The secrets of the star fish on Australian dinner tables: from barramundi to salmon

Hi everyone, I'm the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, I've received many inquiries from new immigrants and international students: "I see all kinds of fish in the supermarket and I have no idea which one to choose. What kind of fish do Australians eat for dinner?" Today we are going to decipher this dietary code that confuses countless new Australians.


### 1. The "Four Heavenly Kings" of the Australian Dinner Table
In the daily dinner of Australian families, the following four types of fish occupy an absolute C position:

**1. Barramundi**
This species, known as the "national treasure fish of Australia", is scientifically named Perch striata, with an annual consumption of over 8,000 tons. Its meat is white and delicate, with both the freshness of marine fish and the tenderness of freshwater fish, and is particularly suitable for pan-frying:
```Recipe
① Marinate with lemon juice + sea salt for 20 minutes
② Heat the cast iron pan until it starts to smoke and add olive oil
③ Fry each side for 90 seconds until golden brown, add white wine to thicken the sauce
```

2. Snapper
The star species of Sydney Fish Market starts auctioning at 3 am every day. It is recommended to choose the size of 400-600g, as the fish of this size has the most firm meat. The favorite method of Melbourne families is salt baking:
```
The whole fish is not scaled and the abdominal cavity is stuffed with lemon slices
Coarse salt and egg white mixture to wrap the fish
Bake in oven at 220°C for 25 minutes
```

**3. Flathead**
The pectoral fin meat of this strange-looking bottom-dwelling fish is called "foie gras of the sea" by gourmets. A Brisbane fisherman told me a secret: soak it in ice water for one hour after buying it, and the meat will become extra chewy.

**4. Tasmanian salmon**
Unlike the Norwegian variety, the fat lines of salmon farmed in Australia are finer. It is worth noting that the skin-on fish fillets purchased by Woolworths every Thursday are the freshest and suitable for smoking or sashimi.

### 2. Guide to avoid scams when buying fish
Pay attention to these things when buying fish in Australia:
1. **Look at the eyes**: The eyes of fresh fish should be bulging and bright, don’t buy those that are cloudy and sunken
2. **Feel the texture**: The meat that bounces back immediately after pressing is the meat that arrived on the same day
3. **Certification**: MSC blue ecolabel ensures sustainable fishing
4. **Choose a time**: It is recommended to purchase on Friday afternoon, as the catch is the freshest on weekends

Recommend three treasure purchase places:
- Sydney Fish Market: The world's second largest seafood market, with free chef teaching on Wednesday afternoons
- Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne: You can buy freshly killed fish
- Coles frozen section: Blind cobia processed by quick-frozen technology has the best value for money

### 3. Quick fish dishes for international students
For those who rent houses, here are two recipes that can be made in 10 minutes:

**Microwave Steamed Fish**
```
① Spread oyster sauce + garlic powder on fish fillet
② Cover with wet kitchen paper
③ Cook on high heat for 3 minutes, sprinkle with chopped green onions and pour hot oil
```

** Dormitory version of grilled fish **
```
① Spread potato chips on tin foil as a base
② Add fish pieces and frozen vegetables
③ Sprinkle with grilling ingredients, bake at 200℃ for 15 minutes
```

### 4. Cold knowledge: Hidden Easter eggs of Australian fish
- Darwin's lungfish contains natural antioxidants and will not fall apart even after long cooking
- Western Australia's pink snapper develops its natural pigment from eating special algae
- South Australian fishermen invented "live fish express delivery", which can be delivered within 8 hours after online ordering
- Australian law stipulates that commercial fishing must use the "quick death method" to ensure the dignity of fish passages

After reading this article, I believe you have mastered the code of fish on the Australian table. Next time you are in front of the seafood counter, you can confidently say: "Please give me two Barramundi fish fillets, with a rainbow luster."

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandAustralian Fish Dinner, whether it is daily cooking or holiday banquets, you can easily choose the most suitable fish. Remember to save this article and review it again before buying fish next time!

> Tips: Australian supermarkets update seafood discount information every Wednesday. Pay attention to the local community bulletin board to get the latest discounts~