut.
* Get great seafood at a great value. Quality seafood doesn't have to cost a pretty penny. Instead, try premium seafood like lobster in a more approachable dish like soup or a sandwich. Lobster Bisque and New England Lobster Rolls are both new menu items offered at Red Lobster, illustrating that top-quality seafood dishes can be affordable.
As you decide what your next seafood meal will be, consider Chef LaDuke's advice and know that even with so many options to choose from, there are a host of great tasting dishes for every taste and any budget. For more information about selecting fresh, delicious, affordable seafood dishes and to learn more from Chef LaDuke, visit http://www.redlobster.com/.
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