QUICK AND EAST SEAFOOD RECIPES FOR LENT
As the Lenten season unfolds, millions worldwide engage in fasting and spiritual devotion. Amid the introspection, one culinary tradition stands out: enjoying seafood. Seafood becomes the focal point of Lenten meals, offering not only sustenance but also a profound connection to faith and tradition.
“Our family traditions during Lent are staying home and spending quality time with family,” shares Cold Storage president Marco Qua. “Everyone tries to come up with their own seafood dish, so the kitchen becomes very busy.”
Renowned for their commitment to freshness, sustainability, and superior taste, this season of Lent, Cold Storage offers a lineup of seafood products perfect for those observing Lenten traditions or simply craving highquality seafood.
Salmon. Cold Storage’s sustainably farmed Norwegian Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health and brain function. It also provides highquality protein, vitamins D and B12, and selenium, offering a range of health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, improved cognitive function, and support for bone health.
For a simple, delicious recipe, try baking salmon filets with a honey mustard glaze. Mix together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then spread the mixture over the salmon before baking until flaky and tender.
Sea bass. Chilean Sea Bass is known for its mild flavor and tender flesh. A lean source of protein low in calories and saturated fat, it provides essential nutrients such as vitamin
D, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health, immune function, and inflammation reduction. Sea bass is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. For a gourmet twist, pansear sea bass filets with a lemon-herb butter sauce. Season the filets with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then sear in a hot skillet until golden brown. Finish by adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a dollop of herbed butter. Smoked salmon. The smoky flavor of Cold Storage’s Smoked Salmon has made it one of their all-time bestsellers. This delicacy adds elegance to salads, sandwiches, or appetizer platters. Smoked salmon retains the nutritional benefits of fresh salmon, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. It is also lower in calories and saturated fat compared to many other protein sources. Create a classic brunch favorite by serving smoked salmon on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, sliced tomato, red onion, and capers. Garnish with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Shrimp. Whether stir-fried, grilled, or incorporated into pasta dishes, fresh shrimp, locally known as suahe, delivers succulence to any dish. It’s a low-calorie protein source that is rich in nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. It is also a good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and may reduce inflammation. Local shrimp (or suahe) from LOKAL by Cold Storage has been the company’s pride and joy for over 40 years.
For a quick and flavorful dish, toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest, then grill until lightly charred and cooked through. Serve over a bed of whole grain pasta or salad greens for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Local scallops. Cold Storage’s local scallops are harvested from the pristine waters of Cebu. Sourced sustainably and handled with care, these scallops are a testament to their commitment to quality.
Scallops are a lean source of protein that are low in calories and fat, yet rich in nutrients such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and may reduce inflammation.
You can enhance the natural sweetness of local scallops by searing them in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until golden brown. Finish with a splash of white wine and a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or risotto for an elegant and nutritious meal.
“We love the fact that buying seafood now is very convenient and no longer as expensive as before,” says Qua, whose father, Mariano Qua, was the founder of Sikat Araw Trading and Cold Storage. “We make sure that during the weeks leading up to Lent, the shelves are stocked so that everyone can have great quality seafood at home, just like what our father envisioned.”
For more updates and seafood information, follow Cold Storage Seafood on Facebook and Instagram. Cold Storage branches are located at 764 Banawe Street, Quezon City, tel. 8732-3663; and San Juan at 216 Wilson Street, San Juan City, tel nos. 8571-7711 and 8706-6326.