The Big Book of Fish & Shellfish: More Than 250 Terrific Recipes (Big Book (Chronicle Books)) (Paperback)

by Fred Thompson (Author) "If only I could cook fish like this at home" is a common lament heard in almost every seafood restaurant throughout the country..." (more)
Key Phrases: North Carolina, Any Region Tartar Sauce, New York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For those who love fish -- or clams, lobster, scallops, mussels, octopus, oysters, crab, or shrimp -- but are in need of a definitive guide to making it at home, here's a Big Book that's a whale of catch. This tell-all volume helps the home cook not only select the fish or shellfish from the market, but also then turn it into a delicious meal in a few easy-to-follow steps. The book is organized by type of seafood, so if, say, snapper is not available that day, a quick substitution can be made with catfish, flounder, or whatever similar fish is freshest. The author's tips for selection, preparation, and cooking techniques (including poaching, steaming, baking, grilling, frying, and roasting) allow the reader to cook with confidence. With more than 250 outstanding recipes, from appetizers and main courses to great classic side dishes, this latest addition to the Big Book series means nobody has to be chicken of the sea.

About the Author
Over the last 14 years, Fred Thompson has been a cookbook author, cooking school teacher, food writer, food stylist, recipe and product developer, international food marketing consultant (most recently in Tokyo), and food columnist. He splits his time between New York City and the more relaxed Raleigh, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811849252
• ISBN-13: 978-0811849258
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #259,487 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Cookbook, November 2, 2006

By	Spyce - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This book has so many good recipes in it, I don't know where to start! My favorite is the Salmon Stuffed with Mascarpone Cheese and Spinach (use frozen). The recipe bakes it but I put mine on the grill. The Morehead City Shrimp Burgers is another favorite, as well as the Buttery Garlicky Steamed Clams. The book doesn't have any pictures in it, but don't let that be your deciding factor, the recipes are really good, and each recipe is accompanied by a brief description or introduction. Some of the recipes feature fish that may not be popular for all areas but in those cases, the author may mention that another type of fish can be substituted. Or substitute your favorite fish. If you are not familiar with buying and cooking fish and seafood, the author lays out the basics in the beginning of the book which covers the difference between fresh and frozen, what to look for, storing, and appropriate cooking methods.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No more restaurant fish, May 22, 2006

By	Biscuit Gal (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews

I admit to only eating fish at restaurants because my fish was boring and never cooked right. So I bought this book. Wow what a difference.

I made the barbecued salmon for my family for Mother's day, and no one touched the chicken. It was cooked perfectly and had loads of flavor. Then I tried the baked filets with spinach and pine nuts, and I was hooked.

The tips are a big help and the book is fun to read. I think anyone who wants to eat more fish would love this book because it is full of ideas that simple enough to do, but full of flavor.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fish and Shellfish cooked to perfection..., May 25, 2006

By	S. Ilkay "Perfectionist" (California, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Big Book of Fish and Shellfish is written by a cooking school teacher and food writer. There are no pictures in this cookbook but lots of fish and shell fish recipes, that are fool proof and plenty of tips to guide you to perfect your cooking skills.