Ask the Seavant with The Fishionista, Michael-Ann Rowe

Have seafood questions? Ask the Seavant! A seavant is a learned person who is an expert in seafood and shellfish, including the health benefits, ease of preparation and deliciousness.

You asked and our seavant, Michael-Ann Rowe (aka The Fishionista), answered!

How long can cooked shrimp be out before going bad (on ice such as shrimp cocktail at parties)?
First, let's remember that it is important to handle seafood safely to reduce the risk of food borne illness. Cooked shrimp should be left out no more than 2 hours, and not for more than one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees.

How long is cooked shrimp safe in the refrigerator?
Cooked shrimp that is wrapped or sealed tightly will last for a couple of days.  Use it for a salad or seafood burger!

Can I freeze it without losing the fresh taste?
Yes, if it is in an air-tight wrap or freezer bag.

I'd like to thaw it on a future day as an ingredient to use in a shrimp dip. A friend mentioned freezing it in a baggie of water. Yes or no to that idea?
No for cooked shrimp.  If the shrimp is cooked, the best method would be to dip the shrimp into an ice-bath and place each on a baking pan in your freezer, laying in a single layer.  Once frozen, put them in a zipper bag removing as much air as possible.

What is the best way to thaw frozen, cooked shrimp I am going to use as an ingredient in a hot entree?
The best way to thaw frozen cooked shrimp is in the refrigerator.  Alternatively, run under cool water until thawed for immediate use.

Is there a correct way to shell a lobster at the dinner table?
Lobster can be shelled at the table easily and this is something I teach in my Lobster 101 classes. Watch this video of me visiting a lobster tour boat in New Brunswick, Canada. Captain Ron Cormier shows us how easy it is to shell lobster!

Can seafood be part of a slow cooker meal?
Seafood is great in slow cooker meals!  Be sure to add your seafood last to seafood stews and once all the broth and vegetables have cooked for 2-3 hours. Simply, sea-licous flavors! For recipe inspiration, check out this Pinterest board. 

How do you prepare white fish?
White fish is so easy to prepare and a great introduction for anyone eating fish for the first time! White fish can be firm or delicate, so depending, you always want your white fish to be flaky vs. mushy (and it can go mushy in a matter of 30 seconds!). 

You can:

• Sauté or fry in an open pan in vegetable oil
• Dust both sides with seasoned flour and sear in vegetable oil and a bit of butter (avoids burning the flour)
• Foil it up for the grill
• Simply put a lid on it and steam it with vegetables like this One-Pan White Fish Dish

​What are the best types of fish to use for fried vs. baked dishes?
White fish are generally best for frying.  Happy to report there are many choices: cod, halibut, hake, striped bass, trout, arctic char, smelts, sardines, skate, barramundi, dogfish, perch, and dover sole.

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About Michael-Ann
Michael-Ann is an Emmy® Award winning food & travel journalist for her three-part documentary series, Off the Beaten Palate. Her debut series was broadcast on PBS, of which Part I was focused on seafood in New Brunswick, Canada, where she was born. 

She is the host of a seafood web cooking series, Put Your Best Fish Forward. Known as the FishionistaTM, Michael-Ann teaches viewers how to buy, cook and enjoy seafood.

As a seafood champion, Michael-Ann enjoys contributing to panel discussions and presenting her Lobster 101 classes, and is a member of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, Chefs Collaborative, and Women Food Service Forum. Michael-Ann was inducted into the TASTE AWARDS, Hall of Fame, in 2017.

You Tube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Michael-Ann was inducted into the TASTE AWARDS, Hall of Fame, in 2017.