It can be intimidating to shop for seafood. You wonder if it's healthy for you, you worry about whether it's overfished and whether it's caught in ways that harm other species or the environment. Making smart seafood choices has never been more confusing or more important for the planet and our health. Chef and seafood advocate Becky Selengut knows from good fish, and in a voice that's informed but down-to-earth, she untangles the morass surrounding seafood today. From shellfish to finfish to littlefish, fifteen good fish are featured, and the accompanying seventy-five recipes will appeal to a wide range of home cooks: from beginners, to busy parents trying to put a healthy weeknight meal on the table, to the more adventurous who want to create special-occasion dishes. Sommelier April Pogue provides wine pairings for each recipe. Good Fish is an invaluable resource for anyone living on the Pacific Coast. Chef Becky Selengut is an advocate for seafood sustainability and seasonal, regional cuisine. Her writing has been featured in Seattle Homes and Lifestyles and Edible Seattle magazines. She lives in Seattle.
Good Fish
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
Becky Selengut is one of the people who will save Western Civilization...
Cornichon
This is a book I'll be going back to again and again, for inspiration in the kitchen or just to savor a fishy turn of phrase. Every piscivore should own a copy.
Langdon Cook
We know our ocean fish are beleaguered—the dilemma is we still want them for dinner. Solution: Good Fish... Instead of being dire, [author Becky Selengut] celebrates what you can eat: 15 varieties of Pacific seafood that are safe for the environment and for you. The easy-but-unusual recipes include the best version of Hangtown Fry we've seen, and even the nuts-and-bolts sustainability spiel slips down like a nice fresh oyster.
Sunset
We tested some of the recipes in this book and we were both blown away. Not only was each meal delicious, but also both of us learned something from each dish... This book will ALWAYS be in our kitchen. We think it should be in yours too.
Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef
Whether you're a fish fanatic who owns a copper poaching pan and knows your fishmonger by name, or a seafood scaredy cat who hears the soundtrack from "Jaws" at the mere thought of buying — let alone cooking — a live Dungeness crab, "Good Fish"...deserves a spot in your kitchen.
The Seattle Times
Glory in our local shellfish, finfish and "littlefish (hello, sardines!) says Seattle's goddess of seafood sustainability, Becky Selengut, who reels 'em in with honesty, humor and recipes...
All You Can Eat
With "Good Fish," Seattle chef and writer Becky Selengut manages to keep the joy of eating seafood front and center, while gently, succinctly explaining why we should be eating the likes of not just salmon and halibut, but also sardines, trout and arctic char, to name a few. Gorgeous color photos are part of the mix, along with entertaining vignettes from the author...
The Oregonian
In Good Fish Becky Selengut presents the perils of the world's oceans as an opportunity, not a roadblock. And what a delicious opportunity it can be. She teaches us how to cook seafood most home cooks shy away from, like scallops, sardines and squid, but also helps us perfect our technique for cooking our favorites such as salmon, halibut and clams.
Seattle Weekly
Here it is - every thing you ever wanted to know about selecting sustainable fish, cooking it to perfection, plating it beautifully and paring it with the perfect wine. Good Fish. NW chef and author Becky Selengut, who is knowledgeable, gifted and (my favorite) sassy, infuses this stunning book with all three qualities. Drop-dead gorgeous photographs, out of the ordinary recipes - this is a book that makes me take a deep breath, smile and say - oh my goodness. The little photos of how to tell when fish is not done, just perfect and overdone made me squeal a little. So hard to explain with words, using photos is genius. That’s because Becky has also been a teacher for many years and knows how to break techniques down so everybody understands.
Cookus Interruptus
[Becky Selengut] is a smart and funny writer, a talented and experienced chef, and we desperately needed a book with this subtitle: "sustainable seafood recipes from the Pacific Coast." ...If you like to eat fish and you live in the Northwest, this book needs to be on your shelf.
Edible Seattle
Becky Selengut’s new book Good Fish explaining sustainable practices when purchasing fish and extraordinary tips on cooking fish is one of the best new cookbooks for 2011. Recipes carefully crafted so that flavor is king.
Seattle PI
I think a sauce stain is a badge of honor on a cookbook. And I'm already marking up my copy of "Good Fish" by Becky Selengut, one of the sharpest, funniest, most ardent chef-authors I know.
Rebekah Denn
There are plenty of lessons about the best fish to buy and eat to be learned in this book, yet it doesn't come across as preachy. As a fish fan, I appreciate the buying tips and the advice on how to care for your catch once you make the investment. I liked reading about how fish were raised and harvested and the suggestions served up on sustainable substitutes. (Which gives this West Coast-centric collection legs, broadening its appeal to other parts of the country.)
Al Dente
Read this book a few times and you'll know more about fish than the guy behind the fish counter at your local supermarket. And that's good, because then you'll be forced to seek out a proper fishmonger.
Northwest Edible Life
...this is a great little book that deserves an unbiased look, if for nothing more than a pre-dinner sustainable fish lesson, a hefty dose of Selengut's signature snark and a solid chef's knife worth of recipe inspiration.
LA Weekly
...makes eating sustainable seafood at home easier and tastier.
Edible East Bay
Becky Selengut’s book, Good Fish: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the Pacific Coast is one of the most thorough books on cooking seafood I’ve seen in a long time. It’s beautifully presented and the friendly, no-nonsense take on cooking fish and shellfish is refreshing and non-intimidating for novice cooks.
Former Chef
Whether you’re a beginner with fish or wanting to cook more heart-healthy fish dinners in the New Year, this author has something for everyone, no matter your locale — East Coast, West Coast or no coast.
The Well-Fed Heart
Becky Selengut sears a mean scallop! In her fantastic new cookbook, Good Fish: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the Pacific Coast, she divides the world of fish into shellfish, finfish, and littlefish & eggs, and under shellfish has a whole five-recipe section devoted just to scallops.
EAT! The Best Food in the World
If you are a conscientious cook, who wants to learn how to properly prepare seafood, then this is the perfect book for you.
Book End Babes
Cornichon
This is a book I'll be going back to again and again, for inspiration in the kitchen or just to savor a fishy turn of phrase. Every piscivore should own a copy.
Langdon Cook
We know our ocean fish are beleaguered—the dilemma is we still want them for dinner. Solution: Good Fish... Instead of being dire, [author Becky Selengut] celebrates what you can eat: 15 varieties of Pacific seafood that are safe for the environment and for you. The easy-but-unusual recipes include the best version of Hangtown Fry we've seen, and even the nuts-and-bolts sustainability spiel slips down like a nice fresh oyster.
Sunset
We tested some of the recipes in this book and we were both blown away. Not only was each meal delicious, but also both of us learned something from each dish... This book will ALWAYS be in our kitchen. We think it should be in yours too.
Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef
Whether you're a fish fanatic who owns a copper poaching pan and knows your fishmonger by name, or a seafood scaredy cat who hears the soundtrack from "Jaws" at the mere thought of buying — let alone cooking — a live Dungeness crab, "Good Fish"...deserves a spot in your kitchen.
The Seattle Times
Glory in our local shellfish, finfish and "littlefish (hello, sardines!) says Seattle's goddess of seafood sustainability, Becky Selengut, who reels 'em in with honesty, humor and recipes...
All You Can Eat
With "Good Fish," Seattle chef and writer Becky Selengut manages to keep the joy of eating seafood front and center, while gently, succinctly explaining why we should be eating the likes of not just salmon and halibut, but also sardines, trout and arctic char, to name a few. Gorgeous color photos are part of the mix, along with entertaining vignettes from the author...
The Oregonian
In Good Fish Becky Selengut presents the perils of the world's oceans as an opportunity, not a roadblock. And what a delicious opportunity it can be. She teaches us how to cook seafood most home cooks shy away from, like scallops, sardines and squid, but also helps us perfect our technique for cooking our favorites such as salmon, halibut and clams.
Seattle Weekly
Here it is - every thing you ever wanted to know about selecting sustainable fish, cooking it to perfection, plating it beautifully and paring it with the perfect wine. Good Fish. NW chef and author Becky Selengut, who is knowledgeable, gifted and (my favorite) sassy, infuses this stunning book with all three qualities. Drop-dead gorgeous photographs, out of the ordinary recipes - this is a book that makes me take a deep breath, smile and say - oh my goodness. The little photos of how to tell when fish is not done, just perfect and overdone made me squeal a little. So hard to explain with words, using photos is genius. That’s because Becky has also been a teacher for many years and knows how to break techniques down so everybody understands.
Cookus Interruptus
[Becky Selengut] is a smart and funny writer, a talented and experienced chef, and we desperately needed a book with this subtitle: "sustainable seafood recipes from the Pacific Coast." ...If you like to eat fish and you live in the Northwest, this book needs to be on your shelf.
Edible Seattle
Becky Selengut’s new book Good Fish explaining sustainable practices when purchasing fish and extraordinary tips on cooking fish is one of the best new cookbooks for 2011. Recipes carefully crafted so that flavor is king.
Seattle PI
I think a sauce stain is a badge of honor on a cookbook. And I'm already marking up my copy of "Good Fish" by Becky Selengut, one of the sharpest, funniest, most ardent chef-authors I know.
Rebekah Denn
There are plenty of lessons about the best fish to buy and eat to be learned in this book, yet it doesn't come across as preachy. As a fish fan, I appreciate the buying tips and the advice on how to care for your catch once you make the investment. I liked reading about how fish were raised and harvested and the suggestions served up on sustainable substitutes. (Which gives this West Coast-centric collection legs, broadening its appeal to other parts of the country.)
Al Dente
Read this book a few times and you'll know more about fish than the guy behind the fish counter at your local supermarket. And that's good, because then you'll be forced to seek out a proper fishmonger.
Northwest Edible Life
...this is a great little book that deserves an unbiased look, if for nothing more than a pre-dinner sustainable fish lesson, a hefty dose of Selengut's signature snark and a solid chef's knife worth of recipe inspiration.
LA Weekly
...makes eating sustainable seafood at home easier and tastier.
Edible East Bay
Becky Selengut’s book, Good Fish: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the Pacific Coast is one of the most thorough books on cooking seafood I’ve seen in a long time. It’s beautifully presented and the friendly, no-nonsense take on cooking fish and shellfish is refreshing and non-intimidating for novice cooks.
Former Chef
Whether you’re a beginner with fish or wanting to cook more heart-healthy fish dinners in the New Year, this author has something for everyone, no matter your locale — East Coast, West Coast or no coast.
The Well-Fed Heart
Becky Selengut sears a mean scallop! In her fantastic new cookbook, Good Fish: Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the Pacific Coast, she divides the world of fish into shellfish, finfish, and littlefish & eggs, and under shellfish has a whole five-recipe section devoted just to scallops.
EAT! The Best Food in the World
If you are a conscientious cook, who wants to learn how to properly prepare seafood, then this is the perfect book for you.
Book End Babes
About the Author
Becky Selengut, a Seattle-based private chef, is an advocate for seafood sustainability and seasonal, regional cuisine. The coauthor of Washington Local and Seasonal Cookbook, she also writes for Seattle Homes and Lifestyles and Edible Seattle.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've had the great fortune of taking a class from the chef and author, Becky Selengut, so I was excited and a bit nervous about getting this book. Excited because I've found her straight-forward, witty teaching manner to be very helpful (and fun). Nervous, because I was worried that her personality wouldn't come through in the book. But she nailed it. The book is educational - I love fish but hardly ever cook it because I don't know what kind to buy and, I'm not the best cook. Selengut easily explains what fish to buy, what to look for on the label and what questions to ask at the store. The recipes are fantastic. Following her instructions, we prepared the most amazing scallops - cooked to perfection. This from "Good Fish" on cooking scallops: "Heat your pan over high heat. (Now many of you will read that, defy me, and turn your heat down to medium high. Trust me, and get your hand off that dial.)"...she was so right!
As a reluctant cook, it is a real treat for me to read a book that is straight-forward, educational, creative and entertaining. Good Fish is a great addition to any cook's collection.
As a reluctant cook, it is a real treat for me to read a book that is straight-forward, educational, creative and entertaining. Good Fish is a great addition to any cook's collection.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By DCmm
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just received this book yesterday, and decided to make a recipe from it for my anniversary dinner tonight. I was nervous, because I wanted the anniversary dinner to be a success, and you never know how a new recipe will turn out...but it turns out that "Wok-seared squid with lemongrass, chile, and basil" is absolutely delicious, with tender squid and a great blend of Thai flavors. It was definitely a hit for dinner tonight, and I know that I will be making it again, along with many other recipes from this book.
Overall, the book is beautiful, with lovely and enticing photos of the recipes. And Selengut's engaging narrative throughout the book about the best way to prepare fish and seafood, as well as how to select and purchase seafood in a sustainable way, makes the book a five-star purchase for me, as well as a book that I could see giving as a gift to others who enjoy cooking and eating seafood.
You won't regret purchasing this item! Happy cooking and eating...
Overall, the book is beautiful, with lovely and enticing photos of the recipes. And Selengut's engaging narrative throughout the book about the best way to prepare fish and seafood, as well as how to select and purchase seafood in a sustainable way, makes the book a five-star purchase for me, as well as a book that I could see giving as a gift to others who enjoy cooking and eating seafood.
You won't regret purchasing this item! Happy cooking and eating...
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By V. Boroff
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I think this is just what this seafood loving world needs. Becky does a great job of describing what type of fish you should look for, if you are interested in sustainable seafood. The recipes within are delicious. I made the grilled sockeye salmon with fennel two ways, and it was fantastic! The book is highly informative without being snooty, and Clare Barboza's photography is absolutely beautiful.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not great
Recipes seem rather involved for me. The discussion about sustainable seafood is useful. I think "Fish without a doubt" is much more useful. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Tcart driver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Fish wins points for the home chef
Good Fish is a great book. Excellent recipes of a manageable size for some one in their own kitchen. Excellent descriptions of exactly what to do and why. For example, Ms. Read more
Published 16 days ago by John W. Chandler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Recipes
We enjoy the history and information about types of fish and crustaceans in addition to the beautiful pictures and easy and original recipes.
Published 5 months ago by V. Aller
5.0 out of 5 stars
committment
It takes commitment to write a book like this, to live the words written in this book, to teach first hand to others the importance of this book. Becky has it. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Lisa Nakamura
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully Executed: Educational and Fun
This book reads as a love story to the Pacific NW fisheries, and feels a bit as though Becky is standing at the fish counter with you, or knee-deep in the Puget Sound pulling in... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Amy Lechner
5.0 out of 5 stars
user friendly
I picked this book because the author has selected several specific fish and shellfish based on sustainability. Read more
Published 12 months ago by E. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Recipes!
I can't begin to describe how much we are enjoying this book. The recipes are approachable, fresh and absolutely outstanding! Read more
Published 15 months ago by D. Farnham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Cook book
An avid home cook I found the recipes and pairings of the wine simply wonderful. My family is excited to see this cookbook out when I'm in the kitchen. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Jennifer M. Davis-lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great, attainable fish recipes
Our family made a commitment long ago to cooking seafood 3-4 times a week -- it's an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, and (hello! Read more
Published 20 months ago by Michele Kellett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This is an excellent book and for people who want to know about fish, this book addresses this a little as well. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Wagg
