Spring Herbs & Spices Perfect for Seafood
We are so excited for warmer weather! Sunny days and sprouting greenery, let the thaw begin!
In preparation for a sensational (and delicious) Spring, we’ve put together a little Spring Herb & Spices Primer to help with seasonal seafood meal planning. Included in this little ‘best of’ list are a couple of Spring seafood seasoning blend recipes.
The Herbs & Spices of Spring
The first taste of fresh, local, seasonal herbs are always the best, especially after a long winter (and boy, has this winter been long!). There are also a bevy of dried spices that speak to Spring as well. Here are our recommendations for a well stocked Spring pantry, spice rack, and herb garden.
- Chives
- Dried Citrus Peel
- Cilantro
- Herbs de Provence
- Dill
- Celery Seed
- Lemongrass
- Chervil
- Tarragon
- Fennel
- Mustard and Mustard Seed
- Lavender
The Seafood of Spring
Yes, seafood also has a season and Spring is booming with fresh aquatic delicacies. Here are our Spring-time favorites.
Fin Fish: Salmon, Tilapia, Trout, Cod, and Rockfish
These seasonal swimmers are tender, flaky, and the perfect pairing with more delicate herbs and spices. We like to partner these fin fish options with herbs and spices that are more fragrant than bold, allowing all of the ingredients to sparkle and shine.
Fin Fish Herbs & Spices
Seek out these herbs and spices to pair with your fish dishes. Fresh is best for the herbs, but feel free to substitute dried herbs if the fresh selection is limited; chervil, dill, dried citrus peel, chives, and herbs de provence.
Spring Fin Fish Season Blend or Rub
Seasons 1 lb. (pound) of fish
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried citrus peel or zest (lemon or lime)
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh chervil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped
Mix all of the ingredients together until blended. Sprinkle the mix of herbs and spices over fresh seafood before cooking or store seasoning blend, refrigerated until ready to cook.
Shellfish: Mussels, Clams, Scallops, and Crab legs
These popular Spring shellfish options are hearty, flavorful, and perfectly paired with more robust herbs and spices. We like to partner these shellfish favorites with herbs and spices that are more bold and tangy.
Shellfish Herbs & Spices
Seek out these herbs and spices to pair with your fish dishes. Fresh is best for the herbs, but feel free to substitute dried herbs if the fresh selection is limited; fennel, celery seed, tarragon, lemongrass, cilantro, and mustard seeds.
Spring Shellfish Season Blend or Rub
Seasons 1 lb. (pound) of shellfish
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemongrass
- 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
Place salt, celery seeds, fennel, and lemongrass in mortar bowl. Using a pestle, crush the spices together until fine. Toss the mixture together with fresh chopped tarragon and sprinkle over fresh shellfish before cooking or store seasoning blend, refrigerated until ready to cook.
Spring is in the Air at Cameron’s Seafood
Join us in celebrating the bounty that is Spring! All of the scrumptious Spring seafood suggestions listed in this article are available online! As we say, ‘from shore to door, 3 days fresher than the grocery store’-all of our seafood is delivered right to your door when you schedule it, guaranteed! That’s convenience you need when meal planning and prepping.
We’d love to see how you cook with Cameron’s Seafood-share your images on any of our social pages, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter be sure to tag us @cameronsseafood
About the author
Patterson Watkins is a professional chef with over 17 years of experience. With a robust career in restaurants, contract dining and catering (including 4 Summer Olympic posts preparing food for the athletes!) Patterson joined the Cameron’s Seafood team at the end of 2018 to concoct some delicious recipes with our premium seafood items as the centerpiece.
