Seafood is a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. Fish and shellfish offer lots of protein and nutrients.

You can cook seafood in many ways, from simple grilling to fancy sauces.

These 30 seafood recipes will give you new ideas for your next meal. You’ll find dishes with salmon, shrimp, scallops, and more.

The recipes are easy to follow and don’t need fancy ingredients. You can make most of them on busy weeknights when you want something quick but yummy.

1. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a tasty seafood dish you can easily make at home. To prepare it, you’ll need shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, and white wine.

Start by heating butter and oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Add a splash of white wine and let it simmer briefly. Squeeze some lemon juice over the dish for extra flavor.

Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

This quick and simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

2. Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is a healthy and delicious seafood option. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

To start, brush your grill with oil and preheat it to medium-high heat.

Pat the salmon dry and rub it with oil and seasonings.

Place the salmon on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

For extra taste, try marinating the salmon before grilling. A mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic works well.

You can also add herbs or lemon slices on top while grilling for more flavor.

Serve your grilled salmon with vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

3. Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a beloved seafood dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need lump crabmeat, egg, mayonnaise, and bread crumbs as the main ingredients.

Mix the crab with beaten egg, mayo, and seasonings like Old Bay, lemon juice, and parsley. Gently fold in bread crumbs to bind the mixture.

Shape the crab mixture into patties. You can make them small for appetizers or larger for main courses.

Cook the crab cakes in a skillet with butter or oil until golden brown on both sides. You can also bake them in the oven for a lighter version.

Serve your crab cakes hot with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges. They’re great on their own or in a sandwich.

4. Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for special occasions. To make it, you’ll need lobster tails, vegetables, and heavy cream.

Start by boiling the lobster tails until they turn bright red. Remove the meat and chop it into small pieces.

In a pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour to make a roux.

Slowly add fish stock and white wine, stirring constantly. Simmer until the vegetables are soft.

Blend the mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and the chopped lobster meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Heat the bisque gently until it’s hot and serve immediately.

5. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a classic seafood dish you’ll love. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

To make it, start by cooking potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in clam juice. Add garlic for extra taste.

Next, create a roux with butter and flour. Slowly mix in milk and half-and-half to make it creamy.

Add the vegetables and clams to the creamy base. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar.

For variety, try adding corn, lobster, or shrimp. You can even use smoked clams for a unique twist.

6. Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a tasty and easy-to-make seafood dish. You can use various types of fish, like tilapia or cod, for this recipe.

To make fish tacos, season your fish with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.

Cook the fish in a pan or bake it in the oven until it’s flaky.

Serve the cooked fish in warm tortillas. Add toppings like shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.

A creamy sauce made with mayo, sour cream, and lime juice adds extra flavor.

Fish tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings with friends. You can customize them to suit your taste preferences.

7. Seafood Paella

Seafood paella is a classic Spanish dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. You’ll need a large, shallow pan to cook this flavorful rice dish.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes in olive oil. Add paprika and rice, stirring to coat the grains.

Pour in fish stock and white wine, then add saffron for that signature golden color.

Arrange your choice of seafood on top – shrimp, mussels, and squid are popular options.

Let the paella simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful liquid. The bottom layer of rice should form a crispy crust called “socarrat.”

Serve your seafood paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

8. Baked Cod

Baked cod is a simple and delicious seafood dish. You can make it in about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper.

Place the fish in a baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.

You can add minced garlic or herbs like oregano for extra flavor.

Bake the cod for about 10-15 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque.

Serve your baked cod with a side of vegetables or rice. It’s a healthy, low-fat meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

9. Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller is a fancy seafood dish you can make at home. You start with fresh oysters on the half shell. Then you top them with a rich, green sauce.

The sauce is made with butter, spinach, and herbs. Some recipes add bacon or bread crumbs for extra flavor and crunch. Garlic and shallots give it a nice kick.

To make this dish, you’ll spread the sauce on the oysters. Then you broil them until they’re hot and bubbly. The result is a tasty blend of briny oysters and savory toppings.

This recipe is perfect for special occasions. You can make the sauce ahead of time to save effort on the day of your event.

10. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a tasty seafood dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need shrimp, coconut flakes, and panko breadcrumbs for the crispy coating.

To prepare, dip peeled and deveined shrimp in flour, then beaten egg, and finally a mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs. This creates a delicious crunchy exterior.

Fry the coated shrimp in hot oil for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Serve with a zesty dipping sauce made from orange marmalade, chili sauce, and lime juice.

This tropical-inspired appetizer or main course is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The combination of sweet coconut and juicy shrimp is hard to resist.

11. Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy seafood. You can make them at home with just a few ingredients.

Start with sushi rice, nori sheets, and your favorite fillings.

Popular options include shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab. The California roll is a great choice for beginners. It has crab, avocado, and cucumber.

For a crunchy treat, try a shrimp tempura roll. The crispy shrimp pairs well with creamy avocado. You can also add spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Remember to use sharp knife when cutting your rolls. This helps keep the shape intact.

With practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality sushi rolls in no time.

12. Cioppino

Cioppino is a tasty seafood stew that comes from San Francisco. It’s full of different types of fish and shellfish in a tomato-based broth.

To make cioppino, start by cooking onions and fennel in a big pot. Add garlic, spices, and tomatoes. Pour in some wine and fish stock for extra flavor.

Next, add your seafood. You can use fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab.

Cook until everything is just done. Don’t overcook or the seafood will get tough.

Serve your cioppino hot with some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

This hearty stew is great for cold nights or when you want to impress dinner guests.

13. Ahi Tuna Poke

Ahi tuna poke is a tasty Hawaiian dish that’s quick to make. You’ll need sashimi-grade tuna cut into cubes.

Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for the sauce. Add green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Toss the tuna with the sauce and let it marinate for a short time. You can add extras like diced sweet onion or seaweed for more texture.

Serve your poke over rice or greens. Top with sliced avocado, cucumber, or edamame for a full meal.

This dish is best eaten fresh, so enjoy it right away!

14. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines creamy grits with flavorful shrimp. You can make this comfort food at home in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking the grits in a mixture of water, milk, and butter until they’re thick and creamy. While the grits simmer, prepare the shrimp.

Cook bacon in a skillet, then use the same pan to sauté the shrimp with peppers, onions, and garlic. Season with Old Bay and smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Serve the shrimp over the warm grits and top with crispy bacon pieces.

This dish is perfect for brunch or dinner and will impress your family and friends.

15. Mussels in White Wine

Mussels in white wine is a classic seafood dish that’s quick and easy to make.

You’ll start by sautéing garlic and shallots in butter. Then add white wine and broth to create a flavorful sauce.

Add cleaned mussels to the pot and cover. Steam for 5-7 minutes until the shells open. Discard any mussels that don’t open.

Serve the mussels in bowls with the white wine sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.

This dish pairs well with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.

16. Lobster Roll

Lobster rolls are a classic New England treat. You can make them at home with fresh lobster meat, a touch of mayo, and a sprinkle of lemon juice.

Start by cooking and chopping your lobster. Mix it with just enough mayo to coat the meat lightly. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Butter and toast a split-top hot dog bun. Fill it generously with your lobster mixture.

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of celery salt or fresh chives.

Serve your lobster roll with a side of chips or a light salad.

It’s a perfect summer meal that brings the taste of the coast to your table.

17. Ceviche

Ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish perfect for warm days. You can make it with raw fish or shrimp “cooked” in citrus juice.

To prepare ceviche, cut fresh fish or shrimp into small pieces. Cover the seafood with lime juice and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.

Mix in chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Add some jalapeño for a spicy kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or on its own as a light meal.

It’s a tasty way to enjoy seafood without turning on the stove.

18. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a classic French seafood stew from Marseille. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with various fish and shellfish.

To make bouillabaisse, start by sautéing onions, leeks, and fennel in olive oil. Add garlic, tomatoes, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf.

Next, pour in fish stock or clam juice and white wine. Let the broth simmer to develop rich flavors.

Saffron is a key ingredient that gives bouillabaisse its distinctive taste and color.

Add your choice of seafood like cod, shrimp, mussels, and clams.

Cook until the fish is tender and shellfish open up. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

19. Seafood Alfredo

Seafood Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. You can make it with your favorite mix of seafood like shrimp, scallops, or crab.

Start by cooking fettuccine pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté garlic in butter, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to make the sauce.

Cook your chosen seafood in a separate pan with some butter and garlic.

Once done, mix the seafood and sauce with the pasta.

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese before serving.

20. Blackened Redfish

Blackened redfish is a tasty Cajun dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need redfish fillets and a mix of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.

Heat a cast-iron skillet until it’s very hot.

Dip the fish in melted butter, then coat it with the spice mix.

Place the fish in the hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side.

The high heat creates a crispy, blackened crust while the inside stays moist. Serve your blackened redfish with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

This dish can get smoky, so turn on your exhaust fan.

You can also cook it on a hot grill for a similar result.

21. Crab Louie Salad

Crab Louie Salad is a refreshing seafood dish perfect for warm days. You’ll love this combination of tender crab meat, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing.

Start with a bed of romaine lettuce. Add cucumber slices, radishes, and tomatoes for crunch and color.

Hard-boiled eggs and asparagus spears are classic additions.

The star is lump crab meat, gently placed on top. Garnish with lemon wedges and capers for extra zest. Serve with a side of Louie dressing, typically made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and seasonings.

This salad is easy to customize.

Try adding avocado slices or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

You can serve it as a light main course or a fancy appetizer.

22. Pan-Seared Scallops

Pan-seared scallops are a quick and tasty seafood dish. You can make restaurant-quality scallops at home in just 15 minutes.

Start with large, fresh sea scallops. Pat them dry with paper towels to get a nice golden crust.

Heat a pan with olive oil until very hot.

Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

They should have a golden-brown exterior and be slightly opaque in the center.

For extra flavor, finish with a lemon-butter or garlic-butter sauce. Drizzle it over the scallops just before serving.

Pair your scallops with a simple side like roasted vegetables or salad.

This easy recipe is perfect for a special dinner at home.

23. Grilled Mahi Mahi

Grilled mahi mahi is a quick and tasty seafood dish you can make in about 15 minutes. This fish has a mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well on the grill.

To prepare, brush the mahi mahi with olive oil and season it with your favorite spices. A mix of garlic, lemon, and paprika works great.

Heat your grill to medium-high.

Cook the fish for 3-5 minutes on each side until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

For extra flavor, try topping your grilled mahi mahi with a fresh mango salsa. Serve it with rice and a salad for a complete meal.

Grilling mahi mahi keeps it moist inside while giving it a nice sear on the outside.

It’s a simple yet impressive dish for your next cookout.

24. Baked Halibut

Baked halibut is a simple yet delicious seafood dish. You can prepare it in about 20 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.

Pat the halibut fillets dry and place them in a baking dish.

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like dill and parsley in a small bowl.

Pour this mixture over the fish. Add lemon slices on top for extra flavor.

Bake the halibut for 10-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.

For a creamy version, try mixing Parmesan cheese, butter, and mayonnaise. Spread this on the fish before baking. The result is a tender, flaky halibut with a rich topping.

25. Seafood Gumbo

Seafood gumbo is a rich, flavorful stew that’s perfect for chilly days. You’ll love this Louisiana classic packed with shrimp, crab, and oysters.

To make gumbo, start by cooking onions, celery, and green peppers. Add chicken broth, okra, and spices like paprika and oregano. Let it simmer to develop deep flavors.

The key to great gumbo is a dark roux made from flour and oil. It gives the dish its signature color and taste.

Add andouille sausage for extra spice and smokiness.

Seafood goes in near the end to prevent overcooking. Serve your gumbo over rice for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

26. Garlic Butter Mussels

Garlic butter mussels are a tasty seafood dish you can make in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for a special treat or date night at home.

To prepare, clean the mussels and remove any beards. Soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Sauté shallots and garlic in butter. Add white wine and bring to a simmer. Then add the mussels and cook until they open.

Serve the mussels in their flavorful sauce. For extra richness, you can add a splash of cream at the end.

Enjoy your garlic butter mussels with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

27. Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon is a tasty and simple dish you can make at home.

Start by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create the teriyaki sauce.

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes and marinate them in the sauce for 30 minutes.

Cook the salmon in a pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side.

Add a splash of sake and cover the pan to steam for a few more minutes. The salmon should be golden brown on the outside and flaky inside.

Serve your teriyaki salmon over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal.

You can also bake the salmon in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes if you prefer.

28. Tuna Tartare

Tuna tartare is a tasty no-cook seafood dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for sushi lovers and makes an elegant appetizer.

To prepare tuna tartare, cut fresh tuna into small cubes. Mix it with a dressing of sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger.

Add some diced avocado, scallions, and jalapeño for extra flavor and texture. Chill the mixture briefly before serving.

Don’t marinate the tuna for more than 10-20 minutes. This keeps the fish from absorbing too much flavor and losing its natural taste.

Serve your tuna tartare cold. You can present it in a lightly greased shallow bowl to prevent sticking.

29. Salt and Pepper Squid

Salt and pepper squid is a tasty seafood dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need squid, flour, cornflour, salt, and peppercorns.

Mix flour and cornflour in a bowl. Add salt and crushed peppercorns for flavor. Coat the squid pieces in this mixture.

Fry the coated squid in hot oil until crispy and golden. This usually takes just a few minutes.

For extra taste, stir-fry some garlic, green onions, and chili peppers. Add these to your fried squid.

Serve your salt and pepper squid right away with a squeeze of lime juice. It’s great as an appetizer or main dish.

30. Salmon Burgers

Salmon burgers are a tasty twist on classic beef burgers. You can make them with fresh or canned salmon. Fresh salmon gives better flavor and texture.

Mix chopped salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, and spices. Form into patties and cook in a pan or on the grill.

Try adding lemon zest, dill, or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

Serve on a bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce.

You can freeze uncooked salmon patties for later.

Shape them, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Health Benefits of Seafood

Eating seafood regularly can boost your health in many ways. It’s packed with important nutrients and has special fats that are good for your body and brain.

Nutritional Value of Seafood

Seafood is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It has lots of vitamin B12, which helps make red blood cells and keeps your nervous system working well.

You’ll also get selenium, which protects your cells from damage. Many types of fish have vitamin D, which is good for your bones. Fish like salmon and tuna give you iodine, which your thyroid needs to work right.

Seafood is low in unhealthy fats but high in protein. This makes it a great choice if you want to eat healthy.

Some fish, like cod and tilapia, are very low in calories. This can help if you’re trying to lose weight.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are special fats found in fish. They’re really good for your heart and brain.

Eating fish with omega-3s can lower your risk of heart disease. It might also help protect you from depression and memory loss as you get older.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines have the most omega-3s. You should try to eat these kinds of fish at least twice a week.

If you don’t like fish, you can take fish oil pills instead. But it’s best to get omega-3s from real food if you can.

Cooking Techniques for Seafood

Seafood can be cooked using many methods. Two popular ways are grilling/broiling and steaming/poaching. These techniques bring out different flavors and textures in fish and shellfish.

Grilling and Broiling

Grilling and broiling give seafood a smoky flavor. Brush fish with oil to keep it moist.

Cook fish for about 4-5 minutes per side. Shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side.

Use a fish basket to keep delicate fillets from falling apart.

For broiling, place seafood on a greased baking sheet. Put it 4-6 inches from the heat source.

Broil for 3-4 minutes per side for thin fillets. Thicker cuts may need 5-7 minutes per side.

Watch seafood closely as it cooks.

It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.

Steaming and Poaching

Steaming and poaching are gentle cooking methods. They keep seafood moist and tender.

To steam, put fish or shellfish in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes until done. Add herbs or lemon to the water for extra flavor.

For poaching, use a flavorful liquid like broth or wine. Bring it to a simmer.

Add seafood and cook until it’s opaque and flakes easily. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.

These methods work well for delicate fish and shellfish. They’re also good for low-fat cooking.