Fried vs. grilled seafood duking it out for Lent

Breaded shrimp and fish are hot items at national restaurant chains for Lent this year, but some healthier options are being featured as well.

Last week, SeafoodSource broke the news that Long John Silver’s is featuring its Hand-Battered Cod entrée with hush puppies and another side on special for USD 5.99 (EUR 5.47) during Lent, as well as running a major “Fish You Were Here” sweepstakes. Conversely, Captain D’s launched a new flavor of its Grilled Tilapia entrée on 25 January and is promoting its other “From the Grill” options during Lent.

And Rubio’s Costal Grill, which operates nearly 200 restaurants, recently added Smoky Oaxacan Shrimp Two Taco Plate and Burrito to its selection of sustainable grilled seafood items for a limited time.

“The Lenten period is always one of our most successful periods of the year and we’re expecting to see large sales in 2016, especially as consumers look for ‘better for you’ grilled seafood,” Ralph Rubio, co-founder of Rubio’s, told SeafoodSource. “As consumers seek out non-meat options during Lent, it is a huge opportunity for restaurants to lure new guests or introduce new products.”

Church’s, which operates more than 100 U.S. restaurants, is featuring a new Lemon-Seasoned Butterfly Shrimp and Crispy Fish."Church's isn't defined solely by our world-class chicken. Guests love and anticipate our longstanding tradition of serving seafood during the Lenten season," said Jennifer Chasteen, senior director of brand & product strategy for Church's Chicken. "We expect the Lemon-Seasoned Shrimp and Crispy Fish Filets will be a welcome menu addition that guests will be anxious to see again in the future.”

Del Taco Restaurants is also bringing in Beer Battered Shrimp for a limited time during Lent. “An even more flavorful version of the guest favorite crispy shrimp, Del Taco's premium Beer Battered Shrimp is featured in the Crispy Shrimp Taco, Del Fuego Shrimp Taco and Epic Surf & Turf Burrito. Del Taco has also introduced a spicy twist on shrimp this year with the addition of the new creamy Del Fuego sauce made from cayenne and red pepper,” according to a statement from the company.

Cafeteria chain Luby’s is featuring Beer-Battered Fish & Chips during Lent, and is also featuring Creole flavors with its Shrimp Creole dish and Blackened Catfish Etoufee over Dirty Rice.

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