10+ Fish Recipes to Brighten Up Your Dinner Table

Fish is a solid pick when you want dinner to be both tasty and healthy. It’s easy to cook, and you can pair it with all sorts of flavors and ingredients.

If you’re after simple, delicious meals, fish recipes are a fun way to mix things up at your dinner table.

You don’t have to be a chef to whip up fish dishes that taste great. Whether you like yours baked, grilled, or fried, there are plenty of easy options to try at home.

Let’s check out some simple fish recipes that fit your busy schedule and still satisfy your taste buds.

1) Parmesan Crumbed Fish

Parmesan crumbed fish is quick and brings a little bit of crunch and flavor to your table. The Parmesan gives you a crispy, garlicky crust that’s honestly hard to resist.

It’s perfect for a fast dinner when you want something easy but with a touch of flair. Start by coating your fish fillets with grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and maybe some herbs or lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy.

Let the coated fillets sit for a few minutes—this helps the crust stick. Bake or broil until the fish is cooked and the top turns golden.

White fish like cod or tilapia work great here. You get a crunchy topping without having to fry anything.

Ingredients:

• Fish fillets (4 pieces)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Beat egg and milk in another bowl.
4. Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
5. Place fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and the crust looks golden.

2) Grilled Salmon with Lemon

Grilled salmon with lemon is about as straightforward as it gets. The lemon brings a fresh, bright flavor that works so well with the smoky grill.

I like to marinate salmon in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling. It really boosts the flavor and keeps things interesting.

Salmon cooks fast on the grill—usually about 10 minutes, give or take, depending on thickness. Grill until the flesh is opaque and flakes with a fork.

Sometimes I brush on a little lemon garlic butter while it cooks. It adds richness but doesn’t drown out the lemon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate salmon in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C).
4. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

3) Baked Cod with Herb Crust

Baked cod with a herb crust is a go-to when you want something simple and flavorful. The herbs bring freshness, and the crust gives the fish a little crunch.

You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

The fish stays moist inside, and the topping gets a bit crispy. It’s a healthy way to do seafood without making a mess.

For a quick dinner, try this easy baked herb crusted cod recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix parsley, garlic, panko, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place cod fillets on a baking sheet and press herb mixture on top.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes with a fork.
5. Serve warm with your favorite side.

4) Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

Fish tacos are a fun, easy way to enjoy seafood. White fish like cod or tilapia works well, and you can pan-sear, grill, or bake it.

The cilantro slaw brings a fresh crunch. It’s just cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a little kick if you want it.

When you put the tacos together, add slaw, fish, and extras like avocado or lime for a bit more zing. Every bite feels fresh and balanced.

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia)
• ½ head green cabbage, shredded
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 4-6 small corn or flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced avocado, lime wedges, hot sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Season fish with salt and pepper.
2. Cook fish by pan-searing over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or grill until cooked through.
3. Mix cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice for the slaw. Add salt to taste.
4. Warm tortillas in a pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble tacos with fish, slaw, and any extras you like.

For more details, check out this fish tacos with cilantro lime slaw recipe.

5) Sheet-Pan Tilapia with Vegetables

Sheet-pan tilapia is one of those meals that makes life easier. You roast the fish and veggies together, so cleanup is a breeze.

Try vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Put the tilapia fillets on the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake everything at 400°F (204°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily and hits 145°F (63°C).

This one’s great for quick dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss veggies with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a sheet pan.
4. Place tilapia on the pan, drizzle with the rest of the oil, season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake 12-15 minutes until fish flakes and reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve right away.

For more ideas, check out this healthy sheet pan tilapia and veggies recipe.

6) Marry Me Salmon

Marry Me Salmon is one of those dishes that sounds fancy but is super simple. The salmon cooks up tender and flaky, and you serve it with a creamy sauce full of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

It’s a good pick when you want something special but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. The sauce is smooth and just a little rich, which works so well with the mild salmon.

Serve it over rice, pasta, or veggies—whatever you’re in the mood for. It looks like restaurant food but comes together fast.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky.
4. Remove salmon. In the same pan, add sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil; simmer 2-3 minutes.
6. Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

For more details, check out this Marry Me Salmon recipe.

7) Soy-Glazed Salmon Hand Rolls

Soy-glazed salmon hand rolls are surprisingly easy. The salmon gets a savory, sweet soy glaze that really brings everything together.

Add in avocado and crunchy cucumber for a fresh bite. These hand rolls work as a light meal or a snack—whatever you’re feeling.

Bake the salmon low and slow at 225°F (107°C) to keep it tender. Flake it up and roll with rice and veggies inside seaweed sheets.

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• Nori sheets (seaweed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C).
2. Mix soy sauce and brown sugar for the glaze.
3. Brush glaze over salmon.
4. Bake salmon 40 minutes until cooked through.
5. Flake salmon into pieces.
6. Place rice, salmon, avocado, and cucumber on a nori sheet.
7. Roll tightly and serve.

8) Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce

This baked fish with lemon cream sauce is about as easy as it gets. You cook the fish in one dish, then pour on a creamy sauce made from lemon, butter, cream, and garlic.

The sauce gives everything a fresh, bright kick and keeps the fish juicy. You only need 15 to 20 minutes to bake the fish at 375°F (190°C).

It’s a good option for a quick dinner or when you want something a little special without a lot of work.

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lay the fish fillets in a baking dish.

3. In a bowl, stir together the butter, cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and mustard if you like a little zing.

4. Pour this sauce evenly over the fish.

5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

6. The fish should flake easily, and the sauce will bubble up a bit.

Try this recipe if you’re after an easy, fresh dinner with a creamy lemon kick.
More details at baked fish with lemon cream sauce.

9) Crab-Stuffed Salmon

Crab-stuffed salmon puts two kinds of seafood together for something a little more exciting.
You just stuff a salmon fillet with a crab mixture and bake it until the fish turns tender and the filling heats through.

The crab mix usually has mayo, mustard, and lemon juice.
I like to add Cajun spices or some fresh herbs for extra flavor.

It looks pretty fancy but honestly, you can pull this off at home without too much fuss.
Perfect for a night when you want to make dinner feel special.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Cajun seasoning or fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, mix the crab meat, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Cut a pocket in each salmon fillet.

4. Stuff the pockets with the crab mixture.

5. Set the salmon on a baking sheet.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.

10) Seafood Stew with Shrimp and Scallops

If you want something warm and satisfying, a quick seafood stew with shrimp and scallops might be the answer.
You can get a pot of this going in about 20 minutes.

The flavors come together from the seafood, a bit of garlic, and onions.
Usually, you’ll use a light broth—canned tomatoes and olive oil make it easy.

Just cook everything in one pot on the stove.
Toss in some parsley if you want a fresh note.

I think this stew is great with bread or spooned over rice.
It’s a simple way to enjoy seafood without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound bay scallops
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup fish or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour some olive oil into a big pot and set it over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onion and garlic. Let them cook until they’re soft, which should take around 3 minutes.

3. Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Wait for the mixture to start simmering.

4. Drop in the shrimp and scallops. Cook them until they look opaque—usually about 5 minutes.

5. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.

6. Finish by topping with fresh parsley right before serving.