CJ Seafood Express: Fresh Catch and Prepared Seafood in the Lowcountry

What CJ Seafood Express Offers

CJ Seafood Express is a seafood market in South Carolina that sells fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and other catches alongside prepared seafood ready to take home. The market sources local and regional seafood, meaning what's in the case changes with the season and what boats bring in. You can buy whole fish to cook yourself, fileted portions for quick weeknight dinners, or grab prepared items like fried shrimp platters or crab cakes if you want something ready to eat.

The market operates as a working seafood counter rather than a full-service restaurant, though some locations offer limited seating or takeout options. Staff can answer questions about how to cook unfamiliar fish, suggest preparation methods, and often know the origin of what they're selling—information that matters if you care about sustainability or local sourcing.

Key Takeaways

• CJ Seafood Express sells both raw seafood for home cooking and prepared items ready to eat, with inventory that shifts based on daily catches.
• The market sources from local and regional suppliers, so availability and prices vary by season and what's being caught.
• Staff can advise on cooking methods and fish selection, which is useful if you're unfamiliar with a particular species or cut.
• Hours and location details change, so calling ahead before your visit ensures the market is open and has what you're looking for in stock.

Types of Seafood Available

The market typically carries shrimp in multiple sizes and preparations—fresh headless, peeled and deveined, or already cooked. Crab comes as whole live crabs, picked crab meat by the pound, or in prepared dishes. Fish selection rotates but often includes local catches like flounder, grouper, snapper, and seasonal species depending on what's running.

Beyond whole seafood, CJ Seafood Express prepares items in-house: fried shrimp, crab cakes, fish and chips, and seafood platters. Some locations sell frozen seafood for convenience, though the fresh counter is the main draw. Prices reflect market rates for seafood, which means they shift week to week based on supply and demand.

How to Shop at a Seafood Market Counter

Walk up to the counter and tell the staff what you're looking for—a specific fish, a quantity of shrimp, or a prepared item. They'll show you what's available that day and can answer questions about freshness, origin, and how to cook it. If you don't see something in the case, ask; they may have it in the back or can tell you when it's likely to come in.

Bring a cooler or insulated bag if you're buying more than you can eat in a few hours, especially in warm weather. Ask the staff to pack seafood with ice if you have a drive ahead. Fresh seafood keeps in the refrigerator for one to two days, so plan your meals accordingly or freeze what you won't use right away.

Seasonal Availability and Pricing

South Carolina's seafood seasons follow the water temperature and migration patterns of fish and crustaceans. Shrimp season peaks in late summer and fall. Crab is best in fall and winter. Flounder and other flatfish are strong in spring and fall. Winter brings different species altogether. This means what's fresh and affordable in July won't be the same in January.

Prices at seafood markets track the wholesale market, so they're higher when a species is out of season or scarce, and lower when it's abundant. Buying what's in season and local costs less and tastes better. The staff can tell you what's at its peak right now and suggest dishes that make the most of it.

Preparing Seafood at Home

If you buy whole fish or live crabs, the market staff can walk you through basic prep or point you toward online tutorials. Whole fish can be grilled, baked, or fried. Fileted fish cooks quickly—ten to fifteen minutes in the oven or pan. Shrimp takes even less time. Live crabs need to be boiled or steamed, a process that takes about twenty minutes depending on size.

Don't be intimidated by unfamiliar cuts or species. Ask questions at the counter. Most seafood markets exist because the staff enjoys talking about fish and helping people cook it well. They can suggest recipes, cooking times, and flavor pairings that work with what you're buying.

Location, Hours, and Contact Information

CJ Seafood Express operates in South Carolina, but specific addresses and hours vary by location. Some markets are open daily; others close on Sundays or Mondays. Hours may shift seasonally or based on what's available. The best way to confirm location, hours, and current inventory is to call ahead or check for their phone number and address through a local business directory or online search.

Many seafood markets are small operations without large online presences, so a phone call is often faster than searching online. Ask about daily specials, what just came in, or whether they have a particular fish or preparation you're looking for. Staff can also tell you if they take orders in advance for large quantities or special requests.

Why Shop at a Seafood Market Instead of a Grocery Store

Dedicated seafood markets turn over inventory faster than grocery stores, which means fresher fish. The staff knows the product intimately—where it came from, how to cook it, how long it will keep. Prices often match or beat grocery stores for the same quality, especially on seasonal or local catches. You're also supporting a local business rather than a chain.

Seafood markets are also the place to find species and cuts you won't see in supermarkets: whole fish, live crabs, regional specialties, and prepared items made fresh that morning. If you care about where your food comes from or want to cook with ingredients that reflect South Carolina's coast, a seafood market is where that happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if fish is fresh?

Fresh fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy. The eyes should be clear and bright, not cloudy. The flesh should be firm and spring back when you press it. The gills should be bright red or pink. If something smells off or looks dull, don't buy it. The staff at a good seafood market will show you how to check and won't sell you anything that isn't fresh.

Can I order seafood in advance?

Many seafood markets take advance orders, especially for large quantities or specific species that don't come in every day. Call ahead and ask. They may need a day or two notice, and some require a deposit. This is useful if you're planning a dinner party or want to ensure they have exactly what you need.

What's the difference between wild-caught and farm-raised seafood?

Wild-caught seafood comes from the ocean or rivers; farm-raised is grown in controlled environments. Wild-caught often has stronger flavor and varies by season. Farm-raised is more consistent and available year-round. Both have environmental trade-offs. Ask the market staff where their seafood comes from—they can explain the difference and help you choose based on your preferences.

How long does fresh seafood keep?

Most fresh fish and shrimp keep in the refrigerator for one to two days. Live crabs last longer—three to four days in a cool place. Cooked seafood keeps for three to four days refrigerated. Freeze what you won't use within that window. Ask the staff for storage tips specific to what you're buying.

Do you sell prepared seafood I can take home?

Many CJ Seafood Express locations prepare items like fried shrimp, crab cakes, and seafood platters ready to eat. Call ahead to ask what's prepared that day and whether you need to order in advance for larger quantities. Prepared seafood is best eaten the same day but can be refrigerated and reheated.