Top 10 Common Mistakes People Make When Cooking Seafood (and How to Avoid Them)

Cooking seafood at home can feel intimidating. Even the freshest fish or prawns can end up rubbery, bland, or overcooked if they’re not handled correctly.

At Your Daily Foods, we believe great seafood deserves great cooking. That’s why we’ve put together this expert guide on the top 10 seafood cooking mistakes—and exactly how to avoid them.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll be cooking restaurant-quality seafood at home, every time.

1. Overcooking Seafood – A Common Seafood Cooking Mistake

The mistake:
Leaving fish, squid or prawns on the heat for too long, resulting in dry, tough or rubbery textures.

The fix:
Seafood cooks quickly. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C. Prawns are ready when they turn pink and opaque—remove them immediately to prevent overcooking.

2. Not Preparing Seafood Properly

The mistake:
Cooking seafood without removing scales, shells, or veins.

The fix:
Always clean and devein seafood before cooking. Proper preparation improves flavour, texture and overall eating experience.

3. Skipping the Seasoning

The mistake:
Assuming seafood doesn’t need seasoning.

The fix:
Seafood loves simple flavours. A light seasoning of salt, black pepper, lemon, garlic or fresh herbs enhances its natural taste without overpowering it. Even a quick 10-minute marinade can make a big difference.

4. Using the Wrong Heat or Pan

The mistake:
Cooking seafood on heat that’s too high or too low, or using the wrong pan.

The fix:
Use medium heat and a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan. This ensures even cooking, prevents sticking, and gives fish a beautiful golden finish.

5. Cooking Seafood Straight from the Fridge

The mistake:
Putting cold, wet seafood directly into the pan, causing it to steam instead of sear.

The fix:
Let seafood rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, then pat dry with kitchen paper. A dry surface creates a better sear and more flavour.

6. Improper Freezing and Thawing

The mistake:
Thawing seafood at room temperature.

The fix:
Always thaw seafood overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. This keeps it safe, fresh, and evenly thawed.

7. Ignoring Freshness

The mistake:
Cooking seafood that isn’t fresh enough.

The fix:
Freshness is everything. Quality seafood should smell clean and mild, not fishy. Ordering from trusted suppliers like Your Daily Foods ensures your fish and prawns arrive fresh, carefully packed, and quality-checked, delivered across the UK twice a week.

8. Overcrowding the Pan

The mistake:
Adding too much seafood to the pan at once.

The fix:
Cook in batches if needed. Giving each piece enough space allows proper searing and even cooking.

9. Neglecting Sauces and Pairings

The mistake:
Serving seafood without complementary flavours.

The fix:
Simple is best. Try lemon butter, garlic oil, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. These enhance flavour without masking the natural taste of seafood.

10. Not Paying Attention to Presentation

The mistake:
Serving seafood without any visual appeal.

The fix:
Finish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or colourful vegetables. Good presentation makes food more enjoyable and elevates the entire meal.

Bonus Tip: Freshness Is Everything

Even the best cooking techniques can’t fix seafood that isn’t fresh. That’s why Your Daily Foods delivers premium seafood twice a week across the UK, ensuring you receive products that are fresh, safe, and ready to cook with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Seafood

Q1: How long should I cook fish at home?

Most fish cooks in about 10 minutes per inch of thickness on medium heat. It should flake easily with a fork when done.

Q2: Can I marinate prawns?

Yes – marinate for 15–30 minutes using lemon, herbs, or mild spices. Avoid long marinades as they can break down the texture.

Q3: How can I tell if seafood is fresh?

Fresh fish has firm flesh, clear eyes, and a mild ocean scent. Buying from trusted suppliers like Your Daily Foods removes the guesswork.

Cook Seafood with Confidence

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn everyday seafood into something truly special. Combine these expert tips with fresh seafood delivered by Your Daily Foods, and you’ll enjoy delicious, stress-free meals every time.

 Visit www.yourdailyfoods.com to explore our range of fresh fish, prawns, and seafood delivered straight to your door across the UK.