Introduction 

Seafood is often celebrated for its delicate and diverse flavors, but for many, the experience ends with familiar favorites like salmon, tuna, or shrimp. Yet, beneath the surface of our vast oceans lies a treasure trove of unique, extraordinary delicacies waiting to be explored. These rare finds not only offer unmatched taste profiles but also provide a sustainable alternative to some overfished species. 

Today, we're taking you on a culinary adventure to uncover the forgotten delicacies of the ocean. From the notoriously intriguing geoduck to the luxurious monkfish liver, this guide will introduce you to five rare seafood options, how to cook them, and why choosing these can help protect our ecosystems. 

5 Rare & Exotic Seafood You Need to Try 

1. Geoduck 

Geoduck (pronounced “gooey-duck”) is a giant, burrowing clam native to the Pacific Northwest. With its sweet, slightly briny flavor and crisp texture, geoduck is prized in cuisines across Asia. Often served sashimi-style, its versatility also allows it to be grilled, stir-fried, or even used in soups. 

Expert Insight: “Geoduck is all about texture and subtle sweetness; it’s perfect for letting seasonal ingredients shine,” says Chef Marco Santos, who combines culinary artistry with marine conservation at events across the globe. 

2. Sea Urchin (Uni) 

Golden and creamy, sea urchin roe, or uni, is considered a delicacy in fine dining. Known for its briny, oceanic flavor with delicate umami notes, it’s often enjoyed raw on sushi or paired with pasta in Italian cuisine. 

Chef Marco Recommends: "Uni pairs beautifully with simple touches like citrus or butter, letting its natural flavor take center stage." 

3. Monkfish Liver 

Referred to as the “foie gras of the sea,” monkfish liver is smooth, rich, and buttery. This Japanese delicacy (known as ankimo) is ideal for pâtés, mousses, or served sliced with ponzu sauce. It’s often described as having a savory, creamy taste with a hint of the sea. 

4. Cuttlefish 

Falling between squid and octopus on the flavor spectrum, cuttlefish is tender yet satisfying, with a slightly sweet profile. Beyond its delicious flesh, its ink is a prized ingredient used to create stunning black pastas and risottos. 

5. Razor Clams 

Tapered and sleek, razor clams are known for their rich, slightly nutty taste. Found along coastal sands, they’re at their best when grilled, steamed, or added to hearty soups and stews. 

Flavor Profiles & Best Cooking Methods 

Curious about bringing these delicacies into your kitchen? Here’s how to prepare them for maximum flavor and enjoyment. 

Geoduck 

• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet with a satisfying crunch. 

• Best Cooking Method: Try it raw with a light citrus dressing or grilled with herb butter. 

Sea Urchin 

• Flavor Profile: Briny, creamy, with umami-rich undertones. 

• Best Cooking Method: Serve raw in sushi, mix into a pasta sauce, or spread over freshly toasted bread. 

Monkfish Liver 

• Flavor Profile: Rich, buttery, and satiny. 

• Best Cooking Method: Steam, then chill and serve as pâté with crackers. 

Cuttlefish 

• Flavor Profile: Tender, with subtle sweetness and a springy texture. 

• Best Cooking Method: Grill or sauté with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Its ink enhances seafood pasta and risotto. 

Razor Clams 

• Flavor Profile: Succulent, with a delicate nuttiness. 

• Best Cooking Method: Quick-steam with white wine and garlic for a seaside-inspired dish. 

Recipe Idea 

Grilled Geoduck with Garlic-Lemon Butter & Herb Salad 

Ingredients: 

• 1 fresh geoduck (cleaned and sliced) 

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter 

• 2 garlic cloves, minced 

• Juice of 1 lemon 

• 1 tbsp olive oil 

• Fresh mixed herbs (parsley, dill, and chives) 

Instructions: 

1. Heat the grill or a cast-iron skillet to medium-high. 

2. Melt butter in a small saucepan, adding minced garlic and lemon juice. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic. 

3. Lightly brush geoduck slices with olive oil and grill for 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to maintain its tender texture. 

4. Drizzle garlic-lemon butter over the grilled geoduck. 

5. Serve with a fresh herb salad and crusty bread for a simple yet elegant dish. 

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing 

Eating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or flavor. Many lesser-known seafood options, like geoduck and sea urchin, have manageable harvest seasons or are farmed responsibly, making them a more sustainable choice. 

Mark Zaslavsky, co-founder of Marky’s Gourmet Foods, emphasizes: “What sets Marky’s apart isn’t just luxury but the rigorous standards we maintain for ethics in sourcing. We believe indulgence and responsible consumption can coexist.” 

Supporting Sustainable Brands 

Brands like Marky’s Caviar and Gourmet Foods and Sturgeon AquaFarms use eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing methods to create high-quality products while protecting marine ecosystems. Whether it’s sustainably farmed caviar or locally caught razor clams, the choices you make can directly impact the vitality of our oceans. 

Pairing Unique Seafood with Fine Wines & Sides 

When it comes to fine dining, pairing is everything. The right wine and sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. 

• Geoduck: Pair with a crisp sauvignon blanc to complement its sweetness. Serve with fresh greens and citrus vinaigrette. 

• Sea Urchin: A buttery chardonnay enhances uni’s creamy texture. Accompany it with buttery pasta or freshly baked baguettes. 

• Monkfish Liver: A light pinot noir cuts through the richness of monkfish liver pâté. Add pickles or capers for balance. 

• Cuttlefish: A dry rosé brings out the natural sweetness of grilled cuttlefish, while roasted vegetables make for a hearty side. 

• Razor Clams: A fruity albariño pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of razor clams. Serve them atop polenta or alongside garlic bread. 

Trying Unique Seafood is Good for You and the Planet 

The ocean offers a world of unexplored flavors waiting to be savored. By choosing rare and exotic seafood, we diversify our palates while reducing the pressure on overfished species. 

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, explore Marky's Seafood collection for sustainably sourced options. Try something new, support ethical brands, and savor what the ocean has to offer.