For quick, healthy and filling meals, think beyond chicken. Seafood and fish are easy to prepare and cook in minutes, and they’re a great protein source. “Fish is a good source of essential fatty acids, often referred to as omega-3s,” says Kansas City–based registered dietitian Cara Harbstreet, M.S., R.D., L.D. “This type of fat can support heart and brain health and help manage inflammation,” she says. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends eating one 3-oz. serving of fish at least two times a week.
Select grocery stores, such as ALDI, prioritizes fresh seafood that’s responsibly sourced, so you can always feel confident that you’re feeding your family something good (that’s also good for the planet). And once you’re there, you’ll come across a whole variety of options. ALDI offers fresh, never frozen fish in every store across the country. Here’s how to find what you want.
Salmon
Salmon is a silky, rich fish that packs in nutrients and flavor. It’s a great source of protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12, among others — and its flaky texture lends itself well to heart-healthy cooking methods like roasting, grilling, and steaming. If you’re a beginner, Harbstreet suggests baking salmon — say, a Fresh Atlantic Salmon Side (half of a fish) or Fresh Atlantic Salmon Portions (smaller cuts), depending on how much you need — on a parchment-lined sheet pan as an easy entry point, because it’s essentially hands-off cooking. These no-fail recipes from ALDI are a total catch.
Sweet and Sour Salmon with Roast Brussels Sprouts
Citrus Teriyaki Salmon Zoodle Salad
Grilled Citrus and Herb Salmon
Honey Mustard Salmon With Roasted Vegetables
Cod
Cod is a lighter option, known for its milder flavor and flaky flesh. It is most frequently used to make fish and chips, as its density holds up well to breading, and the mildness takes on seasoning like a dream. It’s also a great choice for chowders and stews because it won’t crumble or break apart as you stir.
Tilapia
Tilapia is a dense but firm fish with a mild flavor that goes well with international seasonings. Harbstreet likes to use her air fryer for all kinds of fish, but particularly tilapia. “You can roast it easily in one without the need to flip it,” she says. “That means it’s less likely the fillets will break apart.” Try Fresh Tilapia Fillets from ALDI in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes, until the flesh becomes flaky and the thickest part reaches 145 degrees on a probe thermometer.
Tuna
Tuna is a firm, full-bodied fish that’s just as delicious canned as it is seared or even raw. And fresh tuna’s versatile, steak-like texture is a good fit for dozens of applications. It shines when pan-seared with Asian-inspired flavors like soy, sesame, and ginger, and it’s equally fantastic flaked into a Mediterranean-inspired salad of rice, fresh herbs, tomatoes and lemon.
Trout
For a firm yet flaky fish with a mildly nutty, slightly sweet flavor, try trout. With a mild option like Fresh Steelhead Trout from ALDI, you really can’t go wrong, whether you grill it with lemon and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro; steam it with garlic and ginger; or sauté it in brown butter with lemon. In other words: Any way you prep it, you’re in for a treat.
Pre-seasoned
In terms of convenience, there’s nothing easier than perfectly cut portions that are already prepped and seasoned for you, so all you have to do is open the package and throw them in a pan. Especially for those new to cooking fish or just short on time, pre-seasoned fish like Fresh Atlantic Salmon with Mediterranean Herbs from ALDI can be a lifesaver.
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Portions
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Side
Fresh Atlantic Salmon with Mediterranean Herbs
Fresh Steelhead Trout
Fresh Tilapia Fillets
Yolanda Wikiel is a freelance writer and editor based in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband, overly energetic toddler and supremely lazy calico. She has covered everything from home, food, and life skills to fashion, travel, and consumer goods for over a decade. Her work has appeared in Parents, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Oprah and Woman’s Day.
