8 must-have purchases at the fish market for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner are often enriched with seafood dishes, a triumph of flavors celebrating the sea and conviviality. To ensure a perfect menu, it is essential to choose fresh, quality ingredients. Here are 8 must-have purchases at the fish market to make your festivities unforgettable.
1. Salmon
A timeless classic, versatile and tasty, capable of embellishing every course on the holiday menu. Salmon, with its rich, tender flesh, is perfect for satisfying even the most demanding palates. It can be served raw in elegant tartare or carpaccio(as long as it has already been slaughtered), smoked as appetizers (with blinis for example), baked with herbs for a refined meal, or star in dishes such as salmon risottos and pastas.
2. Oysters
Oysters are the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Serve them raw with a drizzle of lemon or accompanied by a delicate vinaigrette to open dinner with a classy appetizer. Choose the freshest oysters, preferably from certified sources. If you want to cook them, we recommend gratin following our recipe.
3. Shrimp
Shrimp are a must for the holidays, true stars of the Christmas and New Year's table thanks to their versatility and delicate but strong flavor. You can use them to prepare refined appetizers such as shrimp carpaccio, to make tasty and colorful single-portion verrines or to embellish pasta, with a light tomato-based sauce (at Petitchef we love to eat pasta for Christmas like Italians do, so why don't you try it this year?).
4. Codfish
An intense flavor that speaks of tradition. During the holidays, cod becomes the undisputed star of our dishes. Perfect for full-bodied soups, or baked dishes, it enhances every recipe with its distinct and unmistakable taste. A versatile ingredient that transports us to the authentic flavors of the past, ideal for preparing iconic dishes.
5. Scallops
Scallops are another must-have delicacy on the holiday table. You can cook them au gratin, sauteed with butter and parsley, or use them for sophisticated pasta dishes. Make sure they have a fresh aroma and pearly color.
6. Octopus
Have you ever tried Octopus salad? Tender and flavorful, it is perfect as an appetizer. Buy a medium-sized fresh octopus and ask the fishmonger to clean it thoroughly. Do not hesitate to try recipes from around the world like Takoyaki (from Japan) if your curious of world's culinary traditions.
7. Clams and mussels
These shellfish are indispensable for dinner. Choose the freshest real clams and mussels, checking that they are tightly closed and alive when you buy them.
French people love to eat mussels cooked in white wine (moules marinières) with some French fries, try our recipe and tell us if you liked it!
8. Langoustine
From Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve dinner, these delicious and versatile crustaceans captivate every palate. Their sweet and delicate flesh makes them perfect for creating refined appetizers and unforgettable dishes, such as classic linguine with langoustine or a creamy risotto with burrata. A touch of class for any special occasion.
You can also bake Langoustines with some olive oil, parsley and garlic, you'll love it!
Tips for buying fish during the holidays
- Freshness first: Check for smell(characteristic of the sea, free of ammonia notes), eye shine and firmness of flesh.
- Advance reservation: Fishmongers are very busy during the holidays. To make sure you get the fresh fish you want, we recommend making your reservation a few days in advance
- Proper storage: store fish in the refrigerator, wrapped in food grade paper or airtight containers, and cook it within 24 hours of purchase.