This Cali Native's Pescatarian Cookbook Features Coastal Recipes From Around The Globe
California native Stephanie Harris-Uyidi has a passion for cooking, travel, and adventure. All of these interests converged for the making of her new cookbook, Going Coastal, in which she shares her love for her pescatarian lifestyle through recipes inspired by international cuisines.
Having been a pescatarian for about 20 years now, Stephanie has become an authority on the lifestyle and a seafood expert. One of the things that inspired her to create her cookbook was feedback from readers, friends, and family who found themselves either bored with the seafood dishes that they had been making, or unsure how to work with different species (shark, skate wings, scallops, etc.)
The 567-page book is a collection of globally inspired seafood recipes that she has thoughtfully curated, and that are inspired by her travels and food tours to coastal regions.
“Going Coastal is a love letter to the gastronomy scenes from places that I have visited and the places that I will soon have a chance to check out,” says Stephanie. “The book is meant to transport readers to different parts of the world through sustainable, approachable seafood recipes that feature a host of lively ingredients. It’s a celebration of the coastal regions around the globe. I aimed to cover as much territory and reference as many places as possible.”
A staycation worthy read, those who may not currently have the time or budget to take a vacation to the beach, can buy the book, shop for groceries, and prepare to go coastal right from the comfort of their own homes. Along with seafood dishes, readers will find side dishes, sauces and spices, and lots of tips and tricks.
“I am big on education, so throughout the book you will find tips, cooking advice, and my notes in sections affectionately called ‘Posh Pointers.’ These pages are designed to provide how-to tips, detailed info on species, and fun facts. They will help you get unstuck when faced with a new food challenge, like selecting shellfish or cleaning squid. Topics like purging clams and removing the bloodline from fish are also included.”
A labor of love, it took nearly three years to develop the concept, create recipes, and photograph the dishes for Going Coastal. Collaborating with an international team including people from countries like Spain, Nigeria, and Ukraine helped reinforce the global theme of the book.
Readers will find dishes from the United States (Seafood Gumbo), Australia (Barramundi with Kiwi Mano Salsa), South America (Shrimp Ceviche), the Caribbean (Char Grilled Fish), Mexico (Seafood Enchilada), Ireland (Colcannon with Smoked Trout), England (Fish & Chips), West Africa (Spicy Fish Stew), India (Curried Tuna & Dhal), Southeast Asia (Coconut Lime Mussels), and the Mediterranean (Whole Grilled Branzino), to name a few.
“So far, the fans have been excited about the Seafood Gumbo recipe, Seoul Barbecued fish collars, and the raw seafood section of the book that includes Shrimp Ceviche and Hawaiian Poke. Other popular dishes are the Best Coast Salmon Cakes, Pacific Razor Clams, and Cuban Plátanos Maduros.”
There are numerous benefits of a pescatarian diet; so many that Stephanie dedicated an entire section of the book to discussing them. In addition to being delicious, Stephanie says eating at least two servings of seafood per week offers numerous health benefits, including lowering your risk of heart disease and reducing the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and more.
“According to one Harvard study, seafood can prevent heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure. The Nutritional Studies Research Group at Stanford University writes that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower blood triglyceride levels and inflammatory markers. Researchers from the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have found that consuming fish that is prepared in a healthful way—broiled, baked or steamed—on a regular basis is linked to higher functionality in areas of the brain that are responsible for comprehension and recollection in adults.”
Stephanie also highlights the fact that fatty or oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines can help balance our mood and lower the risk of depression, and that eating more fish and seafood regularly can reduce the risk of obesity.
All of these are reasons to eat more of the delectable seafoods many of us already love. If you’re looking for new and interesting ways to prepare various types of seafood, Going Coastal has the inspiration you are seeking.
Both the digital and print versions of the book are available on Amazon and at independent bookstores. Stephanie also shares recipes and video demos from the cookbook on her website, www.poshpescatarian.com, and via her Instagram and Facebook accounts.
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