Sydney seafood expert reveals simple swaps you can make to save on your Easter feast
Easter is officially here, which means you've probably already had to sell a non-vital organ to afford Easter eggs (remind us why they're so expensive this year?).
So, now that it's time to dish up a seafood spread, you're probably pretty strapped for cash.
While seafood isn't known to be cheap, it turns out there are some cheaper options – you just have to know where to look!
READ MORE: A handy guide to all the stores open over the Easter holidays.
It's time to dish up a seafood spread - and there are ways to make it more wallet-friendly. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sydney Fish Market Seafood Educator Mike Huls assures 9honey Kitchen seafood feasts don't have to suffer because of the cost of living crisis.
He suggests some simple ways to save are to consider a different size or cut of your favourite species, or even toss it through a salad or pasta to make it go further.
But, if you are after the more traditional seafood plates, Huls explains that all you have to do to save money is make some simple swaps.
Markus Gerlich of Claudios Seafood bags up prawns for a customer at the Sydney Fish Market during the Christmas rush. (AAP) AAP
For most, the taste of lobster on Easter Sunday is a distant dream since it can get into the triple digits per kilo, but this year it could become a reality.
"A good alternative for that lobstery texture and sweetness is Scorpion Fish," Huls explains, adding it only costs around $30 to $45 per kilo.
"Steam it, barbecue it in foil or banana leaves, or just cook fillets in the pan for a beautiful Lobster substitute."
He does, however, caution that if you're going to purchase scorpion fish, "make sure you ask your fishmonger to handle the filleting for you" as their spines are pretty sharp.
"A good alternative for that lobstery texture and sweetness is Scorpion Fish." Sydney Fish Market
If it's tuna you're after, there are plenty of cheaper replacements, but there's one in particular Huls recommends and it will only cost you around $12 to $16 per kilo.
"The good news for us is that tuna has a lot of delicious relatives. Bonito is exceedingly good value in comparison and criminally underutilised in Australia," he says.
"Its high oil content, punchy flavour and firm flesh makes it the perfect sub for tuna in dishes like tataki and Nicoise salad."
READ MORE: The best budget Easter egg in Australia revealed.
When it comes to whiting, Huls admits that the King George Whiting definitely puts on a show in terms of its size, but if you're trying to save, the Eastern School Whiting is a "dead ringer for its famous sweet flavour" and will only set you back around $10 to $18 per kilo.
And finally, if you're a fiend for calamari but just can't afford the $50 per kilo, your best bet is to reach for cuttlefish instead.
Cuttlefish tapas are a traditional dish of Spanish gastronomy that is enjoyed all along the Mediterranean coast. Cuttlefish tapas usually stand out for their flavor and soft and delicate texture. Getty
Only costing around $15 to $18 per kilo, Huls explains cuttlefish is the perfect budget replacement.
"Cuttlefish works beautifully in most of the same preparations," he says.
"Throw it on the barbecue, salt and pepper deep-fry it, or braise it to gorgeous softness in an oven dish and celebrate your savings!"
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