Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Pair Simplicity and Flavor with Seafood Pasta

Shrimp Spaghetti

• 1          pound spaghetti noodles
• 2          tablespoons butter
• 1/4       cup avocado oil
• 1          package (12 ounces) raw shrimp
• 2          tablespoons garlic powder, divided
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1          cup chicken broth
• 1/2       cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4       cup heavy cream
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 1          cup frozen or fresh spinach
• bread, for serving

1. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
2. In skillet over medium heat, add butter, avocado oil and shrimp. Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic powder and paprika. Remove shrimp after they begin to turn pink; set aside.
3. Add chicken broth, Parmesan, heavy cream, remaining garlic powder, onion powder and spinach to skillet; mix well. Add shrimp back to skillet to finish cooking. Mix in noodles and serve with bread.

The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCal

(Family Features) Coming inside from a cold day calls for moments spent under a blanket, around a warm fire and curled up with a hot bowl of delicious, comforting food. From chili to pasta, your winter menu is sure to feature filling dishes that warm you and your loved ones from the inside out.

For example, you can beat the chill with Pumpkin Chili, which uses Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin for a thicker, creamier texture and subtly sweet, earthy flavor. Plus, it comes together in around 30 minutes as an easy solution for busy weeknights or weekend fun.

Switch up pasta night with Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese for a rich, velvety texture that features cheddar and gruyere cheeses, but you can substitute other favorites like Monterey Jack, fontina or gouda. The extra creamy texture and flavor from cream cheese means you can save time without making a traditional cream sauce using flour for added convenience.

These hearty, filling recipes feature delicious, nutritious and high-quality Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin that adds warmth to the menu all year long mixed into baked goods, morning smoothies and more. With special care and premium quality in mind, the non-GMO pumpkin grown in the USA without preservatives can be your new go-to.

To find more ways to warm up this winter, visit greengiantvegetables.com.

Pumpkin Chili

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1          green bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1          yellow onion, chopped
  
• 1          pound ground turkey
  
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
  
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 2          teaspoons cumin
  
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1          cup chicken broth
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1. In Dutch oven over medium heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and onion. Saute 5 minutes.
2. Add ground turkey and separate with spatula. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin and garlic powder.
3. Add broth, tomatoes and pumpkin. Bring to boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer 10 minutes. Add kidney beans and simmer 3 minutes.
4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 26 minutes
Servings: 10

• 1 1/2    pounds shell pasta
  
• 3          tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 2          teaspoons minced garlic
  
• 1          tablespoon fresh chopped sage
  
• 4          ounces cream cheese, cubed
  
• 2          cans (15 ounces each) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
  
• 2          cups whole milk
  
• 2 1/2    cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  
• 2 1/2    cups freshly grated gruyere cheese
  
• 2          teaspoons Dijon mustard
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4       teaspoon cracked black pepper

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta when al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. In large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat butter. Add garlic and sage; saute 1-2 minutes, until garlic is lightly browned. Add cream cheese and pumpkin. Heat until cream cheese is melted and stir to combine.
3. Gradually stir in milk, cheddar and gruyere. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Heat until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes.
4. Fold in cooked pasta.

SOURCE:
Green Giant

In Southern California, a surprising grocery store perk is quietly gaining attention online: select Ralph’s Supermarket locations will fry fresh fish for customers who buy it at the seafood counter. What was once a local tip has now turned into a social media talking point, with shoppers sharing firsthand experiences of walking out of Ralph’s with hot, freshly fried fish.

A Viral Discovery at the Seafood Counter

Food influencers and everyday shoppers on Instagram and TikTok have been buzzing about the discovery. In one widely shared video, an influencer visits a Southern California Ralph’s location where a sign posted at the seafood and meat department confirms the service. During that visit, the creator purchased three types of fish — tilapia, salmon, and catfish — all fried on-site after purchase.

The video sparked curiosity and excitement, with viewers surprised to learn that a traditional grocery store could double as a take-home fish fry. Many commenters noted they had lived near Ralph’s for years without realizing the service existed.

Influencers and Shoppers Are Spreading the Word

Social media creators have played a major role in bringing attention to the trend. Multiple Instagram Reels and TikTok videos show shoppers ordering fried catfish or tilapia directly from the seafood counter, often tagging Ralph’s or encouraging followers to “try this at your local store.”

One creator publicly thanked another influencer for “putting everyone on” to the Ralph’s fish fry option, while others documented taste tests, calling the fish crispy, well-seasoned, and an easy dinner solution without the mess of frying at home.

Not Just Social Media — Locals Confirm It’s Real

Community discussions back up the influencer claims. Southern California shoppers on neighborhood forums and Reddit threads report that certain Ralph’s locations in areas like Burbank, Torrance, and Orange County have been offering this service for years.

Some locations reportedly display signs at the seafood counter letting customers know they’ll fry fish purchased in-store. Others rely on word-of-mouth, with longtime employees known for frying custom catfish or other selections when staffing and equipment allow.

Why This Isn’t at Every Ralph’s

It’s important to note that this is not an official, chain-wide Ralph’s or Kroger policy. The service appears to be location-specific, depending on factors like available fryers, staffing, and store management decisions. That’s why some shoppers swear by it, while others have never seen it offered at their local store.

Employees and customers alike recommend calling the seafood department ahead of time to ask if fish frying is currently available. Fryers may not be running all day, and availability can vary by shift.

A Budget-Friendly Dinner Hack

For many shoppers, the appeal is obvious. Buying fresh fish at grocery store prices and having it cooked on-site offers a convenient alternative to takeout. It’s especially popular for catfish, tilapia, and salmon — all commonly mentioned in influencer videos and customer stories.

As grocery prices and restaurant costs continue to rise, this unofficial Ralph’s perk has become a clever food hack for Southern California residents looking for quality, convenience, and value.

The Bottom Line

Yes — some Ralph’s locations in Southern California really will fry your fish. While it’s not advertised company-wide, social media influencers, longtime shoppers, and local communities all point to the same conclusion: if your store has the setup and the staff, you might just walk out with freshly fried seafood.

The key is simple: ask at the seafood counter or call ahead. You might discover your neighborhood Ralph’s has been hiding a fish fry in plain sight.

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Editor’s Note: This service is not officially advertised by Ralph’s or its parent company Kroger. Availability varies by location and may depend on staffing, equipment, and time of day. Customers are encouraged to contact their local Ralph’s seafood department directly to confirm whether fish frying is currently offered.

Related Articles & Community Posts

Here are some links where people discuss specific Ralph’s locations frying fish at the seafood counter — great for context and reader exploration:

• Is there a Ralph’s in Burbank that fries fish? (Reddit discussion) — Shoppers point out that the Ralph’s on San Fernando Blvd and the one near Victory & Buena Vista have been mentioned as offering fish frying. [oai_citation:0‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/burbank/comments/1qdqq93/is_there_a_ralphs_in_burbank_that_fries_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Ralph’s fresh fried fish? (Reddit Orange County thread) — A commenter notes that a longtime employee in Cypress (near Ball and Bloomfield) has been making custom catfish nuggets for customers. [oai_citation:1‡Reddit](https://www.reddit.com//r/orangecounty/comments/1qeir06/ralphs_fresh_fried_fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Blog post: Ralphs fry fish at the seafood department? — A recent blog recounts discovering this option and encourages calling around to find which locations offer it. [oai_citation:2‡The Accidental Saver in San Diego](https://theaccidentalsaverinsandiego.blogspot.com/2026/01/ralphs-fry-fish-at-seafood-dept-on.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Ralphs: Fish fried for FREE (The Penny Wise Mom) — A classic consumer blog recounting a family’s experience having fish fried while they shopped. [oai_citation:3‡ThePennyWiseMom](https://thepennywisemom.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/ralphs-fish-fried-for-free/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

These links offer both community chatter and firsthand stories that provide deeper context on how this “unofficial” service has been discussed online.

More Food & Drink Coverage from STM Daily News

Looking for more food news, grocery trends, and dining discoveries? Visit the Food & Drink section of STM Daily News for the latest stories on restaurants, food culture, consumer trends, and what people are really eating across Southern California and beyond.