Seafood Trends & Tastes of 2021

The pandemic initiated some exciting trends in food service besides the surge in take-out, bringing good news to seafood sellers who cater to these 2021 tastes.

For starters, the travel restrictions sparked “a renewed interest in the top three perennial global favorites—Italian, Mexican and Chinese,” according to Technomic, a global foodservice trend watchdog. This interest means more sales of such traditional favorites as Italian fried calamari, Mexican shrimp ceviche, and Chinese seafood stir fry. Yet a second, equally popular trend prompted by the shutdown is the desire for new, innovative tastes, whether achieved through unusual spices and seasonings or unique ingredient combinations. 

A Word from the Experts

According to Kalsec, a food-trends research firm, “consumers want to know more about the foods and flavors they are eating and crave uniqueness.”

Noting Americans’ growing fascination with global flavors, researchers for Innova Market Insights 2019 report found that two out of three U.S. consumers “love to discover new flavors.” Meanwhile, Food Industry Executive says the term “umami,” often called the fifth taste, has grown 43% on menus in the past four years. Umami flavors are found in ingredients like miso, soy sauce, and black garlic that pair well with seafood

These three sources agree that this craving for the untried has led to an uptick in less traditional seasonings and sauces, as well as increased enthusiasm for experimentation with lesser-known ethnic cuisines and heritage dishes. 

Why Seafood Shines

With seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and branzino, able to stand up in taste and texture to a vast array of spices and sauces as well as cooking methods, this convergence of tradition and innovation is excellent news for seafood food service operators of all kinds. Better still: Both traditional and unusual dishes can be served up with limited overhead thanks to seafood staples such as those mentioned above that lend themselves to a wide variety of both conventional and globally diverse fare. 

With these facts in mind, below are a few of the ethnic cuisines that are trending, accompanied by recipes that will satisfy traditional diners and thrill the more adventurous—while keeping inventory to a happy minimum.

Italian. No wonder this comfort cuisine remains a “go-to.” Considering the past year, who doesn’t need comforting? Serve up this Seafood Pappardelle Romana, and your diners will agree, “Now that’s Italian!”

Chinese. There’s a reason Chinese food is featured in so many movies. For many U.S. consumers, chinese cuisine is adventurous without straying too far from the known. No one who loves Chinese food will be able to walk away from this WOK Fried Szechuan Cashew Calamari.

Mexican. Few things can beat a good traditional Mexican seafood dish. Yet those looking to spice things up a bit should try Tikin Xic (Pronounced “teekeen sheek”), a Mexican seafood dish influenced by the Mayans. Seamami Shrimp Ticin-Xic makes a great introduction to the cuisine, one that will bring customers back again and again.

Sicilian. While many think it is synonymous with Italian, Sicilian fare also features flavors—and often sauces and spices—of Greek, Arabic, French, Catalan, and Spanish cuisine. This easy-to-make Sicilian calamari is sure to earn a Bravo! from classical and nuevo seafood diners alike.

African. Many Americans used the shutdown to return to their roots, transporting many cooks to another continent, namely Africa. The taste of Harissa Dusted Tempura Shrimp and North African Chutney will leave many diners wondering what else they have been missing from this delicious cuisine. 

Tropical. Few can resist the pull of the islands. Tropical flavors can be the perfect subtle accent to a wide variety of seafood fare. Tempura Island Shrimp or Aloha Seafood Medley with Mandarin Orange Cream will have your guests making reservations for their next mini getaway. 

For more delicious recipes made with our premier seafood, we invite you to browse our website. Have a great seafood recipe you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!