This year has been especially tight on the budget for many Aussies, and Christmas will be no different. The great news is that our seafood feasts don't have to suffer!
There are so many delicious local species available at Sydney Fish Market, and many of them mimic the flavour and texture of more popular (and therefore exxy) fish to a T.
Make some of these swaps this Christmas to save a buck, without skimping on deliciousness.
SWAP KING GEORGE WHITING FOR EASTERN SCHOOL WHITING
Though not as big as King George Whiting, the Eastern School Whiting is a dead ringer for its famous sweet flavour!
While you might be inclined to serve King George Whiting in a more restrained way to really show off your purchase, no such restraint is required with the abundant and affordable Eastern School.
Crumb and deep fry them whole, and serve them up in a bucket like chicken wings. Beer and chilli lime salt are not optional.
SWAP FLATHEAD FOR GURNARD
Chances are you've already eaten Gurnard in a fish and chip shop at some point in your life; it's often served battered in local chippies due to its affordability.
Gurnard have a very similar body shape to Flathead, and thus a very similar texture. Their flavour is classically Flathead-esque too, though a bit fresher and more dynamic thanks to a more oceanic diet.
This fish is particularly easy to cook – pan-fried, in a pie, on the BBQ... Your options are endless!
SWAP JOHN DORY FOR SAND FLOUNDER
Flounder is quite different to John Dory in appearance and yield, but this swap works because of the Flounder's fine, succulent, sweet, delicate presentation.
Any way you would serve up John Dory – with a garlic and herb butter, or a crack of pepper and a squeeze of lemon – works just as beautifully using Flounder, for a fraction of the cost.
SWAP SOUTHERN CALAMARI FOR CUTTLEFISH
Where the premium, line-caught Southern Calamari can come in at close to $50 per kilo (ouch!), Cuttlefish works beautifully in nine out of ten of the same preparations.
Throw it on the barbecue, salt and pepper deep-fry it, or braise it to gorgeous softness in an oven dish, and celebrate your savings!
SWAP ROCK LOBSTER FOR SCORPION FISH
Lobster has been finding its way onto Christmas tables more and more in recent years...But a large Rock Lobster could certainly never be considered cheap. A good alternative for that lobster-y texture and sweetness is Scorpion Fish!
Steam it, barbecue it in foil or banana leaves, or just cook fillets in the pan for a beautiful Lobster substitute. Just make sure you ask your fishmonger to handle the filleting for you - they have sharp spines!