Fresh seafood is a cornerstone of exceptional meals, and knowing how to choose and prepare it can further your cooking and culinary skills. At The Herdsman Market, we’re committed to providing Perth with the freshest, highest-quality seafood, sourced daily for home cooks and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re an experienced chef or new to the kitchen, this guide will help you make the most of the ocean’s bounty. From selecting the best seafood to mastering cooking techniques, we’ll ensure your meals stand out.
Fresh Seafood at The Herdsman Market
At The Herdsman Market, our Fish Merchant ensures every item is of the highest standard. From succulent prawns to premium fillets of salmon, we source our seafood with care, offering a variety that meets diverse preferences.
How to Select Fresh Seafood
Look and smell: Fish fillets should appear moist with a natural sheen, while whole fish should have clear eyes, bright gills, and firm flesh.
Shellfish indicators: For shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters, look for closed shells or ones that close when tapped. Open or cracked shells often indicate spoilage.
Frozen options: If purchasing frozen seafood, ensure the packaging is sealed tightly, with no ice crystals or freezer burn, as these indicate improper storage. At The Herdsman Market, our frozen seafood is carefully preserved to maintain optimal quality.
Sustainable Seafood Choices
Sustainability is an important consideration when buying seafood. Supporting sustainable practices ensures that seafood populations remain healthy and that ecosystems are protected.
At The Herdsman Market, we prioritise responsibly sourced seafood, giving our customers peace of mind. Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or labels indicating wild-caught, line-caught, or farmed under ethical conditions.
Storing Seafood Correctly
Once you’ve selected your seafood, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness.
Refrigeration: Keep seafood in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally at 0–4°C, and consume it within two days. Place it on a bed of ice or in a sealed container to prevent contamination.
Freezing: Freeze seafood immediately if you’re not planning to use it within two days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum-seal it to prevent freezer burn.
By storing your seafood correctly, you retain its flavour and texture, ensuring the best results when cooking.
How to Prepare Seafood
Preparation is crucial to showcasing the natural flavour of seafood. Here are a few tips:
Cleaning whole fish: Remove scales, gut the fish, and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Shellfish preparation: Soak mussels in cold, salted water for 20 minutes to remove sand. Discard any that remain open after tapping.
Deveining prawns: Use a small knife or skewer to remove the black vein along the back of the prawn for a cleaner taste.
At The Herdsman Market, we offer pre-cleaned and pre-prepared seafood options, saving you time and effort.
Cooking Techniques for Seafood
Cooking seafood can seem intimidating, but with a few techniques, it’s easy to achieve delicious results.
Grilling: Perfect for firm fish like salmon or barramundi. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 3–5 minutes per side.
Pan-searing: Ideal for scallops, prawns, and fish fillets. Heat oil in a pan until hot, then sear the seafood until golden on each side.
Steaming: A healthy method for delicate fish and shellfish. Steam with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a flavourful dish.
Baking: Suitable for whole fish or fillets. Wrap in foil with lemon, herbs, and butter, and bake at 180°C for 20–30 minutes, depending on size.
At The Herdsman Market, our team can guide you on the best cooking methods for your chosen seafood.
Pairing Seafood with Flavours
Seafood’s versatility allows it to pair beautifully with various flavours.
- Herbs: Dill, parsley, and cilantro enhance the natural freshness of seafood.
- Citrus: Lemon, lime, and orange add brightness to dishes.
- Spices: Paprika, cayenne, and curry powder bring warmth and depth.
- Sauces: Creamy dill sauce, garlic butter, or tomato-based marinara complement different types of seafood.
Our Fish Merchant team at The Herdsman Market is happy to recommend flavour pairings for your selections.
Popular Seafood Dishes to Try
Seafood offers endless possibilities, but here are some classic dishes to inspire your next meal:
- Garlic butter prawns: Sauté prawns in butter, garlic, and parsley for a quick and flavourful appetiser.
- Salmon poke bowl: Combine marinated salmon with rice, avocado, cucumber, and soy sauce for a nutritious meal.
- Barramundi tacos: Grill barramundi, add slaw, and top with lime crema for a fresh twist on tacos.
- Seafood pasta: Mix prawns, scallops, and mussels in a garlic cream sauce over linguine for an indulgent dinner.
Why Choose The Herdsman Market for Fresh Seafood
At The Herdsman Market, we pride ourselves on delivering premium seafood that sets the standard in freshness and quality. Our Fish Merchant carefully selects each product to ensure variety, sustainability, and taste. Whether you’re looking for prawns, oysters, or fish fillets, you’ll find everything you need in one convenient location.
We also provide:
- Expert advice: Our knowledgeable staff are ready to assist with recommendations and cooking tips.
- Pre-prepared options: For those short on time, our ready-to-cook seafood simplifies meal preparation.
- Sustainability focus: We prioritise environmentally responsible practices, offering peace of mind with every purchase.
Visit Us Today
Get in touch or visit The Herdsman Market today for fresh, responsibly sourced seafood. With expert advice and a premium selection of products, we’re here to help you create culinary masterpieces in your kitchen.
