Little Things Lubbock Loves: This Free Seafood Steaming Hack!

A Lubbock Staple for 70+ Years

We all know United Supermarkets. They’ve been a fixture here in the Hub City for over seven decades—a place where most of us have grabbed everything from last-minute groceries to birthday cakes. But even if you’ve been walking those aisles since childhood, there’s a good chance you’ve missed one of their coolest (and tastiest) services: they’ll steam your seafood for you--for FREE!

Pick Your Catch, Pick Your Flavor

Here’s how it works: you walk up to the seafood counter, choose your favorite fresh fish or shellfish—salmon, shrimp, tilapia, even lobster—and the United crew will toss it in their steamer right there on the spot. No charge. And they don’t stop there. They’ll season it with your choice of flavors, too. Want a classic Old Bay kick? Done. Prefer lemon pepper? They’ve got you. They also offer several other tasty blends, so you can mix it up depending on your mood.

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On their website, United even calls it out:

“Bake, sauté or grill seafood. Avoid frying or serving with cream sauces. Did you know United Supermarkets will season and steam almost any seafood item in our case for free? That makes a healthy dinner quick and easy!”

Sounds like a win-win to me.

Healthy, Fast, and Way Better Than Fast Food

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love fried food just as much as the next West Texan. Put me near an all-you-can-eat catfish fry on a Friday night, and I’ll put away more hush puppies than I probably should. But sometimes it’s nice to keep things on the lighter side, and United makes that surprisingly easy.

A few years back, when I was trying to slim down a little, this was my go-to: I’d grab a big piece of salmon from the seafood counter, ask them to steam it with Old Bay (my personal favorite), then swing by the produce section and pick up a ripe avocado. Boom—healthy lunch, filling, delicious, and it always cost me less than $8.

Give It a Try

If you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, or even a fresh, healthy lunch that doesn’t feel like “diet food,” this is one of the best-kept secrets at United Supermarkets. You walk out with something hot, tasty, and ready to eat without ever dirtying a pan.

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Next time you’re in United, skip their incredible fried chicken (just this once) and head to the seafood counter. Try their free steaming service—you just might discover your new favorite meal in the middle of your grocery run.