Seasonal Seafood Guide: What's Best to Buy and When in Singapore
When you savor the delicate sweetness of quality king crab, you get the true taste of the sea's richness. And when you experience the satisfying firmness of a perfectly cooked prawn, its flavor brings a burst of oceanic freshness.
This exceptional quality in seafood isn't accidental—it's intrinsically linked to the time of year. Just as with the finest fruits and vegetables, seafood has peak seasons when its taste and texture are at their absolute best.
Besides, there are plenty of good reasons to choose seasonal seafood, ensuring every meal is a celebration of the freshest flavors the ocean has to offer.
Why Choose Seasonal Seafood?
Opting for seasonal seafood offers numerous benefits for both your palate and the planet. When seafood is in its peak season, it boasts the most vibrant flavor and optimal texture. Moreover, seasonal catches often mean higher nutritional value.
Choosing seasonal seafood also supports sustainability, as it allows fish populations to thrive during their natural cycles. Finally, availability tends to be higher during peak seasons, often translating to more affordable prices for consumers.
But which seafood products should you buy during peak seasons?
1. January to March
It won’t matter how much you spend on king crab if you appreciate its luxurious taste, impressive size, and sweet, succulent meat. The peak season for king crabs typically aligns with the winter months in the areas where they usually live. From January to March, their meat yield and flavor can be at their finest.
When selecting king crab in Singapore, whether fresh or frozen, look for shells that are intact and vibrant in color, with legs that feel heavy and solid. For frozen seafood, ensure there's no sign of freezer burn or excessive ice.
To preserve the delicate flavor of king crab, gently steaming the legs for five to eight minutes will suffice. Alternatively, you can briefly boil the legs for three to five minutes and eat them with your favorite dipping sauce. For a smoky twist, brush with butter and grill for three to four minutes per side. Another option is to serve it as garlic butter crab legs, accompanied by lemon wedges.
2. April to June
As the weather warms slightly, plump and flavorful mussels come into their prime. The months of April to June mark their peak season, a time when these bivalves are at their most succulent.
When selecting mussels, whether at a market or choosing frozen seafood, ensure that the shells are tightly closed. If they're open, they should close promptly when gently tapped. Also, steer clear of any mussels with broken or damaged shells and always give them a sniff—they should have a fresh, briny aroma reminiscent of the sea.
Once you have your mussels, a classic preparation is to steam them with fragrant white wine, minced garlic, and fresh herbs until their shells gracefully open, revealing the tender meat within. Beyond steaming, mussels add a delightful richness to stews and soups, infusing them with their distinct seafood flavor. For a more adventurous take, try grilling them in their shells with a dollop of herbed butter for a smoky and savory treat.
3. July to September
During the months of July to September, seafood lovers can look forward to enjoying sea bass and soon hock at their peak:
Sea Bass
Prized for its adaptability in the kitchen, sea bass boasts a mild, subtly sweet flavor and a firm, flaky texture that makes it a culinary favorite. Also, its peak season is from July to September, ensuring the freshest and most abundant catches.
When selecting sea bass, look for clear, bright eyes, flesh that feels firm and has a healthy sheen, and a clean, fresh scent reminiscent of the ocean. If you're buying it as frozen seafood, the gills should also exhibit a vibrant red hue and be moist.
Because sea bass has a robust texture, it’s ideal for grilling, where it develops lovely char marks. It also bakes beautifully, whether whole or as fillets, allowing it to absorb a variety of seasonings.
For a satisfying crisp, pan-frying is an excellent choice, resulting in a golden skin and moist interior. Finally, steaming sea bass can be a healthy method that preserves its delicate flavor, often enhanced with simple aromatics.
Soon Hock (Marble Goby)
Highly esteemed in Asian cuisine, soon hock, also known as marble goby, has a delicate, sweet taste and a smooth texture, often commanding a premium on menus. Also, the exquisite flavor of this seasonal seafood is best savored between July and September.
When purchasing soon hocks in Singapore, seek out fish with clear, lively eyes, gills that are a bright, vibrant red, and flesh that feels firm and has a healthy sheen.
After buying your soon hock, you can steam it to allow its subtle flavors to truly shine. Then, you can enhance this seafood dish with light soy sauce, slivers of ginger, and fragrant scallions. Pan-frying can also yield a delicious result, creating a crispy skin while keeping the flesh tender.
4. October to December
As the year draws to a close, the waters bring a delightful selection, with prawns, scallops, cod, and halibut reaching their prime.
Prawns
Beloved for their sweet and succulent meat, tiger prawns and king prawns are particularly abundant and flavorful from October to December, making them a popular choice in buffets and celebrations in Singapore. When selecting prawns, look for firm, translucent bodies with a fresh sea scent. Also, avoid any discolored shells or a strong ammonia odor.
What’s great about prawns is their incredible versatility. For instance, you can grill them to get a smoky flavor. And for a classic, Asian touch, you can stir-fry them.
On the other hand, if you want to bring out their natural sweetness, you can steam your frozen prawns. You can also bake this succulent seafood with garlic butter or other seasonings to add richness to the dish.
Scallops
Prized for their delicate, sweet taste and tender texture, scallops reach their peak from October to December, making them a gourmet treat perfect for special occasions. When buying scallops, choose those with firm, plump bodies and a slightly sweet aroma. At the same time, avoid any that appear dry or have an off smell.
Searing scallops can create a beautiful caramelized crust and a tender interior. Even if you buy them as frozen seafood, you can grill them briefly and get their signature sweet taste. You can also add scallops to elevate pasta and risotto dishes with their delicate flavor.
Cod
Known for its mild, delicate flavor and flaky white flesh, cod is at its best from October to December. When selecting cod, look for firm, white flesh that has no discoloration or strong odor.
Cod is also a versatile fish that can be cooked in numerous ways. For instance, baking can be a simple and healthy option, while pan-frying creates a lovely crispy exterior. When buying frozen seafood, steaming can help preserve its delicate flavor. Meanwhile, deep-frying cod in batter is a classic preparation for fish and chips.
Halibut
With its firm, dense texture and mild, sweet flavor, halibut is a premium choice that peaks from October to December. When buying halibut, look for firm, white flesh with a translucent appearance and avoid any fish with discoloration or a strong odor.
Halibut's firm texture makes this seasonal seafood excellent for grilling. It also bakes well with various sauces and seasonings, and pan-searing creates a delicious crust.
Snow Treasures: Your Source for Seasonal Seafood
At Snow Treasures, we are dedicated to bringing you a diverse selection of high-quality seasonal seafood throughout the year. Utilizing industry-leading seafood freezing techniques, we ensure that the freshness and exquisite flavor of each catch are perfectly preserved, allowing you to enjoy your favorites even outside their peak seasons. Additionally, our convenient online platform allows you to easily explore our extensive range of frozen seafood and have it delivered directly to your doorstep or ready for pickup.
Discover the best of the ocean whenever you desire—explore the seasonal seafood selection at Snow Treasures today!