25 Must-Try Fish and Seafood Recipes

Jenny deRemer

Oct 01, 2025

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Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, this collection of must-try fish and seafood recipes features a range of dishes that showcase the best of what the sea has to offer. From classic pan-fried fish to delicious shellfish, each recipe is designed to delight the senses and bring a taste of the ocean to your table.

Table of Contents

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of food on a plate, with Cream and Crab dip.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Discover the charm of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, a place that can change your outlook on life. Enhance your experience with a cold beer and a bowl of Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip. It’s a delightful way to savor the clarity and tastes of the region.

Get This Recipe: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

Florida Smoked Fish Dip Recipe

A bowl of fish dip with lemon slices, chopped red onions, and two saltine crackers.
Photo Credit: Cooking in the Keys.

This Florida Smoked Fish Dip is a classic Southern seafood appetizer. Made with smoked fish, cream cheese, and a blend of spices, it’s a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a tasty snack.
Get This Recipe: Florida Smoked Fish Dip Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

A plate of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a savory brown sauce, garnished with chopped herbs.
Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad.

These Cajun Shrimp and Grits offer a spicy twist on a beloved Southern seafood staple. The creamy grits pair perfectly with the seasoned shrimp, creating a dish that’s both comforting and bold. It’s an easy recipe that brings a taste of the South to your table.
Get This Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

Four salmon fillets in a creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are cooked in a skillet.
Photo Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Savor the deliciousness of pan-seared Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce bursting with garlic, onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. It’s like enjoying a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home.

Get This Recipe: Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

A fork holding a piece of cooked salmon topped with chopped herbs and tomatoes. Additional pieces of salmon and garnishes in the background.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Parsley Pesto Salmon is a fresh, vibrant seafood dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. The homemade parsley pesto adds a bright, herby flavor to the perfectly cooked salmon. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels gourmet.
Get This Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

Crawfish Dip Recipe

A skillet filled with dip topped with shrimp, fresh herbs, and green onions.
Photo Credit: A Full Living.

This Crawfish Dip is a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer that’s perfect for any party. Packed with tender crawfish and spicy Cajun seasoning, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to disappear quickly. Serve it with crackers or bread for a delicious snack.
Get This Recipe: Crawfish Dip Recipe

Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

close up of Delicate Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops is a culinary masterpiece that will ignite your passion for cooking! Imagine the perfect harmony of crispy sage leaves, salty prosciutto, and tender squash, all wrapped up and served with succulent seared scallops. It’s a kitchen symphony that will leave you craving more!

Get This Recipe: Delicata Squash Saltimbocca with Pan Scallops

Crab Cakes with Remoulade

A baking tray with four baked crab cakes garnished with chopped herbs. Lemon wedges are placed around the crab cakes. A fork rests beside one of the crab cakes. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Packed with a full pound of seafood, these homemade Crab Cakes with Remoulade set themselves apart from other recipes by minimizing fillers. Opt for this baked crab cake recipe when you’re in the mood for a lighter dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Get This Recipe: Crab Cakes with Remoulade

Brown Butter Scallops with Tarragon (5 Ingredients!)

A plate of seared scallops garnished with capers and fresh herbs, drizzled with a brown butter sauce. The scallops are golden brown and attractively arranged on a light-colored plate set on a gray surface. A sprig of herbs is partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: Cooking for Keeps.

If you enjoy scallops, this Brown Butter Scallops with Tarragon recipe is a must-try. Sear the scallops in brown butter until crisp, then finish with lemon juice and tarragon. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish effortlessly.

Get This Recipe: Brown Butter Scallops with Tarragon (5 Ingredients!)

Lowcountry Boil Recipe

Shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Photo Credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

This Lowcountry Boil is a seafood lover’s dream with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes all in one pot. The seasoning mix of Old Bay and Cajun spices makes it a flavorful hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s as simple to clean up as it is to cook!
Get This Recipe: Lowcountry Boil Recipe

Clam Chowder Recipe

Two bowls of creamy clam chowder garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled bacon sit on a rustic wooden table. The soup is topped with oyster crackers, and a red, white, and blue checkered cloth and two spoons are in the background.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

This Easy New England Clam Chowder is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with delicious ocean flavors, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for any seafood lover looking to enjoy a robust bowl of warmth!

Get This Recipe: Clam Chowder Recipe

Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

A close-up image of creamy garlic lemon shrimp in a pan. The dish features succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices for added zest. A wooden spoon is partially visible in the pan.
Image Credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

These Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns, ready in just 30 minutes, are likely to become a favorite. Made in one pan, the prawns are smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget plenty of bread to savor the delicious sauce!

Get This Recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

Lobster Salad Rolls with Tarragon and Lemon

Two lobster rolls filled with chunks of lobster meat, garnished with herbs, are placed on a metal tray. The rolls are toasted to a golden brown, with visible pieces of lobster and creamy dressing spilling out slightly.
Image Credit: Cooking for Keeps.

These Lobster Salad Rolls put a fresh spin on the classic lobster roll by combining sweet lobster meat with a zesty lemon and tarragon mayo, all tucked into buns toasted in garlic butter. This delightful blend adds a flavorful play on a year-round favorite.

Get This Recipe: Lobster Salad Rolls with Tarragon and Lemon

Coconut Shrimp

A white bowl filled with crispy, golden-brown fried shrimp and accompanied by a small dish of creamy dipping sauce. The shrimp are piled high, showcasing their crunchy texture and appetizing appearance.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This Coconut Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, using simple ingredients from your freezer and pantry. The shrimp come out exceptionally crispy and are a delight on their own, but they reach a new level of flavor when dipped into a spicy Sriracha-chile sauce. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer.

Get This Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

A skillet filled with cooked shrimp garnished with chopped herbs and lemon wedges. Two silver forks are positioned in the skillet. Grilled bread slices are on the side, and a small bowl of chopped herbs and a sprig of parsley are nearby.
Image Credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

These Chili Garlic Prawns are a quick and easy favorite, perfect as a meal, starter, or tapas. Simply pan-fried with extra virgin olive oil, fresh chili, and garlic, and enhanced with lemon zest, they are both fast to prepare and impressive enough for guests. Serve with grilled bread and lemon wedges for a dish that’s effortlessly special.

Get This Recipe: Chilli Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)

Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter

A dish features four seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley, laid on a white plate. A creamy sauce is being drizzled over the scallops from a spoon. The presentation is elegant, showcasing a gourmet seafood dish.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

These Pan-Seared Scallops are a testament to the power of simple, classic cooking techniques. Quickly seared to perfection, they are served with a straightforward yet irresistible lemon butter sauce. This meal, though easy to prepare, is bound to impress with its elegant flavors and presentation, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion.

Get This Recipe: Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter

Lobster Scampi with Linguine

A plate of linguine pasta mixed with pieces of lobster meat, garnished with chopped parsley. The dish is presented on a white plate placed on a gray countertop, viewed from above. A partial view of a skillet with more pasta is visible on the side.
Image Credit: Cooking for Keeps.

When you find lobster tails on sale for five dollars each, it’s a no-brainer—grab them and whip up this Lobster Scampi with Linguine. This dish combines sweet, succulent lobster with a garlicky butter sauce over silky linguine noodles. It’s an easy, luxurious meal. Plus, there’s a discussion on the differences between Spiny and Maine lobster, including tips on how to cook lobster tails on the stove.

Get This Recipe: Lobster Scampi with Linguine

Pan-Fried Tilapia

A skillet filled with cooked white fish fillets seasoned with herbs, surrounded by sautéed vegetables including bell peppers, carrots, onions, and diced tomatoes. A red and white checkered cloth is partially wrapped around the pan handle. A spoon rests in the skillet.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Conquer mealtime quickly with this family-friendly 25-minute Pan-Fried Tilapia recipe. This dish not only delivers on speed but also impresses with restaurant-quality flair, combining tender tilapia with a colorful medley of vegetables. It’s a testament to the fact that quick and easy fish recipes can indeed be both delightful and satisfying.

Get This Recipe: Pan-Fried Tilapia

Baked Stuffed Mussels (Cozze Gratinate)

A close-up of baked mussels served on a plate. The mussels are topped with a golden breadcrumb and herb mixture, and garnished with fresh parsley. A slice of lemon is placed in the background for added freshness.
Image Credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

For a simple yet elegant appetizer, try Baked Stuffed Mussels (Cozze Gratinate), a favorite across Italy with regional twists. The mussels are steamed, topped with a mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and chili, then baked to blend the tender, salty-sweet mussels with crispy, spiced breadcrumbs. This dish is easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for any gathering.

Get This Recipe: Baked Stuffed Mussels (Cozze Gratinate)

Shrimp Étouffée

A large pot filled with shrimp gumbo, garnished with green onions and herbs, sits on a textured surface. A wooden spoon stirs the gumbo, while a hand holds a black and white cloth. Nearby, a cutting board holds lemon wedges, chopped herbs, and green onions.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Shrimp Étouffée, a beloved New Orleans comfort food, typically features saucy shrimp served over warm rice. With this easy-to-follow homemade Shrimp Étouffée recipe, you can bring the rich flavors of the Big Easy right into your kitchen. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for anyone wanting to experience a taste of Southern culinary tradition at home.

Get This Recipe: Shrimp Étouffée

Steamed Mussels in Tomato Sauce (Cozze al Pomodoro)

A bowl of mussels in a rich, red tomato sauce garnished with fresh parsley. The mussels are open, revealing their tender meat, and are surrounded by slices of onion and herbs. The dish is served in a white bowl on a marble surface with a sprig of parsley nearby.
Image Credit: It’s Not Complicated Recipes.

For a relaxing and comforting meal, try Steamed Mussels in Tomato Sauce (Cozze al Pomodoro). This dish features mussels steamed in a lively tomato sauce seasoned with onion, garlic, fennel, and white wine, with a touch of chili flakes for a mild kick. It’s an easy and delectable choice, perfect for serving with crusty bread to mop up the rich, flavorful juices.

Get This Recipe: Steamed Mussels in Tomato Sauce (Cozze al Pomodoro)

Friday Night Fish Fry

Close-up of a plate of fish and chips. The dish features two pieces of golden-brown, battered and fried fish fillets placed on a bed of thick-cut French fries. The fish is sprinkled with coarse salt and pepper. A few lemon wedges are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Whether you’re a seasoned fish fry enthusiast or just starting out, you can easily host your own fish fry any day of the week right at home. Begin with a Classic Beer-Battered Cod and complement it with a selection of sides such as soup or salad, your preferred potato dish, a breadbasket, and of course, some dessert to finish. This setup allows you to enjoy a traditional fish fry experience with all the fixings!

Get This Recipe: Friday Night Fish Fry

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

A close-up of a plate filled with creamy penne pasta topped with generously seasoned, grilled shrimp. Shredded cheese is sprinkled over the dish, adding a tasty finish. The shrimp are golden brown and perfectly cooked, sitting atop the pasta.
Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad.

This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp is a rich, spicy seafood dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The creamy sauce is infused with Cajun spices and tossed with shrimp and pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get This Recipe: Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Jambalaya Recipe

Shrimp, rice, chopped green onions, and herbs in a savory sauce.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

This Jambalaya recipe is a flavorful, one-pot seafood meal that’s bursting with Cajun spices, tender chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve it up for a taste of New Orleans right in your kitchen.
Get This Recipe: Jambalaya Recipe

Pan-Seared Halibut with Peppers and Olives

A plated dish featuring a seared fish fillet garnished with a lemon wedge and served atop a bed of sautéed vegetables, including red bell peppers and onions. A glass of white wine is blurred in the background, along with another similar plate of food.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

For a meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with nutrients, consider making Pan-Seared Halibut. This cooking method gives the fish a delightful golden crust, enhanced by the vibrant flavors and colors of peppers and olives. The entire dish can be ready in 30 minutes or less, making it an excellent option for a healthy, fuss-free dinner.

Get This Recipe: Pan-Seared Halibut with Peppers and Olives

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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