The Difference Between Blackened & Grilled Seafood
When you visit a reputable seafood restaurant, you’re often faced with many choices. From baked to broiled and deep-fried to pan-fried, it can be difficult to decide which dish will be satisfying. Additionally, many restaurants offer blackened and grilled dishes, and both offer a unique flavor. If you’re unsure of which option to choose, the guide below outlines some differences between the two.
Blackened Seafood
Blackening refers to a method of cooking designed to replicate the flavor of charred meat. The technique, which is usually used on catfish, redfish, and snapper, offers a smoky, almost earthy taste to the salty profiles of the fish. It relies heavily on adding the right amount of herbs and spices to the meat while it’s raw. Coating the raw fish will lead to a crunchy crust once the dish is complete.
To blacken the seafood, the fish is first dredged in melted butter and dipped in the mixture of seasonings and spices. This typically includes a combination of paprika, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, pepper, salt, and garlic. While the chef is doing this, they’ll also heat their cast iron skillet until it starts to smoke. Once the fish is ready, and the skillet is hot, the chef places the seafood in the hot pan, allowing the fish to cook completely on both sides. After about three minutes on each side, the food is ready to be served.
Grilling
If you prefer not to alter the natural taste of your seafood, a grilled dish is best. This option is usually done on a grill over a direct flame and focuses on simply cooking the fish rather than trying to alter the texture by creating a crust.
With grilling, you can season your dish with either dry or wet ingredients. For example, you can create a rub of garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder, or you can marinate the fish in teriyaki or soy sauce.
Once the fish has had ample time to sit in its seasonings, all the chef needs to do is place the meat on a hot grill, flipping it every four minutes until it is cooked all the way through.
Whether you’re in the mood for blackened or grilled fish, Lolo’s Seafood Shack in Harlem, Manhattan, is sure to satisfy your cravings. This Caribbean-inspired restaurant offers delicious dishes like jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and crab cakes. They also host a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offer delicious appetizers to pair with mouthwatering cocktails. Call (646) 649-3356 to make a reservation and visit them online to view their menu.