The Healthiest Dishes to Eat at Seafood Restaurants Raleigh NC

For people who love eating seafood, visiting seafood restaurants Raleigh NC is one of the easiest ways to enliven lunch or dinner affairs. Seafood is known to be chockfull of nutrients and even compares favorably with meat and chicken. However, foodies also need to exercise a certain degree of caution as not all seafood is good from the get-go. Some fish may have a high mercury content, which could make them potentially dangerous if you eat too much of it. Meanwhile, other seafood items have not been sourced ethically or sustainably to the point of population decline, which has been a long-term problem in the food industry.

So, whether it’s because of a seafood dish’s flavors, nutrient content, or uniqueness, knowing how to identify the best dishes to order at a seafood restaurants Raleigh NC can help change the way you dine out. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular and healthiest dishes you can try when you visit seafood restaurants Raleigh NC. This way, you can be more confident when you’re handed the menu, as you’ll be making smart dining choices without feeling too guilty when lunch or dinner is over.

Salmon

Salmon is probably one of the most popular types of fish, delicious in both its raw and cooked forms. The fat in salmon (especially in wild-caught salmon) is the “good” kind and it has lots of heart-healthy Omega-3 amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D. In addition to its unique flavor, salmon can be super sustainable, whether it’s farmed in fisheries or fresh from Alaska. It also has low mercury content, making it one of the popular seafood choices that even pregnant women can enjoy eating.

In many seafood restaurants Raleigh NC, one of the favorite dishes is the Soy-glazed Salmon with jasmine rice, bok choy, and strawberry togarashi, which is both gluten-free and dairy-free.

Fun fact: Coho salmon, King (or Alaskan Chinook) salmon, and Sockeye salmon are three wild salmon species that have been rated with the highest Omega-3 content.

Mahi Mahi

If you’re not a huge fan of oily fish, you can try ordering Mahi Mahi instead. It’s one of the healthiest lean fish you can eat when you dine out at seafood restaurants Raleigh NC. Other people call it dolphin but worry not, as it is completely different from the mammal!

Mahi Mahi is high in protein and offers a prime supply of Omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation as well as lower the risk for heart-related ailments. Many food experts also explain that eating Mahi Mahi can help fend off signs of aging. The next time you’re around Raleigh NC, be sure to try the bestselling grilled Mahi Mahi over chorizo potato hash with pickled jalapeño, red onion, cherry tomato salsa, and queso. You’re in for a festival of flavors!

Shrimp

In many seafood restaurants Raleigh NC, shrimp is another commonly ordered seafood when you want to eat a delicious and equally nutritious meal. Given its mild flavor, juicy texture, and quick prep time, you can enjoy a low-calorie meal any time of the day. Shrimp is also a great source of iodine and selenium, both of which are essential nutrients that support your body’s healthy metabolism. While they’re not superstars in supplying Omega-3 acids, eating shrimp gives you a boost in protein.

Shrimp are typically cooked in many ways, and some of the popular offerings include it being roasted with penne, marinara, and spinach; or fried with a side of tangy pineapple salsa.

Oysters

Admittedly, oysters are not for beginners. These shelled gems vary in size based on the location they are coming from. Generally, oysters are low in calories and rich in zinc, an essential nutrient that helps build your body’s defenses against common colds and viruses. Interestingly, oysters aren’t just good for your body, they are actually good for the environment too. They feed off the natural nutrients and algae in the water, which greatly improves water quality from where they were sourced. From a nutritional standpoint, it’s hard to beat all the health benefits of an oyster.

While oysters are commonly eaten raw, many seafood restaurants Raleigh NC also offer cooked variations of this popular seafood. Try something new like the fried oyster tostada with pico de gallo, guacamole, queso, and drizzled with ancho chili sauce!

Enjoy a sea of delightful fusion dishes

When it comes to eating seafood, everyone looks for that certain type of freshness and flavor that well-known local seafood restaurants Raleigh NC can provide. And while you look for new dishes to try, or simply satisfy your cravings, make sure you also look into the way the ingredients are sourced so you don’t miss out on really taking in all of the benefits that fresh seafood has to offer. Many eateries in Raleigh NC partner with local purveyors to bring not only the freshest food to your table but to also source the best produce and ingredients in a sustainable and low-impact manner to make your dining experience truly an unforgettable one.