Blog

Thoughts and ideas from Wild American Seafood - Tommy's Seafood, Inc.
Seasonal catches to buy from your New Orleans fishmonger
June 10, 2019 at 12:00 AM
by Wild American Seafood - Tommy's Seafood, Inc.
photo-1557496896-739fac2dc7ce.jpg

Few experiences beat buying freshly caught fish from your New Orleans fishmonger. Once they’ve made their way to your kitchen, you can create a delectable dish that’s both tasty and healthy. If you want to get the most out of your dining experience, it’s worth learning more about which catches are in season when you choose us as your New Orleans fishmongers.

The best winter catches from a New Orleans fishmonger

If you love feasting on oysters, you’ll be pleased to learn that we catch and sell them throughout the year. However, the Tommy’s Seafood team has found that they’re particularly plump and juicy during the winter, especially in December and January. We also find that oysters draw their characteristic flavor from the waters they’re caught in. As such, whether you eat yours undressed or you love a dash of tobacco, we recommend trying the different types we have to sell.

Other winter fish and seafood options to look out for include:

Crab

Again, like most great New Orleans fishmongers, we’ll sell crab throughout the year. But our experience also tells us that crab is particularly flavorful when caught during January and February. As a key ingredient in plenty of Cajun and Creole dishes, this is a catch that’s perfect for creating hearty winter meals that’ll keep you warm through to the summer months.

Crawfish

Although we’re including crawfish among our winter catches, it’s worth knowing that you can enjoy them during the spring and early summer months too. As the official state crustacean of Louisiana, crawfish is perfect in pies, gumbo, and lots of other dishes. It takes well to a host of seasonings, making it ideal for experimenting with during your cooking adventures. It’s cost-effective, too, making it a winner when you want to enjoy tasty fish but you’re on a budget.

Spring and summertime fish in New Orleans

Spring and summer are perfect for barbecues. Additionally, fish and shellfish lend themselves well to the tasty dishes that many of us enjoy during the summer months. As seasoned New Orleans fishmongers, we recommend trying some of the following:

Shrimp

With a little over a handful of varieties existing within Louisiana’s waters, shrimp is a firm favorite among many of our customers. Additionally, a lot of the shrimp you see in stores has been caught in Louisiana’s waters. We have an abundance of it throughout the state and the peak season takes place between May and September. Whether you choose to grill yours with Cajun spices or grill it outdoors, we’re confident you’ll love what we’re selling.

Mahi Mahi

When you’re looking for a sweet tasting fish, you can’t go wrong with some of our freshly caught Mahi Mahi. It’s the type of fish that’ll remind you of the time you spend on vacation, and it requires very little seasoning to taste great. Mahi Mahi production is at its peak during May and June, so don’t miss out on your chance to grab some for your barbecue.

Yellowfin tuna

Whether you love tuna as a super-healthy steak substitute or you’re trying to create an upmarket Nicoise salad, you’ll love the yellowfin tuna that comes from Louisiana’s waters. We recommend searing yours until it’s cooked to your liking or chargrilling it to give it some extra flavor. We catch our best yellowfin tuna between June and October.

As dedicated New Orleans fishmongers, we want to help you get more from your dining experiences. By buying fish within season, you’ll enjoy the freshest fish possible. To learn more about what we do and the type of fish we have available, call 504-271-9735.

What is the Best Wild-Caught Louisiana Shrimp?
January 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
wild-caught Louisiana shrimp

Seafood lovers everywhere know there’s something special about wild-caught Louisiana shrimp. Packed with bold flavor, a firm bite, and endless versatility, these Gulf treasures are a staple for any seafood enthusiast. But what makes some shrimp better than others? Let us show you why Tommy’s Seafood has been a trusted name in quality shrimp since 1982.

A Legacy of Wild-Caught Shrimp

The Gulf of Mexico is the heart of Louisiana’s shrimping industry. Its nutrient-rich waters give Gulf shrimp their sweet, briny flavor that’s simply unmatched. At Tommy’s Seafood, we’ve spent over 40 years honoring this tradition, working with local fishermen to bring you shrimp that capture the true taste of the Gulf.

What Makes Tommy’s Shrimp Different?

Freshness You Can Taste

Freshness is everything when it comes to seafood. That’s why we use cutting-edge CO2 freezing technology to lock in flavor and texture within minutes. Shrimp flash-frozen at -90°F taste like they’ve just been pulled from the water—something traditional freezing methods just can’t achieve.

A Shrimp for Every Need

Whether you’re looking for head-on shrimp, peeled and deveined, or fully prepared products like shrimp cakes, Tommy’s Seafood offers options for every kitchen.

Our 30,000-square-foot facility in New Orleans is where tradition meets innovation, ensuring every product meets the highest standards.

Sustainability Matters

We’re proud to support wild-caught shrimping practices that protect Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems. By partnering with local fishermen who prioritize sustainability, we ensure that every bite you take helps preserve the Gulf for future generations.

How to Choose the Best Shrimp

Here’s what to look for when buying top-quality wild-caught shrimp:

  • Appearance: Fresh shrimp should be translucent with a slight gloss. Avoid any with black spots or a dull color.
  • Aroma: They should smell clean and briny, like the sea. A strong ammonia scent? That’s a red flag.
  • Texture: Firm shrimp hold up better when cooked, and our advanced freezing process preserves that natural resilience.

Endless Ways to Enjoy Tommy’s Shrimp

From shrimp étouffée and gumbo to shrimp tacos or pasta, wild-caught Louisiana shrimp elevate any dish. Home cooks love the convenience of our frozen-fresh shrimp, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of the Gulf no matter where you live.

For chefs, we go the extra mile by offering R&D services to develop unique recipes and products that bring out the best in our shrimp. We’re here to help you bring bold, new ideas to life, whether you’re crafting a signature appetizer or creating a seafood sensation that your customers will remember.

Why Choose Wild-Caught Over Farmed Shrimp?

Farmed shrimp might be easier to find, but they can’t match the flavor or quality of wild-caught shrimp. While farm-raised shrimp often rely on antibiotics and artificial feed, wild shrimp grow naturally in the open waters of the Gulf. That natural environment creates a cleaner, more vibrant taste—something we take pride in preserving at Tommy’s Seafood. Wild-caught shrimp also have a firmer texture and a distinctive sweetness that farmed shrimp simply can’t replicate. When you choose wild-caught, you’re getting shrimp the way nature intended—pure, flavorful, and packed with the essence of the Gulf.

Experience the Tommy’s Seafood Difference

At Tommy’s Seafood, we combine tradition, innovation, and a passion for quality in every product we offer. Whether you’re a chef perfecting a signature dish or a home cook preparing a family meal, our wild-caught shrimp make every bite unforgettable.

By choosing Tommy’s Seafood, you’re not just enjoying delicious shrimp—you’re supporting local fishermen, sustainable practices, and a proud Louisiana tradition that’s been passed down for generations.

Ready to taste the difference? Explore our selection of wild-caught seafood and bring the flavor of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast to your table today.