Explore the finest British seafood, highlighting top catches and renowned regions. Discover the best fish markets, sustainable practices, and must-try seafood dishes across the UK. From Scottish salmon to Cornish crab, this guide offers insights into the rich variety and quality of British seafood, perfect for seafood lovers looking to experience the best the UK has to offer.
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Monkfish
Monkfish is a firm-textured and meaty white fish that looks very strange, with a flat head, a tapered body and mottled-brown skin. In British seafood cuisine it is prepared in a number of ways, including Cured monkfish with smoked almonds, rice with monkfish, red peppers and saffron and monkfish curry. The flesh of this fish is excellent for pan-frying and barbequing and it can be used in ceviche or paired with chorizo, chili, soy or sesame.
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips became a stock meal among the working classes in England when trawl fishing in the North Sea was popular and the development of railways meant that fresh fish could be transported to the heavily populated areas. The tradition of deep frying fish was introduced to Britain during the 16th century by Jewish refugees from Spain and Portugal. The first fish and chip shop opened in London in 1860. The type of fish usually chosen for this dish is haddock and cod, but vendors will also use Pollock, skate, plaice or coley.
Lemon Sole
Lemon Sole is not actually a real sole, it is actually a flounder. This traditional British fish is delicate with a sweet white flesh and it is usually either grilled or fried and served with a light sauce. Sometimes lemon sole filets are rolled around a stuffing and steamed or baked.
Scallops
Scallops are an expensive yet delicious shellfish and they are available in a range of sizes. The main varieties available in the UK include tiny queen scallops and the large king scallops. They are usually fried, steamed or grilled, but care should be taken not to cook them for too long or they will lose their delicate texture and flavour. Scallops pair extremely well with hearty and salty flavours such as chorizo, bacon or black pudding.
Smoked Haddock
Smoking haddock intensifies its flavour in a beautiful way and this ingredient works extremely well in many fish dishes, or simply grilled with a side of vegetables. The main base of the smoked haddock tradition in the UK is in Grimsby, one of the only places where the specialised infrastructure exists and where the complex smoking process is passed down through the generations.
Why not try one of these delicious typical British dishes next time you are in the mood for seafood? What other best British seafood dishes do you love? Go above and beyond by exploring Europe’s Best Seafood Destinations and share your favourite one with us in the comments below.
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Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.