When planning a BBQ, it's important to know which foods to avoid to ensure you're serving the best quality and safest options for your guests. At Shiok BBQ, we prioritize transparency and quality, and we want to help you make informed decisions. Here are some low-quality foods to avoid for your BBQ:
Alkaline Seafood: Prawns and Squid
Alkaline-treated seafood, particularly prawns and squid, is something to be cautious about. The treatment involves soaking the seafood in lye water (alkaline solution) to neutralize bad smells that come from not being fresh or from low-quality sources. This process can be harmful to our bodies as the chemicals used can be toxic. Always opt for fresh, untreated seafood to ensure you're getting the best quality. Fresh seafood has a natural sweetness and firm texture that chemically treated seafood lacks.
Low Quality Sausages
Many low-quality sausages are filled with fillers, artificial additives, and preservatives. These sausages might be cheaper, but they lack the flavor and quality of premium sausages. In some cases, less than 50% of the content is actually meat, with the rest made up of carbs, fats, and chemicals. These additives can include high levels of sodium, nitrates, and artificial colors and flavors, which can be harmful to your health. Look for sausages made with high-quality meat and natural ingredients to enjoy better taste and nutritional value.
Fish Cake
Fish cakes are often made from a small percentage of actual fish meat, sometimes as low as 20-30%. The remaining ingredients are usually starches, fillers, and various additives. These processed foods lack the natural flavor and texture of fresh fish. Ingredients like surimi (fish paste), flour, and various artificial flavorings and colorings make up the bulk of fish cakes, reducing their nutritional value. For a more authentic taste and better health benefits, choose fish cakes made with a higher percentage of real fish.
Crab Stick: It's Not Crab
Crab sticks are made from reformed fish meat, usually surimi, and contain very little actual crab. Typically, only about 30-40% of the content is fish, while the rest is starch, flavorings, and colorings. They are heavily processed and filled with artificial flavors and colors to mimic the taste and appearance of real crab. These additives can include monosodium glutamate (MSG), high fructose corn syrup, and artificial dyes, which are not beneficial to your health. If you want real crab flavor and nutritional benefits, choose natural crab meat instead.
Low Quality Prawns and Scallops
Similar to alkaline seafood, low-quality prawns and scallops can be treated with chemicals to enhance their appearance and shelf life. These treatments can include phosphates to retain water, making the seafood look plumper but reducing its quality. Always choose fresh, untreated prawns and scallops for your BBQ to enjoy their natural sweetness and firm texture.
Reformed Meats
Reformed meats are made by binding smaller pieces of meat together using fillers and additives. These meats are often of lower quality and lack the natural texture and flavor of whole cuts of meat. Ingredients like sodium phosphates, carrageenan, and transglutaminase (meat glue) are used to bind the pieces together, which can affect the nutritional value and taste. Opt for natural, whole cuts of meat for the best BBQ experience.
Plant-Based Meats
While plant-based meats like Impossible Meats are becoming popular, it's important to note that there is still a lack of long-term research on their health effects. These products often contain processed ingredients and additives to mimic the taste and texture of real meat. At Shiok BBQ, we carefully test and approve these products before offering them to our customers, but we remain cautious and prioritize natural ingredients whenever possible.
Why Choose Quality Ingredients?
Choosing high-quality ingredients for your BBQ is crucial for both taste and health. Alkaline-treated seafood and heavily processed foods can have negative health effects and lack the natural flavors that make a BBQ truly enjoyable. At Shiok BBQ, we act as your quality control team, ensuring that all the products we offer are tested and approved by our chefs.
How Shiok BBQ Ensures Quality
At Shiok BBQ, we believe in providing the best quality products at the best price. We support new food technologies that aim to provide sustainable solutions, but we ensure that all products are tested and approved by our chef team before offering them to our customers. We label our products clearly to help you make informed decisions.
Conclusion
By avoiding low-quality foods and choosing fresh, natural ingredients, you can ensure a delicious and healthy BBQ experience. Trust Shiok BBQ Catering to provide you with the highest quality meats and seafood for your next BBQ. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you're serving the best to your guests.
