Whether you’re observing Lent or eating less red meat these days, you’ll find what you need in this collection of simple fish recipes. Cod, salmon, or tuna. Baked, fried, or grilled. Hot or cold. We’ve got your back.
Truth be told, fish is always low on my list of dinner choices. Somewhere just above calves liver. I love shellfish, though. I’ll wolf down fried clams, shrimp risotto, and seared scallops any day of the week. And I’ll bravely eat oysters and mussels in months without an “r” in their names. Old folk wisdom be damned.
Whenever The One suggests fish for dinner, my response is always the same: “Blech.” It takes some mighty creative mental gymnastics on his part (and some pretty hard-assed negotiation about who’ll do the dishes) to get me to the table.
The weird thing is, once I actually sit down and eat fish, I like it. I really do. So, technically, I’m not fish averse. I just have anticipatory aversion about the possibility of having aversion to fish for dinner…. God, I’ve had too much therapy.
Enjoy.
xo,
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Baked Fish with Lemon Bread Crumbs
This baked fish is so delicious and so simple it barely qualifies as cooking! I used sourdough bread for the crumbs and lime because that’s what I had. Worked perfectly with ling cod, and I suspect most fish would be just fine.
I have lots of the crumb mixture stashed in the refrigerator; just another reason to make this again very soon. I’m looking forward to trying it with hazelnuts.
Thanks for this gem of a recipe!–Foodelf
This salmon pasta is delicious. Roasted asparagus on the side for a spring meal.–Carlin
WOW! This roasted cod was FANTASTIC!!! It’s so simple and yet so tasty. Extra bonus points for a meal that finishes in the oven, so I have time to clean all of the dishes before we eat.
The potatoes are really good with the garlic, and precooking in the microwave guarantees they will be fully cooked and a bit crispy in just a matter of minutes in the oven. My four-year-old loved it too!–Maria G.
I have been cooking catfish for over 50 years, and this recipe is a real keeper!!!–James H.
Amazing tuna melt recipe!I I put it on a thinly sliced everything bagel-yum!–Susan
Every bit of these tacos hits the mark — the ancho spice, the slaw, and the chipotle mayo. I made them when my best friend came down to visit from Vermont, and when she went home, she made them again! Super easy and absolutely delicious!–Lisa
I have made this baked fish dish easily 10 times. It’s so easy, and the outcome is delicious.
I use whatever tomatoes I have on hand and make it a point to leave them in the oven longer than the 20 initial minutes to get more flavor out of them. I also have doubled the tomato/shallot/garlic combo because we used to be left wanting more with the flounder. Thanks for this awesome recipe!–Tannia
Cooking Fish FAQs
How can I tell if fish is cooked properly?
Properly cooked fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. If it’s still mushy or doesn’t come apart easily, it’s undercooked. If you prefer to check the temperature, the FDA recommends fish be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What types of fish have the mildest flavor?
If you’re trying to incorporate more fish into your diet, but haven’t acquired a taste for strongly flavored fish, start with mild, white fish. Tilapia, cod, halibut, grouper, and flounder are all good choices.
Some of our favorite mild fish recipes include baked tilapia, buttery lemon flounder, steamed halibut, and roasted cod with potatoes.
How can I tell if my fish has been sustainably caught?
Look for the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) logo on the packaging. This certification ensures that the fish was sustainably caught.
How do I avoid a fishy smell in my home when cooking fish?
The easiest way is to take the cooking outdoors if you can. We’ve got some great tips for grilling fish, if you’ve got access to a grill.
If the great outdoors isn’t an option for you, try lighting a scented candle to mask the odor. Some folks swear by a boiling pot of water and vinegar. They say it helps to clear the air, if you will.
These are a few of our favorite ways to create easy fish dinners. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our entire collection of fish and seafood recipes.
