Seafood Recipes That Always Hit the Spot

Seafood dinners offer a mix of fresh flavors and quick cooking times, making them a great option for busy evenings. Whether you’re using shrimp, salmon, or white fish, there’s a lot you can do with just a few ingredients. Many of these dishes come together in under an hour.

You’ll find options ranging from light and simple to rich and filling. Some recipes are great for grilling or baking, while others work well in a skillet or pot. Seafood pairs nicely with herbs, citrus, garlic, and a variety of vegetables.

These meals are flexible and work for both casual dinners and more special occasions. They’re a great way to enjoy something a little different without a lot of fuss. With the right mix of ingredients, seafood dinners can be both easy and full of flavor.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

This dish brings together garlicky shrimp, creamy sauce, and wilted spinach for a warm and hearty meal. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or even on its own. The garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add depth, while the spinach keeps things balanced. It feels like something you’d order out but takes just one pan at home.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Blackened Walleye Recipe

Walleye gets coated in bold seasoning and seared until the outside forms a flavorful crust. The inside stays flaky and tender, making each bite full of contrast. A quick squeeze of lemon brings everything together. Simple ingredients, big impact.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Walleye Recipe

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

With smoky seasoning and a quick air fry, these shrimp come out with a perfect char and plenty of flavor. They’re a great topping for salads or bowls, or just served with a wedge of lime. No need for oil or a pan—just season, cook, and serve. Great for weeknights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Salmon in the Air Fryer

This method makes salmon quick and nearly foolproof—crispy on the outside, tender inside. You can season it however you like, from lemon pepper to garlic herb. It’s ready in less than 15 minutes, so it works well for busy nights. Serve it with rice, salad, or veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon in the Air Fryer

Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds

This baked walleye recipe keeps things light and fresh, thanks to lemon slices and a crunchy almond topping. The fish cooks quickly and stays moist without much fuss. Great with a side of rice or roasted veggies. A simple dinner that looks and tastes like you put in extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Walleye Recipe with Lemons and Almonds

Spicy Salmon for Tacos

This salmon has a kick from chili powder, paprika, or sriracha—perfect for stuffing into warm tortillas. Pair it with slaw, avocado, or a squeeze of lime to balance the heat. It’s an easy way to change up taco night. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, the salmon holds up beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salmon for Tacos

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

This salmon has a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes in the air fryer, giving it a slightly crisp exterior. The honey garlic combo brings just enough richness without feeling heavy. It’s ready fast and pairs well with rice or steamed greens. A great choice when you want something flavorful but not fussy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

Blackened Salmon

A bold spice blend coats the salmon before it’s quickly seared or baked, creating a charred crust with a tender center. The flavors are smoky, slightly spicy, and incredibly balanced. Great for topping salads, bowls, or eating as-is with a squeeze of citrus. Easy to prep, even better to eat.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon

Beer Battered Cod

This classic fish fry favorite features a light, crispy batter that holds up perfectly when fried. The cod stays flaky and moist inside, making for a great contrast in every bite. Serve it with fries, slaw, or in a sandwich. A comfort food classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Cod

Salmon for Tacos

Salmon makes a fresh, protein-packed taco filling that pairs well with citrus, creamy sauces, and crunchy slaw. It’s easy to season and cooks quickly in the pan or oven. Whether flaked or grilled as whole fillets, it works beautifully in tortillas. A great way to shake up your usual taco routine.
Get the Recipe: Salmon for Tacos

Risotto Shrimp Scampi

This dish combines creamy risotto with garlicky shrimp for a comforting, flavorful meal. The shrimp cook quickly and bring a nice contrast to the rich rice. A splash of white wine or lemon keeps things bright. It feels fancy without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Risotto Shrimp Scampi

Crispy Air Fryer Cod

The air fryer gives cod a crisp coating without deep frying, making it a great option for a lighter dinner. Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko give it that crunch while the fish stays flaky inside. Serve it with tartar sauce, slaw, or roasted potatoes. Quick, clean, and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Lemon Garlic Scallops

These scallops cook quickly in a hot pan with butter, lemon, and garlic. The result? A golden crust with a soft, tender center. They pair beautifully with pasta, risotto, or a simple salad. Great for date night or a special dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Bang Bang Salmon

This salmon gets its name from the creamy, spicy sauce drizzled on top—usually a mix of mayo, sriracha, and a little honey. The fish is baked or air fried, keeping it light but full of flavor. Perfect with rice bowls, noodles, or veggies. A fun way to switch up your usual salmon dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Salmon

Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

Classic shrimp scampi brings together garlic, butter, lemon, and parsley for a flavorful pasta dish. The shrimp cook quickly, soaking up all that buttery sauce. Tossed with linguine, it’s comforting and quick to prepare. Ideal for both weeknights and special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

This dish uses curry paste and coconut milk to bring out rich, aromatic flavors in the salmon. The bok choy adds freshness and crunch, balancing the creamy sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a comforting, warming meal. Bold, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy honey sauce and topped with sweet glazed walnuts—this dish is all about texture and contrast. It’s usually pan-fried or lightly battered, then tossed in the sauce just before serving. Works great with steamed rice or veggies. A takeout favorite you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

This pantry-friendly pasta brings together anchovies, olives, capers, and tomatoes for a bold, briny flavor. It’s quick to make and perfect when you want something with a little kick. No fancy ingredients required—just what you’ve already got in the cupboard. A go-to for low-effort, high-reward meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Chimichurri Shrimp

Grilled or sautéed shrimp tossed with herby chimichurri sauce makes for a bright, bold dish. The garlic and parsley-packed sauce brings a fresh edge that works great over rice, in tacos, or with roasted veggies. Quick to prep and big on flavor. Ideal for warm weather or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Shrimp

BONUS POST!! Canned Sardines 101

Canned sardines are an underrated pantry staple—nutritious, packed with protein, and easy to use. Enjoy them straight from the can, on toast, or mashed into pasta. They come in a variety of flavors, from plain to spicy to mustard-packed. A great option when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Canned Sardines 101