(Family Features) Whether seafood night at your house means sauteed shrimp, baked fish or anything in between, it’s an exciting excuse to bring the family together for favorite meals. Delicious recipes abound when seafood is on the menu.

However, this is no longer your grandparents’ seafood. Today, more than half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is farm-raised – a practice known as aquaculture. While the industry has made strides throughout the last few decades, from increasingly sustainable farming practices to technological advancements that can help feed a growing population, not all farmed seafood is equal and neither are the certifications you see on its packaging.

For more than a decade, the global nonprofit Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) has created and enforced the world’s strictest standards for farmed seafood. Its sea green ASC certification label is only found on farmed seafood that meets these high standards – helping seafood shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

It’s a movement some of the nation’s leading seafood grocers and chefs are getting behind.

“About 2/3 of our seafood offerings are raised on farms, which reflects both growing supply and demand,” said Abe Ng, CEO of the Sushi Maki restaurant chain and market stations. “There’s a much broader customer understanding and appreciation of aquaculture than, say, 10 years ago. However, not all farmed seafood is equal in terms of quality, environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”

A unique combination of standards help ensure supply chain integrity from the farm to the store while protecting the environment, workers and communities. ASC’s sea green label only appears on seafood from farms that have been independently assessed and certified as environmentally and socially responsible.

“Whether your seafood is wild-caught or farmed, what matters to today’s shoppers is that it’s high-quality, flavorful and was fished or farmed in a responsible way that’s good for you and the planet,” said Roger O’Brien, president and CEO of the Santa Monica Seafood market and cafe. “Farm-raised seafood that’s been responsibly certified by the ASC delivers on the assurance that the seafood you’re buying is what it claims to be, which is a key commitment we make to our customers.”

With a trusted certification like the ASC, you can confidently enjoy make-at-home recipes like Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon, Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw and Almond Stuffed Rainbow Trout without sacrificing taste or sustainability.

To find more certification information and discover family-friendly seafood recipes, visit SeaGreenBeGreen.org.

Honey Mustard Crunch Salmon

Recipe courtesy of North Coast Seafoods

• 1          bag (1 pound, three 6-ounce portions) North Coast Seafoods ASC-certified Naked Norwegian Salmon
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Honey Mustard Glaze:

• 1/3       cup honey
• 1/4       cup whole-grain mustard
• 2          tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
• 2          tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2          teaspoons horseradish
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika

Crunch:

1. 3/4       cup panko breadcrumbs
2. 2          tablespoons dried parsley
3. 2          tablespoons olive oil

• Thaw salmon and pat dry. Arrange on oiled baking tray. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• To make glaze: In small bowl, combine honey, mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish and paprika; mix until well combined. Chill glaze until ready to use.
• To make crunch: In bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parsley and oil; mix well. Reserve.
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Top each salmon portion with 1 tablespoon glaze and spread evenly over fish. Press crunch evenly onto glaze.
• Bake 15-17 minutes until fish is cooked through.
• Serve with drizzle of remaining glaze.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Creole Remoulade Slaw

Recipe courtesy of Coastal Seafoods and Fortune Fish & Gourmet
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Coleslaw:

• 1/3       cup mayonnaise
• 1          tablespoon capers, chopped
• 1          teaspoon stone ground mustard
• 1/3       cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2       teaspoon horseradish
• 1/3       cup red onion, diced
• 1          tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2       bag coleslaw mix

Tacos:

• 6          small corn tortillas
• 1          tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2       pound peeled and deveined ASC-certified shrimp, thawed
• 3          green onions, sliced
• fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
• 1          lime, sliced (optional)

1. To make coleslaw: In bowl, mix mayonnaise, capers, mustard, parsley, horseradish, red onion and Cajun seasoning. Mix coleslaw and about 3/4 of dressing. Stir until coated then add more dressing, if desired. Refrigerate coleslaw until ready to serve.
2. To make tacos: Heat grill to medium heat. Once hot, toast tortillas on each side until browned on edges. Stack toasted tortillas on plate and cover with towel until ready to serve.
3. Pour Cajun seasoning over shrimp and stir until shrimp are coated.
4. Cook shrimp 3-5 minutes per side, or until shrimp are firm and Cajun seasoning is blackened. Remove shrimp from grill to prevent overcooking.
5. To serve, place about 1/4 cup coleslaw in each tortilla then top with 3-5 shrimp and green onions. Top with salsa or pico de gallo, if desired. Squeeze wedge of fresh lime over top, if desired.

Almond Stuffed Rainbow Trout

Recipe courtesy of Riverence Provisions

• 2          ASC-certified Riverence Steelhead Trout fillets (8 ounces each)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2       cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2          tablespoons lemon zest
• 2          tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4       cup chives, chopped
• 1 1/2    cups breadcrumbs
• 1/4       cup Italian parsley
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1          egg, beaten
• kitchen twine (6-inch lengths)
• 1          tablespoon olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Rinse steelhead trout fillets and pat dry with paper towel. Line baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Mix almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, breadcrumbs and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Add beaten egg to breadcrumb mixture and stir until well incorporated.
5. Lay first trout fillet skin side down on baking pan. Place twine pieces underneath fish, spacing 1 1/2 inches apart; leave untied.
6. Place breading mixture over trout fillet and remaining trout fillet on top of breadcrumb mixture, skin side up.
7. Secure trout fillets together using kitchen twine. Brush olive oil on trout and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until fish is cooked through. Slice into portions to serve.

Source: Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos
Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake
Thai Fishermen's Stew

(Family Features) - Surprise! You already know this mild-tasting, delicately textured fish that swims wild in clean, icy Alaskan waters. You just didn't realize it.

Like the boy next door who's so friendly and easy going he's taken for granted - until his superman talents are revealed - genuine Alaska Pollock is finally making a name for itself. A kissing cousin to cod, this whitefish is the one you love to eat in so many good things, from fish sticks and fish tacos, to fish sandwiches, fillets and surimi seafood. It's a rock star in fish and chips, too.

Versatility is where Alaska Pollock scores top points. Alaska Pollock is flash-frozen within hours of harvesting and processed for breaded fish sticks, frozen fillets or surimi seafood. Its mild flavor and snow-white, tender flesh are particularly kid-friendly and appealing.

On the nutrition side, Alaska Pollock is a terrific source of protein and minerals, making it especially popular during Lent. Low in fat and calories, it's a product worth seeking out year-round.

Add sustainability as another plus for Alaska Pollock, harvested from the largest sustainable fishery in the world. Alaska Pollock fishery managers strive - and have for more than 30 years - to maintain the quality and capacity of the biannual catch while protecting the species' habitat and ecosystem in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. The result of their long-term dedication is an abundant, economical fish.

The versatility of Alaska Pollock is highlighted with the cross-cultural flavors in the trio of recipes here. Traditional Thai ingredients such as red curry paste, ginger, green chiles and coconut milk spark Thai Fishermen's Stew, a zesty dish with built-in warmth for an evening meal. Classic south-of-the-border seasonings give Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos lively flavor with plenty of family appeal. What's not to like about pairing fish sticks with guacamole, taco seasoning, lime juice, green onions and cilantro? Or prepare Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake. It's an easy-to-make frittata-type dish that matches Mexican seasonings with Alaska surimi seafood.

Add everything together and there's no question genuine Alaska Pollock is one tasty fish worth looking for in all its delicious forms. To find more recipes featuring this versatile fish, visit alaskaseafood.org.

Alaska Pollock Fish Stick Tacos

Ingredients

• 8 frozen Alaska Pollock fish sticks (about .75 ounces each) or 4 frozen breaded/battered fish fillets (about 1.5 ounces each)
• 8 taco shells or flour tortillas (5- to 6-inch each)
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup prepared guacamole
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Mexican or taco seasoning
• 1 lime, cut in 8 wedges
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Preparation

1. Prepare fish sticks/fillets according to package directions.
2. In each taco shell, layer 1/4 cup lettuce, 2 tablespoons guacamole, 2 tablespoons tomato, and 2 fish sticks or 1 fish fillet.
3. Sprinkle on small amount of Mexican or taco seasoning. Squeeze juice of a lime wedge over fish.
4. Top with 1 tablespoon cilantro and 1/2 tablespoon green onions.

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories: 322g Total Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 10mg Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 34g Sodium: 260mg

Serves

Servings 4

Alaska Surimi Seafood Breakfast Bake

Ingredients

• 1 large bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions
• 12 ounces Alaska Surimi Seafood (Imitation Crab)
• 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons Cajun, Creole or Mexican seasoning
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 8 eggs
• 3/4 cup water

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray coat 9- to 10-inch baking dish. Place peppers, mushrooms, olives and green onions in baking dish. Sprinkle seasoning over Alaska Surimi Seafood; stir to coat. Add surimi and 3/4 cup cheese to baking dish. Blend eggs and water; pour over surimi. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
3. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until puffed and center is firm.

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories: 324g Total Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 374mg Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 14g Sodium: 1171mg

Serves

Servings: 4 to 6

Thai Fishermen's Stew

Ingredients

• 2 bottles (8 ounces each) clam juice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) organic
• tomatoes with basil and garlic
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, or to taste
• 1 can (14 ounces) regular or light coconut milk
• 1-1/2 pounds Alaska Pollock fillets, fresh, thawed or frozen
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Preparation

1. In Dutch oven, combine first 7 ingredients. Simmer covered 15 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and continue to simmer but do not boil.
2. Meanwhile, preheat broiler oven to 450°F. Rinse any ice glaze from frozen Alaska Pollock under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Brush both sides of fillets with oil and place in baking pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heating element until opaque, about 5 to 6 minutes for frozen Alaska Pollock or 3 to 4 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout.
3. Remove fillets from pan and break into large chunks. Stir into stew; bring to a simmer. Sprinkle with basil leaves and serve piping hot.

Calories: 241g Total Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 83mg Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g Sodium: 839mg

Serves

Servings 6

Source

Alaska Seafood Marketing