Growing up, I was never really a fan of seafood. However, as I began experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes, I slowly developed a deep appreciation for the incredible versatility and flavors that fish can offer. From delicate baked fillets to robustly spiced grilled fish, each preparation opened my eyes to just how many delicious possibilities there are.
What started as a casual attempt to incorporate more fish into my diet quickly blossomed into a passion for crafting incredible seafood dishes. I found that with the right combination of fresh ingredients and cooking techniques, fish could be transformed into meal after meal of pure culinary bliss.
Over the years of diving into different cuisines and recipes, seafood became my obvious favorite protein to cook with. These 25 recipes represent the pinnacle of those flavorful fish dishes that I’ve meticulously refined and perfected. If you give them a try, I’m confident they’ll make you a seafood lover too!
1. Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
The rich, buttery salmon fillets have a punchy garlic flavor that is simply divine.
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined
- Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
2. Shrimp Scampi
Buttery, garlicky shrimp sautéed in white wine with a bright lemon finish is an absolute flavor bomb.
Ingredients: Shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, parsley
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant
- Add the shrimp and white wine, stirring to coat the shrimp
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp is pink and opaque
- Remove shrimp from skillet with a slotted spoon
- To the remaining sauce, stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce
- Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
3. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Flaky white fish gets a kick from zesty seasonings, complemented by a fresh, vibrant mango salsa.
Ingredients: Tilapia or cod fillets, taco seasoning, olive oil, tortillas, mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, cabbage, sour cream
- Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides with taco seasoning
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook fish for 3-4 mins per side until opaque
- In a bowl, mix diced mango, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, lime juice and cilantro for the salsa
- Warm the tortillas, then break fish into large flaky pieces
- Layer fish, salsa, shredded cabbage, and sour cream into the tortillas
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
4. Lemon Dill Baked Cod
Light, flaky cod gets bright flavor from lemon and fresh dill.
Ingredients: Cod fillets, lemon, dill, butter, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt, pepper
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill
- Dip fillets in butter mixture, then coat with panko crumbs
- Arrange fillets in a baking dish and drizzle with remaining butter mixture
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
5. Blackened Tuna Steaks
Tuna steaks get a bold Cajun kick from the blackening spice blend.
Ingredients: Tuna steaks, paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, butter
- Make blackening seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper
- Pat tuna steaks dry and coat all over with blackening seasoning
- Heat a skillet over high heat and melt butter
- Sear tuna for 2 mins per side to get a blackened crust
- Let rest 5 mins before serving Cook time: 10 minutes
6. Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple Salsa
Meaty swordfish steaks grilled to perfection with a tropical pineapple salsa.
Ingredients: Swordfish steaks, olive oil, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro
- Make salsa by mixing diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro
- Brush swordfish with olive oil and season with salt, pepper
- Grill swordfish over direct high heat for 5 mins per side until cooked through
- Top grilled swordfish with pineapple salsa to serve
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
7. Crispy Oven-Fried Fish
Crunchy, golden brown fish fillets taste decadent but are oven-baked.
Ingredients: Cod or tilapia fillets, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, flour, panko, spices
- Set up three dishes: 1) flour 2) beaten eggs with milk 3) breadcrumb/panko mix with spices
- Dip fish fillets first in flour, then egg, then crumb coating
- Place breaded fillets on a baking sheet and spritz with oil
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins, flipping halfway through
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
8. Baked Halibut with Tomato Basil Sauce
Mild, buttery halibut baked with a fresh tomato basil sauce.
Ingredients: Halibut fillets, olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Make sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, adding tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper
- Place halibut in baking dish, pour sauce over the top
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until halibut is opaque and flakes easily
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
9. Shrimp Fajitas
Spicy shrimp, sizzling peppers and onions for a festive fajita feast.
Ingredients: Shrimp, bell peppers, onion, fajita seasoning, olive oil, flour tortillas, toppings
- Toss peeled shrimp with fajita seasoning and olive oil
- Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a skillet over high heat
- Once veggies are tender, push to side and add shrimp
- Cook shrimp 2-3 mins per side until opaque
- Serve shrimp and veggie mixture with warm tortillas and desired toppings
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
10. Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
Crispy crab cakes with tender lump crab meat inside, with a creamy, zingy remoulade.
Ingredients: Lump crab, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, spices, lemon, mayo, capers, parsley
- Mix together crab, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, mustard, lemon, spices
- Form into patties and chill for 30 mins
- Make remoulade with mayo, mustard, capers, parsley
- Pan fry crab cakes 3-4 mins per side until browned
- Serve hot crab cakes with remoulade sauce Cook time: 40 minutes
11. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
Caramelized teriyaki sauce glazes tender salmon for tantalizing rice bowls.
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, teriyaki sauce, rice, edamame, avocado, carrots, green onions, cucumber
- Bake or broil salmon fillets, brushing frequently with teriyaki sauce until caramelized
- Cook rice according to package
- Prep veggie toppings and slice salmon
- Assemble bowls with rice, salmon, edamame, avocado, shredded carrots, green onions, cucumber,
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
12. Cajun Blackened Catfish
Spicy Cajun seasoning forms an addictive blackened crust on mild catfish fillets.
Ingredients: Catfish fillets, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, olive oil
- Make blackening seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, garlic powder
- Brush catfish fillets on both sides with olive oil and coat with the seasoning blend
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and sear the catfish for 2-3 mins per side
- Let rest 5 mins before serving the sizzling blackened catfish
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
13. Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Crispy coconut breading surrounds juicy shrimp, with a sticky, tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients: Shrimp, flour, eggs, panko, shredded coconut, sweet chili sauce
- Set up dredging stations: 1) flour 2) beaten eggs 3) combined panko and coconut
- Dip shrimp in flour, egg, then coconut crumb coating, pressing gently to adhere
- Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until coconut is golden brown
- Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
14. Mediterranean Baked Cod
Cod fillets are smothered in a tomato-olive sauce full of zesty Greek flavors.
Ingredients: Cod fillets, olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, oregano
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add tomatoes, olives, oregano and simmer briefly
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the tomato olive sauce over the top
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
15. Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa
Firm mahi mahi fillets take on a smoky char from the grill, topped with tropical salsa.
Ingredients: Mahi mahi fillets, olive oil, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime, cilantro
- Make salsa by combining pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice and cilantro
- Brush mahi mahi with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- Grill over direct high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until fish is opaque
- Top grilled mahi mahi with pineapple salsa before serving
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
16. Baked Fish Fillets with Breadcrumb Topping
Tender, flaky fish gets a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients: Cod or tilapia fillets, breadcrumbs, parmesan, butter, lemon, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan, melted butter, lemon zest, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper
- Pat fish fillets dry and arrange in a baking dish
- Top each fillet with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is opaque and breadcrumbs are golden brown
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
17. Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Plump shrimp in a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce tossed with pasta.
Ingredients: Shrimp, spaghetti or linguine, butter, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, parsley
- Cook pasta according to package instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute
- Add shrimp and white wine, cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp is opaque
- Remove shrimp, then add lemon juice and parsley to sauce
- Toss cooked pasta with sauce and shrimp
Cook time: 20 minutes
18. Tuna Noodle Casserole
A comforting classic – tuna, egg noodles and peas in a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy potato chips.
Ingredients: Tuna, egg noodles, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen peas, potato chips
- Cook egg noodles according to package, drain and return to pot
- Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, drained tuna and frozen peas
- Mix well and transfer to a baking dish
- Top with crushed potato chips
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
19. Baked Tilapia with Parmesan Crust
Mild tilapia gets a flavor boost from a crispy, cheesy parmesan topping.
Ingredients: Tilapia fillets, breadcrumbs, parmesan, butter, lemon, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Make topping by mixing small amount breadcrumbs, parmesan, melted butter, lemon zest, sliced parsley, garlic, salt and pepper
- Pat tilapia fillets dry and place in a baking dish
- Press the parmesan crumb topping firmly onto the top of each fillet
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and topping is crispy
- I forgot to add Parmesan
Cook time: 20 minutes
20. Shrimp Fried Rice
Plump shrimp stir-fried with rice, veggies and scrambled eggs in a savory sauce.
Ingredients: Shrimp, cooked rice, eggs, frozen mixed veggies, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
- Scramble eggs in a wok or skillet, transfer to a plate
- Sauté garlic and ginger, then add shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes
- Add cooked rice, frozen veggies, soy sauce and sesame oil
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through
- Add scrambled eggs back in and toss to combine
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
21. Grilled Swordfish Kabobs
Meaty swordfish chunks get deliciously charred on the grill alongside veggies.
Ingredients: Swordfish steaks, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, olive oil, lemon, herbs
- Cut swordfish and veggies into 1-inch pieces
- Make a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and seasonings
- Marinate swordfish and veggies for 30 mins to 1 hour
- Thread onto skewers alternating swordfish, peppers, onions and zucchini
- Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fish is opaque
Cook time: 30-45 minutes
22. Baked Haddock with Lemon Butter
Tender, mild haddock is steamed in a lemony butter sauce until flaky and delicious.
Ingredients: Haddock fillets, butter, lemon juice, white wine, garlic, parsley
- Arrange haddock fillets in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper
- In a saucepan, melt butter with garlic, then add lemon juice, wine and parsley
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish fillets
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily
Cook time: 20 minutes
23. Shrimp Pad Thai
Tangled rice noodles with plump shrimp, scrambled eggs and crunchy bean sprouts in an iconic Thai sauce.
Ingredients: Rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, garlic, fish sauce, lime, brown sugar, peanuts
- Soak rice noodles in hot water until softened
- In a wok or skillet, make the sauce with fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar
- Push sauce to side and scramble eggs, then add shrimp and stir-fry
- Add noodles and bean sprouts, tossing everything together with the sauce
- Garnish with peanuts, green onions and a lime wedge
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
24. Salmon Burgers with Dill Sauce
Savory salmon patties get a cool, creamy dill sauce for a burger with seafood flair.
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, dill, lemon juice, buns, mayo, dill, lemon zest
- Make patties by mixing flaked salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, dill and lemon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook salmon patties for 3-4 mins per side until browned
- Make sauce by combining mayo, dill and lemon zest
- Serve salmon burgers on buns topped with the dill sauce
Cook time: 20 minutes
25. Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce
Crispy, beer-battered fish with tender insides, served with golden fries and a tangy tartar dipping sauce.
Ingredients: Cod or haddock, beer batter, potatoes, mayo, dill pickles, lemon juice, hot sauce
- Cut potatoes into fries and fry at 325°F until crispy, set aside
- Make batter with beer, flour, baking powder and seasoning
- Dip fish fillets in batter and fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until golden brown
- Make tartar sauce by mixing mayo, diced dill pickles, lemon juice, hot sauce
- Serve hot fried fish and fries with tartar sauce for dipping Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Conclusion
No matter your experience level in the kitchen, these 25 fish dinner recipes offer something delightfully delicious for everyone. From quick and easy meals to impress on a weeknight, to lavishly flavorful dishes worthy of a celebration, seafood has never tasted so good. So grab your apron, fire up your oven or grill, and prepare to fall in love with fish all over again through these meticulously tested recipes. Your taste buds will thank you