Despite the many health benefits of a diet rich in seafood, not to mention the amazing flavors it has to offer, many home cooks are intimidated by the thought of preparing it. For that, we have a solution. Close your kitchen down for the night, and head to an area restaurant. What follows are our top seafood picks.
Pescado Ceviche
Ceviche is a staple dish in Jorge Sarmiento’s hometown of Lima, Peru, and though we’re not exactly coastal, he has done his research with a number of fish purveyors in town to make sure he’s happy with the product. For now, he’s doing the pescado ceviche ($11.95) with tilapia, but once summer hits he’ll move to other varieties of ocean fish depending on price and availability. The tilapia is cold-cooked by marinating it in lime juice, and mixed with onions, cilantro, salt and pepper. One of Sarmiento’s other favorite seafood dishes is the arroz con marisco ($15) or “Peruvian paella,” made with shrimp, calamari, scallops, Peruvian chilies and grain white rice that absorbs all the flavor of the seafood. 4130 Berkshire Ln. N.; 763.577.3744
House Spicy Fish
The house spicy fish rates as one of the spicier dishes on the menu at Tea House, made with white sole, tofu and cabbage, then cooked in a broth with home-ground chili powder, imparting salty, spicy flavors ($13.95). Another popular dish is the fish with pickled vegetables, also made with white sole and stir-fried with garlic, ginger, onion and bean paste ($13.95). If you like your dishes a little more on the tame side, go for the milder fish with black bean brown sauce ($13.95). 88 Nathan Ln.; 763.544.3422
Sea Bass
The seafood options are plentiful at Kobe. Sea bass is a special on the entrée menu that returns often, so if the opportunity arises to order it, be sure to do so. It’s baked in a special miso sauce and served with asparagus, wild rice, soup and salad ($22). If it’s not on the day’s menu, then opt for the sashimi and sushi combo, a platter of the chef’s choices of sashimi, sushi and rolls, usually featuring tuna, salmon, yellowtail and white tuna ($23.95 for one, $45 for a platter that serves two to three or $90 for a large platter serving four to five). Seafood can also be part of the hibachi experience, with the Kobe for Two ($56.95), which includes scallops, shrimp, lobster, filet mignon and chicken served with soup, salad and a vegetable. 15555 34th Ave. N.; 763.559.9999
Wonton Udon Noodle Soup
It might seem strange that wonton soup is one of the hottest items at a sushi joint, but at Sushi of Tokyo it is, in fact, true. The wontons are stuffed with shrimp and pork or shrimp only, and the soup is prepared Hong Kong-style, with udon noodles, mushrooms, carrots and lettuce ($7.95). Popular on the sushi menu are the spicy scallops ($8.95/four pieces), the spicy tuna roll ($7.75/nine pieces) and the Hawaii roll ($9.95), with avocado and tuna on top of a California roll. The restaurant is currently running a promotion: When you buy two entrées, get a gift card for $10 off on your next visit. 3900 Vinewood Ln. N.; 763.551.5926
Cedar-plank Salmon
With Jake’s signature glaze, the cedar plank salmon iss a blend of sweet and spicy flavors cedar-roasted in the wood-fire oven ($19.95). The dish comes with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables. Also on menu, the lobster tacos ($14.95) are a well-known favorite—flour tortillas filled with lobster and shrimp that have been sautéed in a fresh spinach and white wine sauce, served with tomatillo salsa and pepper jack cheese, and served with Spanish rice and black beans. 3005 Harbor Ln. N., 763.559.1595
Pecan-crusted Walleye
No fish-dish round-up would be complete in Minnesota without a walleye selection, and the one at Woody’s Grille is a classic that stays around even as other items rotate off the menu. The Canadian walleye is covered with pecan and cracker breading and pan-fried, served with a wild rice and brown rice blend (though other starches, like mashed potatoes, can be substituted) and vegetables ($19.95). Tartar sauce is served on the side. 220 Carlson Pkwy. N.; 763.476.1011
Scallops and Duck
Though located in Wayzata, Blue Point is a veritable seafood destination that’s worth the jaunt. The menu changes daily, but there are a couple of consistent winners, like the scallops and duck, made with seared Wild Acres duck confit, Maine scallops, caramelized fennel mashed potatoes, a demi-glace and onion rings ($28). The Maine lobster and shellfish bouillabaisse is a fish stew that makes for a fine transition into spring, here cooked with shrimp, mussels, clams and a half Maine lobster ($26). Or the oven-roasted Costa Rican mahi mahi presents light, refreshing flavors, made with chorizo, clams, tomatoes, garlic and basil ($27). 739 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.475.3636
