Do you love seafood? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, seafood is one of the most popular types of food in the world. There are endless varieties to choose from, each with their own unique flavor and texture. In this blog post, we will take a look at 5 of the most popular seafood dishes in Australia. From salmon to oysters to prawns, we will explore them all! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious list!
1. Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon
The first item on our list is Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon. This fish has been farmed in Tasmania since the mid 1980’s and now represents an industry worth around $1 billion to the state’s economy. Raised in open-sea cages, this species is renowned for its texture, flavor and quality, not to mention its healthy nutritional values. So it’s easy to see why this is the favorite among fresh Australian seafood.
2. Sydney Rock Oysters
Second on our list are Sydney Rock Oysters. Given that Aussies consumed a whopping 14 million kilos(plus) of these bad boys back in 2013, it’s no wonder they’re up on the list of Australia’s most popular seafood. Their silky, tender, salty flesh, maybe topped with a dash of lemon makes for a nationally beloved seafood dish.
3. Moreton Bay Bugs
The next item on our list are Moreton Bay Bugs. You may know them by their other name: Slipper Lobster or Mud Bug (depending where you come from). With a medium-strong flavor and a tail of firm, versatile flesh that’s great for steaming, BBQ, deep frying, or grilling, the Moreton Bay Bug is an excellent option as a main or a tasteful addition to other dishes.
4. Prawns
Would you believe that more than 18,000 tons of prawns were eaten by Australians in 2013? That’s a lot of prawns! Best served cold and fresh, this versatile seafood is loved by many for its meaty, slightly crunchy and ever so sweet and succulent taste, as well as its impressive nutritional value. Enjoyed on their own or even in the mix of a seafood cocktail, prawns are always a popular choice.
5. Barramundi
Last but certainly not least, we have Barramundi. A popular sports fish and a favorite among seafood lovers in Australia, the Barramundi is also well known for its mild flavor and firm texture. Perfectly suited to many cooking methods, this fish can be prepared in your own kitchen as a fillet with lemon and pepper or purchased ready-to-eat with a side of chips from your local fish and chips shop.
There’s More Where That Came From
There’s no doubt about it, Australia has a hearty appetite for seafood. (It is an island completely surrounded by water, after all). And while we’ve ticked off some of the most popular seafood varieties here, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There’s still a whole ocean’s worth of delicious seafood left for you to explore, from Yabbies to Dhufish to Elephant Shark. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get exploring!