Popular Seafoods in the US: A Guide to America's Favorite Fish & Shellfish
March 03, 2025
🦐 Popular Seafoods in the US: The Top Fish & Shellfish Americans Love to Eat
The United States is surrounded by vast oceans, lakes, and rivers, making seafood an integral part of American cuisine. 🌊 Whether you’re dining on a shrimp cocktail in New Orleans, grilled salmon in Seattle, or a tuna steak in California, seafood is enjoyed across the country in countless ways.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ The most popular seafoods in the US
✅ Their health benefits & nutritional value
✅ The best ways to cook them
✅ Where to find high-quality seafood
Let’s dive in and discover America’s favorite seafood choices!
🥇 1. Shrimp: The Most Popular Seafood in America
Shrimp is the number one seafood choice in the US, with Americans consuming over 1.5 billion pounds of shrimp every year!
🔹 Health Benefits of Shrimp
✔️ High in Protein, Low in Fat – Great for weight management and muscle building.
✔️ Rich in Omega-3s – Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
✔️ Packed with Vitamins & Minerals – Contains Vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, and selenium.
🔹 Why Americans Love Shrimp
✔️ Versatile & Easy to Cook – Can be grilled, fried, sautéed, or added to pasta, salads, and stir-fries.
✔️ Mild, Sweet Flavor – Pairs well with different seasonings and sauces.
✔️ Quick Cooking Time – Ready in minutes, perfect for busy households.
🔹 Best Ways to Enjoy Shrimp
🔥 Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Marinate in garlic, lemon, and herbs before grilling.
🍤 Shrimp Tacos – Toss with lime and chili, then serve in tortillas with avocado.
🥗 Shrimp Cocktail – Served chilled with tangy cocktail sauce.
📌 Regional Favorites:
- South: Shrimp & grits, jambalaya
- Northeast: Shrimp cocktail, seafood boils
- West Coast: Shrimp tacos, ceviche
🥈 2. Salmon: The Heart-Healthy Superfood
Salmon is the second most popular seafood in the US, with Americans consuming over 900 million pounds annually. 🐟
🔹 Health Benefits of Salmon
✔️ Rich in Omega-3s – Supports brain function and heart health.
✔️ High in Protein & Vitamin D – Essential for muscle growth and immune function.
✔️ Loaded with Antioxidants – Wild salmon contains astaxanthin, which reduces inflammation.
🔹 Why Americans Love Salmon
✔️ Distinct Flavor & Firm Texture – A favorite among seafood lovers.
✔️ Versatile Cooking Options – Baked, grilled, smoked, or raw in sushi.
✔️ Super Nutritious – A top choice for a healthy diet.
🔹 Best Ways to Enjoy Salmon
🔥 Grilled Salmon Fillets – With lemon and dill for a light, healthy meal.
🍣 Salmon Sushi & Sashimi – Fresh, raw salmon in Japanese cuisine.
🍞 Smoked Salmon Bagels – Paired with cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
📌 Regional Favorites:
- Pacific Northwest: Wild-caught salmon, smoked salmon
- Northeast: Lox and bagels
- West Coast: Salmon sushi, poke bowls
🥉 3. Tuna: A Protein-Packed Favorite
Tuna is another staple seafood in the US, commonly eaten grilled, canned, or raw in sushi. Americans consume over 700 million pounds of tuna every year.
🔹 Health Benefits of Tuna
✔️ High in Lean Protein – Supports muscle repair and overall health.
✔️ Rich in Omega-3s – Helps lower cholesterol and improve brain function.
✔️ Low in Calories – A nutrient-dense option for healthy eating.
🔹 Why Americans Love Tuna
✔️ Affordable & Widely Available – Especially in canned form.
✔️ Perfect for Quick Meals – Tuna salad, sandwiches, and sushi.
✔️ Bold Flavor & Meaty Texture – Great for grilling and searing.
🔹 Best Ways to Enjoy Tuna
🥗 Tuna Salad Sandwiches – Mixed with mayo, celery, and lemon.
🔥 Grilled Ahi Tuna Steaks – Seared rare for a restaurant-quality meal.
🍣 Tuna Sushi Rolls – Popular in Japanese cuisine.
📌 Regional Favorites:
- Northeast: Tuna salad sandwiches
- West Coast: Tuna poke bowls, sushi
- South: Blackened tuna steaks
📢 Important Note: Tuna has higher mercury levels, so consume in moderation.
🏅 4. Alaskan Pollock: The Affordable Seafood Choice
Alaskan Pollock is one of the most widely consumed fish in the US, often used in fish sticks, fast-food sandwiches, and fish tacos.
🔹 Health Benefits of Alaskan Pollock
✔️ High in Protein, Low in Fat – A lean, healthy seafood option.
✔️ Rich in Omega-3s & B Vitamins – Supports heart and brain health.
✔️ Sustainably Harvested – One of the most eco-friendly seafood choices.
🔹 Why Americans Love Alaskan Pollock
✔️ Mild Flavor & Flaky Texture – A great choice for picky eaters.
✔️ Affordable & Widely Available – More budget-friendly than some other fish.
✔️ Great for Breaded & Fried Dishes – Ideal for fish sandwiches and fish sticks.
🔹 Best Ways to Enjoy Alaskan Pollock
🍟 Fish & Chips – Crispy battered Pollock served with fries.
🌮 Fish Tacos – Grilled and served with cabbage slaw.
🔥 Baked Pollock Fillets – With lemon, garlic, and herbs.
📌 Regional Favorites:
- Northeast: Fish sticks, fish sandwiches
- West Coast: Pollock fish tacos
- South: Fried fish plates
🌎 Where to Buy High-Quality Seafood
Want fresh, sustainable seafood at home? 🏠🦐🐟 Check out Global Seafoods for the best seafood products!
🔹 Shop Whitefish & Alaskan Pollock
🔹 Fresh & Frozen Fish
🔹 Tuna, Salmon & Sablefish
🔹 Smoked Seafood
📺 Watch seafood recipes & cooking tips on YouTube:
👉 Global Seafoods YouTube Channel
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Why Americans Love Seafood
Seafood is a nutritious, delicious, and versatile part of American cuisine. Whether you love shrimp, salmon, tuna, or pollock, there are endless ways to enjoy seafood while supporting sustainable fishing practices.
What’s your favorite seafood? Let us know in the comments! 🦐🐟🍣