Best Seafood in Singapore to Pair With Yakiniku Meat
Seafood is everywhere in Singapore now, not only in specialty best seafood restaurants. From neighborhood grills to casual dining spots, more places are adding prawns, squid, and fish to their menus. That means you get more chances to enjoy fresh flavors in new settings. And while meat usually takes the spotlight at yakiniku, seafood brings a clean balance that makes each bite stand out.
In this guide, we’ll show you best seafood in Singapore and why seafood pairs so well with grilled meats or yakiniku spread.
Know Which of Singapore Best Seafood Pairs Perfectly With Your Yakiniku Grill, Not in a Typical Seafood Restaurant
Key takeaways:
Seafood in Singapore is served beyond seafood restaurants.
Most seafood is imported, with some from local farms and wet markets.
Seafood pairs well with yakiniku meats for balance and flavor.
Tajimaya Yakiniku offers buffet and à la carte seafood options.
Grill seafood carefully to avoid overcooking.
Surf-and-turf style dining makes yakiniku more enjoyable.
What Are the Best Seafood Dishes in Singapore Most Commonly Found in Restaurants?
Does Singapore Have Fresh Seafood?
Yes, Singapore has a reputation for having a wide variety of fresh seafood. Despite being a small island nation that imports over 90% of its food. Singapore has a vibrant seafood industry that ensures a constant supply of fresh catch.
Where Does Singapore Get Its Fresh Seafood?
Singapore's fresh seafood supply comes from a variety of sources, both domestic and international. Here are the main channels:
1. Global Imports: The vast majority of Singapore's fresh seafood is imported. The country's strong trade connections and efficient logistics allow for daily air and sea shipments of fresh and live seafood from around the world. Major import sources include countries like:
Australia: Known for its high-quality lobsters, abalone, and salmon.
Japan: Renowned for premium seafood like tuna, scallops, and other species used for sushi and sashimi.
Norway and New Zealand: Key suppliers of salmon.
Southeast Asian Countries: Neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines provide a significant amount of the more common and popular species like jumbo prawns, crabs, and a variety of fish.
Other global suppliers: Singapore also imports from North and South America and Europe, bringing in species like Canadian lobster and Alaskan king crab.
2. Wet Markets: Traditional wet markets are a popular place for locals to buy fresh seafood. These markets receive daily deliveries from suppliers and are known for their vibrant atmosphere and the ability to choose your seafood from live tanks. Fishmongers at these markets often have a long-standing relationship with their suppliers. Ensuring a fresh and reliable stock.
3. Specialty Seafood Retailers and Suppliers: There are numerous dedicated seafood suppliers and retailers in Singapore that cater to both the public and restaurants. These businesses often specialize in specific types of seafood and provide live or chilled products. Many have also transitioned to online platforms, offering next-day delivery of fresh, cleaned, and even pre-cut seafood.
4. Local Aquaculture Farms (Kelongs): While not a major source for the entire nation, Singapore does have a small number of local fish farms, or "kelongs." These farms provide a limited but extremely fresh supply of species like seabass, grouper, and snapper. Some restaurants even market themselves as "tide-to-table," sourcing their seafood directly from these local farms.
What Best Seafood in Singapore to Pair With Yakiniku Meat Grill
Alright, grill masters and food lovers, let's talk about leveling up your yakiniku game! We all know and love the classic Japanese meat grill the sizzle. The smoke, the incredible flavor of marbled beef. But what if I told you there’s a whole new world of flavor waiting for you? It's time to bring some incredible seafood into the mix!
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Grilled to Perfection: The Best Seafood to Pair with Yakiniku at Tajimaya Yakiniku
At Tajimaya Yakiniku, one of Singapore's top Japanese buffet and à la carte grill spots, you can do exactly that. They've got the best yakiniku grills in town, and to top it off, an awesome selection of seafood that's just begging to be paired with your meats. If you're all about that all-you-can-eat life on the Premium Buffet or going for something special from the à la carte menu, here’s how to create a grill-side masterpiece.
The Ultimate Seafood Mix from the Premium Buffet
This is where the fun begins. The Premium Buffet at Tajimaya is a treasure chest of flavors. Pairing these with your beef isn’t just a good idea; it’s a game-changer.
Hoso Tiger Prawns: You can't go wrong with these. Toss them on the grill and watch them turn that perfect shade of pink. Their sweet, juicy meat and a little smoky char from the grill? Pure perfection. They're a fantastic, light contrast to the rich, fatty meats.
Garlic Butter Half Shell Scallop: Okay, get ready for a treat. These scallops come in their shell, and when they hit the grill, the garlic butter melts and creates this amazing, savory sauce. The scallop meat becomes tender and buttery it’s seriously addicting.
Sesame Teriyaki Salmon & Black Pepper Swordfish: If you love a good marinade, these are for you. The sesame teriyaki salmon gets this beautiful, caramelized crust on the grill, giving it a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. The black pepper swordfish? It's got a bold, peppery kick that stands up beautifully to all that rich beef.
Shishamo: Don’t let these little fish fool you. Grill them until they’re crispy on the outside and you'll find they’re packed with roe, giving them a unique, savory pop. They're a super fun and flavorful break from the usual.
Sashimi Trio: Need a palate cleanse? Of course you do! The fresh, silky salmon sashimi, rich tuna sashimi, and clean-tasting swordfish sashimi are a must. Pop a slice or two between rounds of grilling to reset your taste buds and get ready for more!
And So Much More: The buffet also has tasty surprises like asari salmon clam and chuka spicy asari clam for a burst of briny flavor. For a crispy bite, grab some kaki fry breaded oyster, and to balance it all out, the zesty spicy akni salad is the perfect sidekick.
The Next Level: A La Carte Seafood Selections
Ready to treat yourself? Tajimaya's à la carte menu has some showstoppers that will seriously impress.
Gindara Cod Fish (150g): This is the one you save room for. Gindara is famous for being incredibly tender and flaky. On the yakiniku grill, it turns into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth piece of heaven. It's an absolute game-changer.
Half-shell Scallop (5pcs): If you're a scallop fanatic, go for these. They're larger than the buffet version and just as delicious.
Tuna (100g) & Swordfish (100g): Grill these for a leaner but still incredibly satisfying experience. The tuna is rich and meaty, while the swordfish has a firm, clean texture.
Tiger Prawn (100g) & Salmon (100g): Craving more of your favorites? The à la carte menu gives you a generous portion of these grilled classics.
Shishamo (5pc): If you're all about these little guys, get a whole serving for yourself!
So there you have it. The next time you hit up Tajimaya Yakiniku, don’t just stick to the meat. Get that grill fired up and create the ultimate surf 'n' turf experience!
A General Guide to Grilling Seafood on a Yakiniku Grill
Grilling seafood on a yakiniku grill is a fantastic way to add a different dimension to your meal. The intense heat of the grill is perfect for creating a delicious char and bringing out the natural sweetness of the seafood when you eat them. However, it's a bit of a different game than grilling signature meat, so here are a few general tips to help you achieve perfect results.
Tips for Grilling Seafood to Perfection
Prep is Key: Before you start, make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent the seafood from sticking. If you're using marinated seafood, pat it dry first to get a better sear.
The Right Placement: Seafood cooks quickly, so don't place it in the very center of the grill where the heat is most concentrated. Instead, use the outer edges of the grill where the temperature is slightly lower. This allows for more controlled cooking, ensuring your seafood is cooked through without getting burnt.
Cook Time is Short: Seafood takes a fraction of the time to cook compared to meat. Keep a close eye on it, as a minute or two can be the difference between a tender, juicy result and a dry, rubbery one.
Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Place your seafood in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and cause the seafood to steam instead of sear, which can lead to a less flavorful result.
Know When It's Done: Look for a few key signs to know when your seafood is ready. Prawns and scallops will turn an opaque white or pink, and their flesh will feel firm. Fish will flake easily with a fork, and the skin will be crisp. When in doubt, it's better to undercook and place it back on the grill for a minute than to overcook it.
A Delicious Dive into Yakiniku and Seafood
From the bustling streets of Singapore to the grill right in front of you, the world of yakiniku and seafood feature a rich culinary experience. As a group, we often look for new ways to enjoy our favorite cuisine, and pairing the richness of grilled meats with the clean, fresh flavors of the east is a fantastic way to do it.
You're already a fan of delicious food, and this guide has shown you just how many possibilities there are. The next time you sit down at Tajimaya Yakiniku, or any grill, don't just stick to the usual. Embrace the fresh seafood on the menu and dive into a new adventure. You'll discover a perfect balance that will make you rethink your entire grilling group dynamic!
Ready to try it for yourself? Book your next table and try a new seafood dish with your favorite yakiniku meat.
Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-115 Singapore 237994 - 3125 8832
Vivocity 1 Harbourfront Walk #01-102/103 VivoCity Singapore 098585 - 3125 8831