Dislike Cooking Seafood? Let This Grocery Store Do It For You

Here’s a confession: despite working in the food industry for nearly ten years, I still can’t stand cooking seafood. It’s costly, tricky, and the fine line between undercooked, perfectly cooked, and overcooked always has me nervous. As a result, I usually leave it to the experts and just order it out at restaurants.

But with the rising cost of poultry and meat, seafood often emerges as the more sustainable and affordable choice. Plus, it’s a core part of many popular diets like the Mediterranean one. Seafood cooks quickly and is readily available, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. Luckily, I’ve discovered a way to enjoy perfectly cooked seafood with no cooking required.

Whole Foods, known for its hidden deals on cheese boards and budget-friendly store-brand products, has a surprising gem tucked behind its seafood counter. A blog post from the brand reveals that they will not only season but also cook your seafood while you finish your shopping. A recent TikTok from @lucystylezz confirmed this mind-blowing life hack. Here’s how it works.

How to Get Freshly Cooked Seafood at Whole Foods

To order your seafood cooked just the way you like, head to the counter and choose from the raw seafood selection. You can get a sense of the seasoning and preparation options by checking out the pre-cooked seafood on display.

In the video mentioned earlier, the seafood counter offered steaming and smoking options, along with a wide array of seasonings, including Cajun, Tequila-Lime, and Maryland-style Old Bay. Availability may vary depending on your location, according to Whole Foods.

According to the video, the fishmonger mentioned it’s free of charge to cook your seafood, and you only pay for the per-pound price of your choice. However, Whole Foods’ blog notes that there might be a 'small fee' for the cooking service, which could depend on your store's location.

It’s not just Whole Foods going the extra mile. Many grocery stores (including H.E.B., as seen in the same TikTok) and local fishmongers will season and/or steam seafood for you on request. Personally, I always have my local grocery store steam lobsters for summer BBQs—it saves me time and space when hosting, not to mention the hassle of buying a big lobster pot.

Wondering if your store cooks seafood? If you spot cooked seafood in the case, it’s a good sign they’re cooking on-site. Just ask—and do it politely! For a better chance, try shopping during off-peak hours. You don’t want to ask for special service during a rush.

More Hidden Gems at the Whole Foods Seafood Counter

The Whole Foods blog also shared some insider tips to help you maximize your experience at the seafood counter. If you prefer to cook your seafood at home, the fishmongers can prep it for you. Whether it’s deveining shrimp or scaling and deboning fish, they’re not only willing to help but are also specially trained to handle all your seafood prep needs.

Can’t find what you’re looking for at the counter? If you’re after a rare fish or specialty seafood for that family recipe, Whole Foods will order it for you at no extra cost, as long as it meets the store’s sustainability standards.

Now you’re all set for an unforgettable dinner—no shucking, scaling, or cooking necessary. Goodbye, seafood cooking stress!