Craving seafood but short on time? You’re in the right place! These ten simple seafood recipes are not only quick to prepare, but also delicious, healthy, and perfect for any home cook, from beginners to seasoned food lovers. Each dish requires easy-to-find ingredients, minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Table of contents
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet 🍤🧄
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 🧄
- Juice of half a lemon 🍋
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
- Cook Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in an even layer to the skillet. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp, and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet: Flavorful and Easy Seafood Dinner
Succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a delicious garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon. This quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 lemon juiced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- 1 loaf crusty bread sliced
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly curled.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Remove from heat, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread and lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them juicy and tender. For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
3. Easy Lemon and Garlic Salmon 🍣🍋
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of one lemon 🍋
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the tray, drizzle evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice over each fillet.
- Bake: Arrange lemon slices on top and bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley. Serve warm with steamed veggies or your favorite salad.
Easy Lemon Garlic Salmon: Quick Oven-Baked Seafood Delight
Tender, flaky salmon fillets oven-roasted with zesty lemon and fresh garlic. A quick, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 fillets salmon approximately 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and sliced
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil evenly over each fillet.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over each salmon fillet.
- Place lemon slices on top of each fillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with additional lemon juice if desired, and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Video
Notes
For added flavor, marinate salmon in olive oil and garlic for 20 minutes prior to cooking. Do not overcook to keep salmon tender.
4. Crispy Air-Fryer Fish Tacos 🌮🐟
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
- Corn tortillas
- Coleslaw, avocado slices, lime wedges, and sauce (optional toppings)
Instructions:
- Prepare Fish: Cut fish fillets into small pieces suitable for tacos. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bread Fish: Roll fish pieces in breadcrumbs or panko, coating evenly on all sides.
- Air-Fry Fish: Spray air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Cook fish at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm corn tortillas, then place crispy fish inside. Top with coleslaw, avocado slices, sauce of your choice, and fresh lime juice. Enjoy immediately!
Crispy Air-Fryer Fish Tacos: Quick and Healthy Dinner Idea
Crunchy, golden fish tacos made effortlessly in the air fryer, topped with fresh coleslaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy spicy mayo. A delicious and healthy meal perfect for taco night!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock) cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- cooking spray
For Serving (Optional)
- 8 corn tortillas warmed
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 avocado sliced
- 0.5 cup spicy mayonnaise or chipotle sauce
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Dip fish strips into breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly on all sides.
- Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, place breaded fish strips in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking until golden and crispy.
- Assemble tacos by placing crispy fish onto warm tortillas, top with coleslaw mix, drizzle generously with spicy sauce, and garnish with avocado slices and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly spray fish with oil before air frying. You can also bake these at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes if no air fryer is available.
4. Honey Garlic Glazed Scallops 🍯🧄
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh sea scallops
- 2 tbsp honey 🍯
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix Sauce: Combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Cook Scallops: Pat scallops dry and season lightly with salt. Heat a skillet on medium-high and add scallops. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Add Sauce: Pour sauce over scallops, cook for 1-2 more minutes until scallops are glazed and caramelized.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or vegetables.
Honey Garlic Glazed Scallops: Sweet and Savory Seafood Delight
Juicy, pan-seared scallops coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze, garnished with green onions. An elegant yet easy seafood dish that’s ready in minutes!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Scallops
- 1 lb fresh sea scallops patted dry
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 cup steamed rice to serve
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until fully combined; set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, then place scallops in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
- Pour the honey garlic glaze into the skillet over the scallops. Gently toss scallops in the sauce, coating evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Remove scallops from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables, alongside lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
Ensure scallops are dried thoroughly before searing for the perfect caramelized crust. Avoid overcooking to keep scallops tender and juicy.
5. Quick Garlic Mussels 🥘
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Clean Mussels: Ensure mussels are clean, discarding any cracked shells or mussels that do not close.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Steam Mussels: Add mussels and white wine or broth, cover pot, and steam for 5-7 minutes until mussels open.
- Finish and Serve: Discard unopened mussels. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with bread for dipping.
Quick Garlic Mussels: Easy and Flavorful Seafood Recipe
Steamed mussels cooked quickly in a fragrant garlic and white wine broth, garnished with fresh parsley. A delicious and simple seafood dish ready in minutes!
Equipment
- Large Pot with Lid
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
For the Mussels
- 2 lbs fresh mussels cleaned and debearded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- ¼ tsp salt to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
For Serving (Optional)
- 1 loaf crusty bread sliced, for dipping
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine or broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Add cleaned mussels into the pot, cover with a lid, and steam for about 5-7 minutes, shaking occasionally until mussels open.
- Discard any mussels that do not open. Season broth with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over mussels. Serve immediately with crusty bread and lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
Ensure mussels are fresh and cleaned properly. Mussels should smell fresh, like the sea, and not fishy.
6. Simple Tuna Pasta Salad 🥗🐟
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cooked pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dill, fresh or dried
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix pasta, tuna, tomatoes, mayo, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Stir gently until combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes and serve chilled.
Simple Tuna Pasta Salad: Quick and Healthy Lunch Idea
A fresh and easy pasta salad with tender tuna, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy lemon dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch, picnic, or quick dinner!
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Pot for Cooking Pasta
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula or Large Spoon
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz pasta rotini, penne, or your choice
- 1 can tuna drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup mayonnaise light or regular
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently until well combined and evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Video
Notes
This salad can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days. Add diced cucumbers or olives for extra crunch and flavor.
7. Spicy Garlic Calamari 🔥🦑
Ingredients:
- 1 lb calamari rings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season calamari lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat.
- Cook calamari quickly for 2 minutes, then add garlic and chili flakes.
- Finish with lemon juice, stir, and remove from heat. Serve hot immediately.
Spicy Garlic Calamari: Quick and Zesty Seafood Recipe
Tender calamari sautéed with spicy garlic and chili flakes, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. A flavorful seafood dish ready in minutes!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
For the Calamari
- 1 lb calamari rings fresh or thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- ½ lemon juiced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
For Serving (Optional)
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 4 cups mixed greens or cooked pasta to serve alongside
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add calamari rings, spreading evenly in one layer.
- Sauté calamari for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove skillet from heat, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over calamari, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over calamari, and serve immediately with lemon wedges, over mixed greens or cooked pasta.
Video
Notes
Avoid overcooking calamari to keep it tender—cook only until lightly golden and firm. Fresh calamari yields the best texture.
8. Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter Sauce 🍋🐠
Ingredients:
- 4 sea bass fillets
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Season fillets with salt and pepper.
- Pan-sear sea bass 3-4 mins per side.
- Add lemon butter sauce over fillets, cook 1 minute, and serve immediately.
Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Lemon Butter Sauce: Quick Gourmet Seafood
Crispy-skinned sea bass fillets perfectly pan-seared and drizzled with a tangy lemon butter sauce. A quick, gourmet seafood dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Sea Bass
- 4 fillets sea bass about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pat sea bass fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place fillets skin-side down and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Flip fillets gently and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Remove fillets from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter, then stir in lemon juice, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle lemon butter sauce over cooked sea bass fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Make sure the skillet is hot before adding fish to achieve crispy skin. Avoid moving fillets around too much while cooking.
9. Oven-Roasted Cod with Herbs 🌿🐟
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme
- Lemon slices
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Season cod, drizzle with olive oil and herbs.
- Roast cod for 12-15 mins, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Oven-Roasted Cod with Herbs: Easy and Healthy Fish Dinner
Tender cod fillets oven-roasted to perfection with a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. A healthy, quick, and delicious seafood meal ideal for busy evenings!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 fillets cod approximately 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place lemon slices on top of each cod fillet for extra flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.
Video
Notes
Cod cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid drying out. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
10. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta 🍝🧀
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, olive oil, parsley
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package.
- Cook shrimp in garlic and oil until pink.
- Toss shrimp, spaghetti, garlic, cheese, parsley, and olive oil. Mix and serve immediately.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta: Easy Creamy Seafood Dinner
Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with spaghetti in a creamy Parmesan sauce. A delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or favorite pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to skillet, cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Add cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss gently until pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or extra butter. Fresh shrimp will yield the best taste and texture.
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FAQ:
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw frozen seafood safely overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
What’s the easiest seafood for beginners?
Salmon, shrimp, and cod are beginner-friendly choices due to quick cooking times and forgiving texture.
How can I avoid fishy smells?
Use fresh seafood, cook with lemon or vinegar, and ensure good ventilation during cooking.
10 Easy Seafood Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals