When deciding what to cook for dinner, fish often gets overlooked in favor of more familiar options. However, these streamlined and delicious recipes demonstrate how versatile and quick fish can be. Whether you're observing Lent, transitioning to a pescatarian lifestyle, or simply looking to use up frozen fillets, these dishes make it easy to love fish.
From tacos and crispy-skinned delights to teppanyaki classics and whole steamed fish, each recipe offers unique flavors and textures. Some focus on budget-friendly ingredients like canned salmon, while others elevate simple pantry staples into gourmet meals. Regardless of your skill level or dietary preferences, these selections promise both ease and excitement in the kitchen.
These first three recipes highlight the versatility of fish through tacos, a sushi-inspired glaze, and a TikTok-worthy dish. Each brings something unique to the table, ensuring no two bites are ever alike. With minimal effort, they deliver maximum flavor satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Sam Sifton’s fish tacos combine corn tortillas, crunchy cabbage, and a creamy mayonnaise-and-sour-cream mixture for an explosion of taste sensations. For those who prefer their fish cooked but still crave sushi vibes, Kay Chun’s 30-minute recipe features an unagi-like sauce perfect for salmon. Lastly, Eric Kim introduces a crispy-skinned fish inspired by pink sauces found in Italian eateries, offering simplicity with depth thanks to sun-dried tomatoes and onions.
The final set of recipes focuses on quick yet impressive weeknight meals. These dishes cater to various tastes and budgets, proving that great seafood doesn’t need to break the bank or take hours to prepare. They range from economical canned goods to elegant presentations suitable for entertaining guests.
Zainab Shah’s fish tikka marries yogurt-based spices with spinach, creating flavorful layers as it roasts. Meanwhile, Lidey Heuck transforms cherry tomatoes into a summery topping for white fish, drizzled with honey and lemon zest. Another standout is Melissa Clark’s fish sauce masterpiece, which uses just tablespoons of liquid to create magic within its confines. Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate Lidey Heuck's creative approach to canned salmon patties seasoned with smoked paprika and mustard. Finally, rounding out this collection is Ali Slagle's vibrant dish featuring grapefruit, ginger, dill, avocado, and radishes—a celebration of contrasting textures and bright flavors ideal for dinner parties.