how do you like your chicken and fish?

Hey guys!

I was a vegetarian for TWO years.. but I'm going to start eating meat! I'm running and working out a ton and although you CAN get your protein being a vegetarian, I think its just easier with meat...

So tips? I don't know how to buy meat at all! I'm 21 so since I've been out of the house I've only learned how to cook veg.

Advice!? Thanks guys.

Start with something really simple..... squeeze a little lemon juice over a fish fillet, season well with salt and pepper and cook in a pan greased with a little olive oil for a few minutes each side, depending on the thickness.   Skinless, boneless chicken breast sliced into thin strips stir-fries very quickly with some sliced peppers, spring onions, finely chopped ginger & garlic and a little soy sauce.

I like to get boneless, skinless chicken breast, put salt and pepper on it. Sometimes I'll put garlic powder on it or other spices.  Sometimes I put chicken broth with it to keep it from drying out, or fat free cream of chicken. Wrap it in tin foil and put it in the oven 375 for 45 minutes (smaller chicken should be cooked for shorter time). It's simple but good.

seems simple!
So how do you pick out meat at the grocery store? is there a section for organic meat usually I'm assuming?

I didn't even realize you could stir fry chicken. Great Idea. I love stir fry.

And fish. What kind is a popular, easy fish to pick out? I would definitely like to ease  into it by starting with fish.

Broiled/Grilled Salmon - MMMM my favorite for sure!! :) 

Chicken can be made in so many ways it is nuts! Since it sort of adopts any flavor you put on it, explore the aisles in the grocery store that has the tomato sauces, pestos, tapenades, mustards, etc - but watch calories per serving & sugars! If all else fails, make your own sauce or topping! 

I cook all of my fish and chicken very simple.  Sprinkle both sides with Mrs Dash garlic/herb.  Spray a pan with cooking spray, brown on both sides 4-5 minutes a side for chicken, 2-3 minutes per side for fish.  When I buy chicken, I generally just by boneless/skinless chicken breasts or tenders.  Here in the midwest you are best off buying salmon or tilapia fillet's at the meat counter.  I also stir fry or grill my chicken.

Experiment.  Have fun.

I enjoy pan frying my chicken breasts on very low heat with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Put a lid on to keep the moisture in.

Just about any kind of fish can be pan fried with a little oil and your favorite herbs, or put in a hot oven 400-425 with a little oil on it and herbs.

Try putting some italian dressing on a chicken breast and baking at 350 in covered dish for about 30-45 minutes.

Lately, I have been baking my fish and chicken (unless the chicken is for stir-fry). 

For a chicken breast, or even dark meat pieces like thighs, I season them with basil, curry powder, a little garlic, and a bit of paprika.  I put 3 seconds of PAM on a plaque, and put it in the oven for 20 minutes for each side. @ 400F

For fish, I put it in a pyrex container, put a little bit of butter, and a little bit of shredded cheese, as well as basil and pepper, and cook on the same side the whole time for about 25 minutes.  @400F

Voila! Serve with steamed/boiled veggies, and rice or a baked potato when feeling indulgent.

Answering the question... how to pick out meat at the grocery store...

Chicken and turkey should look plump and a good colour rather than too pale and anaemic.  If it's sold as organic or free-range then it's usually firmer textured than the intensively-reared version.

Red meats such as beef, lamb and pork need to have a good amount of internal fat to give them flavour and succulence.  So look for 'marbling' in the meat.... thin lines of white fat that will melt down during cooking.

If you buy salmon steaks or fillets, look for a good colour, a fresh smell and a firm texture.  Buy from an outlet with a rapid turnover of stock so that you are sure it's as fresh as possible.  White fish fillets... cod, haddock... again you're looking for firm, bright-looking examples.

Whole fish... mackerel, tilapia...   look for bright eyed fish rather than ones where the eyes look dull or sunken.  They'll be freshest.  If you go to a good fishmonger you can usually ask for whole fish to be prepared and filleted.

awesome .great tips. thanks gi jane for helping with the grocery store tips. Had no idea.

I bought a salmon fillet. I'm having some trouble figuring out how many calories are in it. Seems like a lot of fat! All of the ones I Find on cc, say somewhere between 200-400 with like 4.5 g of sat. fat. whoa.

how do you like your chicken and fish?

Living.

You just couldn't resist, could you ?

I like my fish and my salmon broiled.....if I am strapped for time I will sautee the chicken....

The fat in salmon gives it lots of flavour.  Plus it's a 'good fat' for heart health, rich in omega-3.  One of the oily fish we're always hearing about.  A 100g grilled salmon fillet is about 200 cals