Tips for Cooking Restaurant-Quality Seafood Dinners at Home

Seafood is more than just meat in Singapore; it is a way of life. We are, after all, an island filled with voracious foodies endlessly striving for the perfect meal. The invention of the chilli crab in the 1950s is a testament to our love for seafood.

Got a seafood craving in Singapore but don’t feel like dining out? Skip the trip to the seafood restaurant and make a restaurant-quality seafood dinner in the comfort of your home for your friends and family.

We are thrilled to share our love for the ocean and help make your seafood dinner go swimmingly well with these handy tips!

1. Source for Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

To create restaurant quality, you have to think as restaurants do. The most so-fish-ticated seafood restaurants in Singapore know the value of quality and only use the freshest ingredients.

First, you’ll need to know where to buy fresh seafood in Singapore. Then, make a quick trip to the seafood market or supermarket to pick your ingredients. Check out this handy guide on how to choose fresh seafood based on smell, colour, and feel.

If you have better fish to fry than head to a seafood market, we can help take the guesswork out of seafood shopping. From the freshest fish to mouthwatering oyster varieties, browse our seafood collection at our online store and enjoy islandwide delivery straight to your door!

2. Know Your Cuts

Not all fish are created equal, and each species of fish has a distinct flavour and texture. Denser meat can be braised, broiled, or grilled, while the more delicate flesh can be pan-fried, poached or baked.

In addition, not all parts of a fish are the same. Different parts of the fish have varied textures and flavours. They need to be cooked differently to retain moisture and lock in flavours. Learn about the common cuts of fish here and how to prepare them for your fancy seafood dinner at home.

3. When in Doubt, Go For Classic Flavour Pairings

Although fresh seafood still tastes absolutely delish, seafood counts on some seasoning to bring out a burst of flavour.

New to the kitchen? It can be difficult to know how to season that prime fish loin you just bought. If in doubt, go for classic pairings like lemon and dill for fish, and garlic and butter for crustaceans. Boiled or steamed shellfish can be eaten with dipping sauces like chilli and soy sauce or your favourite sambal.

Experienced chefs can try experimenting with more complex recipes and herbs like basil, bay leaves, chives, lemongrass, and parsley.

4. Don’t Forget Sides!

What restaurant meal is complete without sides? An exceptional side dish will complement the flavours of the entrees and boost the nutritional value of the meal. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress dinner guests!

Seafood is lighter than other meats and goes well with sides that fill you up without being too heavy. Here are some ideas for easy side dishes:

• A healthy salad
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Baked potatoes with sour cream or fries with tartar sauce
• Whole grains like brown rice, brown pasta or quinoa

Don’t forget about beverages too! We all know that fish and white wine go hand in hand, but citrusy drinks like fruit cider and lime juice are great drinks to cleanse your palate and pair beautifully with your seafood dishes.

Dig Into a Seafood Feast at Greenwood Fish Market

Seafood markets in Singapore can be hard to navigate. Online shopping has become the go-to for many things, so why not for seafood too?

Craving for seafood but feeling too lazy to cook? We got your back. Our seafood restaurants in Singapore deliver mouth-watering seafood favourites and a range of side dishes. Browse our takeaway menus or drop us a line now and let us take care of your seafood dinner at home. Alternatively, come visit us at any of our seafood restaurants for an unforgettable seafood meal, or explore our online store for convenient delivery of fresh seafood islandwide.

In the mood for a good seafood meal? Hey, for us, that’s an everyday affair.

Some people might tell you to resist temptation and quell your cravings. But, as any seafood lover knows, sometimes no other food is su-fish-ent enough to make you feel truly satisfied.

We may be stuck in a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t easy ways to get your seafood fix whenever those cravings hit. No matter what day it is, no matter where you are in Singapore, there’s always a source of seafood to save the day.

1. Buy Fresh From Your Local Seafood Market

In Singapore, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to buy fresh seafood. But apart from going to local supermarkets and fish markets, have you ever shopped for fresh seafood online? You could discover unique seafood that you won’t find anywhere else and try new catches from faraway lands. Let us handle getting the freshest catches to you; while you unleash your inner chef in the kitchen. Get inspired with seafood recipes from Bon Appetit and order your ingredients with us here!

2. Stock Up on Frozen Seafood

Are you truly a seafood lover if you don’t have backup seafood in your freezer at all times? When properly stored, frozen seafood can last up to 3 or 4 months all while retaining its robust flavour. Discover tips on how to best store your seafood at home in our blog here.

You could also opt for products such as 1 litre packets of Frozen Lobster Bisque soup — great for whetting the appetite if you’re in a pinch. Our online fish market also offers handy Supply Packs with bundle mixes of premium seafood for all your bulk-buying needs.

3. Get a Top-Notch Seafood Dinner Delivered to You

Tap a few buttons on your phone, and before you know it, a mouth-watering meal from your favourite seafood restaurant that’s on the other side of Singapore could show up at your door.

Whether it’s a regular day or a special occasion, why not order from Greenwood Fish Market and give yourself the seafood treat you deserve? Nothing beats dining in the convenience, comfort, and safety of home with loved ones. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about appearances — slurp away at those oysters, grab a crab leg and crack away. Check out our three locations and click the link to order today, with islandwide delivery available:

• GFM @ Bukit Timah

Our original outlet, serving up classic seafood favourites that you know and love. These include our signature Fish and Chips, a wide selection of seafood pasta and indulgent sharing platters.

• GFM @ Quayside Isle

Located in sunny Sentosa, here you’ll find our iconic Westen menu with specialities such as Chargrilled Whole Fish and the must-try Valrhona Chocolate Fondant dessert.

• GFM @ Asian Cuisine

Japanese and Asian dishes take centre stage. Tuck into the classic California Rolls and Dragon Rolls along with makis, fresh sashimi, and sushi platters.

4. Visit Greenwood Fish Market For an Unforgettable Meal

A veritable feast awaits you at Greenwood Fish Market. Let our chefs whip up a seafood frenzy that you won’t soon forget. Having been cooped up at home for the better part of the year, digging into a piping hot seafood dish fresh off the frying pan is an experience to savour.

Secure your table by making a reservation today. Do note that dine-in is subject to prevailing government regulations in Singapore. Contact us or check our Facebook page for the latest updates. We hope to see you reel soon!

So you’ve done your seafood shopping at the market, having picked out the freshest catches.

Of course, it’s always best to cook and enjoy your fresh seafood haul within a day or two of reeling them home. But maybe you’ve bought too much, or you just want to save some to satisfy your seafood cravings another time. Here is where proper seafood handling and storage come into play.

The last thing you’d want is to open your fridge door and go “Oh my cod,” having been greeted with the undeniable stench of seafood that’s well past its shelf life. Safely storing your seafood is vital not only to retain its overall freshness, but also to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. Don’t worry — your favourite friendly fishmongers at Greenwood Fish Market are here with all you need to know about seafood storage!

1. Refrigerate or Freeze as Soon as Possible

Considering Singapore’s warm and humid climate, time is of the essence when transporting fresh seafood home. Try to pick up seafood as your last item and head home immediately. One way to avoid this entirely is to shop for seafood online so that you can get chilled seafood sent right to your door from the supplier.

How long seafood lasts in the refrigerator or freezer varies depending on the product. Here is a general storage guide:

However, we’d recommend you always double-check the freshness of each item before consumption, even if it is still within the safe time frame.

2. Store Fish in Airtight Conditions

When it comes to storing fish, exposure to air, moisture, and warmth is your number one enemy. These three elements encourage bacteria to multiply rapidly. In addition, direct exposure to frigid temperatures can also cause fish to dry out.

To refrigerate fresh fish, start by removing it from the store packaging, washing it in cold water and drying it with paper towels. Recreate an in-store ice bed by placing it in ice inside an airtight container in the fridge.

As for freezing fish, rinse and dry it similarly. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in clean freezer bags or airtight containers. If you have bought vacuum-sealed packs of frozen fish directly, check to ensure the packaging is intact (no tears or holes) before storing them in the freezer.

3. Shellfish Need to be Stored Differently from Fish

Live shellfish need air and moisture to stay alive. Store live oysters, clams and mussels in a shallow open bowl or container in the fridge. Keep them damp by loosely covering them with a moistened cloth or paper towel.

Alternatively, you can rinse oysters under cool running water and carefully shuck them, then freeze them in tightly sealed bags together with the oyster liquid. Clams and mussels can be rinsed and steamed over medium heat, before shucking and packing the meat in freezer containers, covered in a brine solution or the cooking liquid.

4. Keep it in the Coldest Section

More often than not, the coldest part of your fridge or freezer is the bottom-most rack. Store your seafood there instead of the middle or top shelves, preferably away from other items to avoid cross-contamination. Doing so also prevents juices or melting ice from dripping down to lower racks, although it’s best to place them on a tray to collect any accidental drips.

5. Do Not Refreeze Thawed Seafood

The golden rule of frozen meat — never refreeze once thawed! Ever heard of the “temperature danger zone”? 5°C to 60°C is where bacteria multiply rapidly, so remember to immediately use or discard unused thawed seafood.

A top tip is to divide fillets and wrap them in individual portions before freezing. As such, you can easily retrieve what you need without taking the entire bag out of the freezer.

Net the Freshest Seafood in Singapore Now

There’s no better place to stock up on fin-tastic fresh and frozen seafood than right here at Greenwood Fish Market. Swim over to our online seafood market and get exceptional seafood delivered anywhere in Singapore.

If you have any questions about how to best store your seafood purchase, feel free to reach out to us — our specialists are more than happy to help!

How to Tell If Your Oysters Are Fresh

When you want to buy fresh oysters, Singapore has plenty of good options to consider. You can, of course, drop by a seafood restaurant, or simply place an order from a trusted retail fish market such as Greenwood Fish Market. 

However, the most important thing to do before you tuck into oysters? Make sure that the oysters are fresh.

Oysters naturally taste great and are packed with beneficial nutrients, whether steamed, broiled, baked, sautéed, stewed or even consumed raw.

Eating raw oysters is generally safe but taking the proper precautions to consume fresh oysters can help you avoid food-borne illnesses and stomach upsets. 

Look Out For When Identifying Fresh Oysters

Of course, you have the chance to tell how fresh your oysters are when shopping for them at a grocery store or market. However, if you order oysters at a seafood restaurant or online for home delivery, you may not have the opportunity to personally inspect the oysters before they reach your plate.

Here are a few important tips to help you make an informed decision when verifying its freshness.

1. How Does it Smell?

Before you buy or eat an oyster, you should first give it a good sniff. If the oyster has gone bad, you’ll notice it right away. A fresh oyster should ideally have the scent of an ocean breeze and feel ice cold to the touch. If the oyster feels warm or gives off an offensive, pungent odour, then it is possibly about to go bad. Be sure to check this step before topping it with any sauces or garnishes, as those could potentially mask the odour. 

2. How Does it Look?

Take time to physically inspect the oyster’s shell and remember to avoid all open oysters. Open shells mean that the oyster inside has died and it may be harbouring unwanted bacteria. Check that the oyster appears well-hydrated from its oyster liquor and also, displays a firm, plump meaty look. 

3. How were the Oysters Preserved? 

If you’re out grocery shopping, ask the counter staff or fishmonger where their oysters were harvested from and how they have been preserved. If the oysters were preserved in ice, make sure that they are four days old at most, which is the maximum shelf life of oysters. At Greenwood Fish Market, we are direct seafood importers and ensure that our oysters are as fresh as can be by having several shipments flown in throughout the week. 

Buy Fresh Oysters at Greenwood Fish Market

Nothing has us going “Aw shucks!” more than oysters that aren’t fresh. If you are thinking of where to buy fresh oysters in Singapore, you can’t go wrong at Greenwood Fish Market.

Rest assured that we only serve the best and freshest oysters, with a myriad of varieties such as the Kumamoto and Katama Bay oysters from the United States, the Canadian Malpeque and Mary Point oysters, and the Normandy Specials oysters from France, just to mention a few. 

Be sure to catch our 9th World Oyster Festival happening from 1st to 31st July 2021. It’s your prime opportunity to sample over 26 varieties of fresh oysters from across the globe. You can dine-in, takeaway, or even order online with pick-up and islandwide deliveries available across Singapore — both during and after the festival. Shuck, sip, and slurp oysters to your heart’s content!

A Guide to the Different Types of Oysters Around the World

Ah, oysters. Just the thought of slurping them down has us feeling b-oyster-ous.

Oysters are a popular seafood delicacy loved by many people across the globe. If you want to buy fresh oysters, there are many options available in Singapore. However, it pays to first understand what kind of oysters you are buying, especially if you’re ordering them online.  

Did you know that there are over 200 species of oysters worldwide? At first glance, many of them may look similar, but they can vary widely in size, texture, and of course, taste. The sea conditions including salinity, mineral components, micro-organisms, and the general environment have a major influence on the texture and flavour of the oyster. 

So, why not join us on a journey to discover the wonderful world of oysters? The world is your oyster, after all.

United States 

The U.S. is home to a fascinating variety of oysters with a diversity that rivals even the top oyster countries. Millions upon millions of oysters are harvested along the coasts of Washington, Massachusetts, California, and more every year. Here are a few varieties to look out for. 

• Kumamoto: Originally harvested in the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, these are now primarily cultivated in the United States. It has a mildly briny flavour and sweet, almost honeydew-like finish — an excellent option for beginner oyster consumers and connoisseurs alike. 
• Fat Bastard:  No, not you, the oyster! Don’t let its name put you off — this is a briny masterpiece with firm flesh, a clean taste, and an easy-to-open shell. 

Canada

Next, we move up north. The cold, crisp waters of the Candian coastline produces some of the best oysters in the world, such as Barron Point, Chef Creek, Golden Mantle, Mary Point, Malpeque and more. Let’s take a closer look at two of them.

• Barron Point: These large oysters (“hand-sized”, as we like to call them) are from the nutrient-rich waters of Little Skookum. Their plump, tender meat boasts a sweet and mildly salty flavour with a musky finish. 
• Chef Creek: You can’t go wrong with these classic British Columbia oysters from Baynes Sound. It brings your taste buds on a journey, starting with the light aroma of the sea, followed by a tart metallic tang and finally a sweet aftertaste. 

France 

Across the Atlantic Ocean we go, to what’s often hailed as home to the finest oysters in the world. Or so the French say! Oysters have been a part of French cuisine for centuries, so it’s no surprise that they know their oysters. 

• Fine de Claire: Sourced from Marennes-Oleron, these white-flesh oysters have a distinct briny taste, almost like soy sauce, with a unique hazelnut finish. 
• Gillardeau: Spicy, sweet, and salty; Meaty tender, and crunchy all in one bite As the gem of the oyster world, make sure to look for the laser-engraved logo of Maison Gillardeau on each shell as a sign of authenticity!

Oceania

Circling a little closer to home, we’ve arrived in Australia and New Zealand. Not to be underestimated, these countries are known as highly sustainable sources of oysters. These are some of our absolute favourites. 

• Coffin Bay: A favourite among oyster lovers, this meaty morsel is harvested in Australia’s premier oyster growing destination. Expect a clean and crisp flavour with a pleasantly sweet finish.
• Kaipara: Recognisable from their deep-cupped shells, these are sourced from the Kaipara Harbour in New Zealand. Its soft, tender meat offers an exceptional brininess that is reminiscent of fresh cucumber or watermelon rind.

Enjoy Fresh Oyster Delivery in Singapore

Feeling peckish for oysters after gaining our pearls of wisdom? If you are looking for the best wholesale fresh oyster provider in Singapore, look no further than Greenwood Fish Market. 

We may not be able to physically travel, but who says we can’t embark on a globetrotting oyster adventure right here in Singapore? Don’t miss out on our 9th World Oyster Festival, running from 1st to 31st July 2021. Sample over 26 varieties of fresh oysters from around the world, including the ones we’ve shared in this blog. Available for dine-in and takeaway from our restaurants as well as online orders with islandwide delivery.

Fresh vs Frozen Fish: Which is Better?

It’s the age-old debate: Is it better to buy fresh fish or frozen fish? Naturally, most people will assume fresh fish is better by default, as fresh usually equates to better quality. But let’s not jump to conclusions. Did you know that over 90% of the food consumed in Singapore is imported from overseas suppliers? As farming land is scarce, local farms only produce about 9% of all fish consumed. Thus, frozen seafood serves a vital role in maintaining our country’s food supply.

So, as far as seafood is concerned, both fresh and frozen fish have their own set of benefits. Read on to discover what makes each of them great!

Benefits of Fresh Fish

1. Moisture & Nutrition

Fish is a highly nutritious food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. In the process of defrosting frozen fish, some of the natural water content may be lost, resulting in flesh that is not as moist as fresh fish after cooking. It is possible for water-soluble vitamins in the fish, such as vitamin B12, to be dissolved and lost through thawing, though fat-soluble vitamins will remain. Hence, fresh fish generally retain more nutrients than their frozen counterparts and result in more tender flesh after cooking.

2. Taste

This one is a no-brainer. The fresher the fish, the better it will taste! Fresh fish that was just caught will have an incomparable texture and taste. All the top five-star restaurants only use the freshest fish and you deserve the same.What’s more, available fish varieties will change with the season too, so you can keep things interesting in the kitchen by buying what’s in season.

3. No Thawing Needed

You need to plan ahead with frozen fish if you’re planning to cook it as it requires overnight thawing. If it does thaw, you can’t change your mind and refreeze it; you have to consume it. As for fresh fish, you can buy, cook, and enjoy it straight away — no waiting around necessary.

Benefits of Frozen Fish

1. Extended Shelf Life

Most fish are frozen using flash-freezing technology either directly on fishing boats or within a short time span after being caught. This method effectively preserves the fish, allowing it to last much longer than fresh fish. For comparison, fresh fish can be kept in the refrigerator for about 2 days, while frozen fish can retain its quality for up to 6 months.

Fresh fish straight off the boat will inherently have the best quality, but most of us rarely have access to such a luxury. Frozen fish allows you to enjoy delicious fish from around the world and in any season so that you can have summer or winter fish at any time of the year!

2. Consistent Quality

As long as the fish was frozen quickly using appropriate methods, the freshness of the fish is frozen in time. The quality of the fish doesn’t get too affected and is comparable to that of fresh fish. Apart from the potential loss of water-soluble minerals, freezing preserves the fish’s quality and most of its nutritional value.

Fresh fish is also a little more tricky to handle and transport, plus they are susceptible to bacterial contamination. Meanwhile, as long as they are kept properly chilled, frozen fish is easier to transport safely, and you can be confident that their quality will be kept consistent from the fishing boat to your plate.

3. More Cost-Effective

Frozen fish are usually cheaper than fresh fish, as fresh fish are more time-sensitive and require faster transport methods to get to market. Fresh fish that are in season also cost higher as they are available in smaller supplies. Hence, frozen fish can be a great option if you plan to buy them in bulk or save money. Frozen fish can also be less wasteful for home cooks, since you can just thaw out the amount you need from the freezer when you are cooking.

Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, both fresh and frozen fish have their pros and cons. Whether you should be buying fresh or frozen ultimately boils down to your preferences and lifestyle! That aside, remember that other equally important factors, such as where the fish came from, can significantly affect its quality too.

Feeling like quite the afishionado on fresh and frozen fish? Whichever floats your boat, Greenwood Fish Market has got you covered! We’re stocked with premium options of both from around the world that we import directly to Singapore. From all-time favourites like cod and salmon to seasonal catches, there’s something for every fish lover. Check out our online fish market and order now to enjoy islandwide home delivery in Singapore!

5 Reasons to Shop For Your Seafood Online

Gone are the days where you can only get fresh seafood such as fish and crustaceans from your local market or grocer. Nowadays, online shopping has become the go-to for many people in Singapore when it comes to clothes, electronics, and groceries. After all, shopping from the comfort of home is way easier than getting dressed and going out!  So why not dive right into shopping online for fresh seafood too? Here are five reasons you should get hooked on buying your seafood online!

1. Convenience

With online shopping, the convenience is unbeatable. There’s no need to travel or deal with the hassle of crowded supermarkets. This is especially advantageous during the pandemic, as you can keep yourself and your family safe by staying at home. Not only do you save time, but you can also take your time to make your choice as there is no pressure to decide on the spot. Order anytime, anywhere — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — and enjoy islandwide delivery! All you need to do is tap a few buttons on your phone or computer and voilà — fresh seafood at your doorstep.

2. Wide Variety of Unique Option

There is often a much wider selection of seafood when buying online compared to what you might find readily available in physical stores in Singapore. Take your pick from unique options such as monkfish, ready-to-eat oyster platters, or fresh seasonal catches. On top of better variety, online seafood stores usually provide more product information, which helps you make more informed decisions as you know what you’re getting and how you can cook them!

3. Guaranteed Freshness

The seafood you’d find in groceries may be ‘fresh’, but they are often put through extensive supply chains or displayed on ice for long periods of time. On the other hand, ordering online gets you fresh, wholesale seafood straight from the supplier to your door. By cutting down the supply chain, you can enjoy the freshest seafood, usually at even more affordable prices! Plus, shopping in-store for fresh fish means you’ve got to head home immediately to refrigerate them and maintain their freshness — a must in Singapore’s sweltering heat. Shopping online for seafood? No rush, no fuss, your seafood orders are well-packed and transported to you perfectly chilled and fresh!

4. Selected by Experts

Choosing your seafood in a grocery store or market can be challenging. If you’re not familiar with the various types of seafood, it can be hard to tell whether they are fresh or what would best suit your palate. By ordering online at a high-quality fish market, you can rest assured that experts at their trade are choosing the best catches for you. Here at Greenwood Fish Market, we are also direct importers for our seafood, so you know you’re netting only the cream of the crop!

5. Easily Stock Up on Seafood

Lugging home heavy grocery bags? No thanks. Getting bulk seafood orders delivered to your home? Yes, please! Whether it’s to always have some on hand for your seafood cravings or to cook for a dinner party, ordering online is a great way to buy in bulk and stock up on seafood. We’d recommend opting for individual vacuum-sealed portions of boneless fish fillets with skin that you can easily store in your freezer. When you’re hungry for seafood (a.k.a. all the time), simply thaw it out in the refrigerator overnight, and you’ve got yourself a read-to-cook meal. Explore our range of Supply Packs which feature value-for-money bundles of premium seafood and meat — perfect for dinner parties!

Reel in Fresh Seafood Online at Greenwood Fish Market

Looking for where to buy fresh seafood in Singapore? New to buying seafood online? Our fishy family at Greenwood Fish Market welcomes you! Fish, oysters, prawns, clams — you name it, we have it. Order online at our wholesale seafood market and enjoy islandwide delivery of kick-bass seafood right to your home!

Learn the basics of oysters as David Lee, founder of Greenwood Fish Market, shares some expert advice on choosing the freshest shells for slurping. Be sure to make these pre-slurp checks a habit – it’s for your own good!

Oyster Journal

As you can tell, we really, really love oysters. We took the liberty to create this Oyster Journal for all of the oyster-lovers out there who might want to learn more about these molluscs that we’re head-over-fins for. You can get a hardcopy journal at any of our outlets or, download it from here to embark on your very own oyster journey!