Hey there, Seafoodies!
We’re a few weeks into Lent now, which means you’ve probably already tackled a handful of Fish Fridays. Perhaps you’ve cycled through your usual go-to recipes and are starting to feel the repetition begin to set in. Or, maybe you perfected a few winners but need some fresh ideas to keep things interesting for the weeks ahead. Or, perhaps you don’t observe Lent and just really love easy, healthy seafood meals! Whatever your reason, if you’re looking to shake up your Fish Friday routine with some new flavors and approaches, you’re in the right place.
If you do celebrate Lent, this season leading up to Easter is a great opportunity to expand your seafood repertoire beyond the basics and discover just how versatile—and easy—cooking with fish and shellfish can be.
Whatever your cultural practices or beliefs, we love that Fish Fridays provide a built-in reason to prioritize shared meals that are both nourishing and delicious. Seafood brings protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and essential minerals like selenium to your plate—all while staying lighter than most other meat-heavy dishes. Your body gets the nutrients it needs, and you get to enjoy flavors that range from mild and buttery to bold and spicy, depending on what you or your family are in the mood for.
We put together this Fish Friday roundup with exactly that in mind—every recipe here is family-friendly, easy to make and designed to fit into real life, no matter what the season is throwing your way. We’ve specifically chosen dishes that work for different kitchen set-ups, schedules and appetites, so you’ve got ample options no matter what kind of Friday you’re facing.
For those busy weeks that speed full-steam right into the weekend when dinner needs to happen fast, Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp, Lemon Tilapia Piccata and Sourdough Crab Melts all come together in about thirty minutes or less with minimal fuss. The air fryer does most of the work on the shrimp, the tilapia cooks up quickly in a skillet along with bright lemon and capers and golden-brown crab melts let you build layers of flavor without complicated techniques.
When you’re craving comfort food that still feels appropriate for this time of year, Creamy Clam Chowder, Shrimp Gumbo and Instant Pot Seafood Risotto deliver warmth and satisfaction without the heaviness or extra fuss. These are the kinds of dishes that make cold February and unpredictable March evenings seem a little cozier—hearty enough to fill everyone up but still letting you feel good about what you’re serving. And, one-pot meals are notorious for leaving incredible leftovers that somehow taste even better after a night in the fridge.
For kid-approved meals that don’t involve dinner table negotiations, Crunchy Air Fryer Fish Sticks, our Hot n’ Crunchy Fish Sandwiches and Simple Salmon Sliders (we dare you to try and eat just one!) welcome in familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors to the Friday mix. These recipes look and taste like the foods kids already love, just with better-for-you ingredients and way more omega-3s than anything coming out of a drive-thru window.
So instead of stressing about what to make every Friday for the next few weeks, here’s your chance to try something new, add some fresh flavors to your table and maybe even find a few recipes that become beloved household favorites.
Lent might be a temporary season, but great seafood recipes? We can guarantee your family is going to be asking you to remake some of these meals long after Easter arrives!
This crunchy shrimp recipe has a fraction of the saturated fat and calories of traditional tempura—all thanks to the air fryer! Finish everything off with your favorite dipping sauce and a veggie side and you’re looking at a great, guiltless, stress-free dinner.
Air Fryer Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Awesome advice incoming! The trick to this guiltless, golden-brown, crispy recipe is to double-coat the calamari and cook it in batches, so the air can easily circulate in the fryer. If you always order the calamari appetizer at restaurants, why not try it at home?!
Air Fryer Healthy Beer Battered Fish and Chips
Serve up a plate brimming with fish and chips alongside tartar sauce, malt vinegar or just enjoyed simply with a squeeze of lemon or ketchup. There’s no wrong way to indulge in this healthier take on a classic that still provides the crunch you crave.
We love using mild-flavored cod for this recipe, but any firm-fleshed white fish will work and pair perfectly with the marinade. The key is to use kefir, a tangy fermented (hello, healthy gut!) drink (also known as the “champagne of dairy”), which not only adds flavor but helps the breading stick to the fish.
Reminiscent of a restaurant favorite, add a family-style serving of au gratin potatoes or some cut veggie sticks as a side before sinking your teeth into a crispy fish fillet with a hint of heat and crunch that’s honestly addictive. Treat your table to take-out flavors—even if you’ve given up the drive-through for Lent!
Doubling up on this recipe is a must-do—because one slider is simply never enough when they’re this delicious. The combination of bold ingredients like dill and red pepper, paired with the taste of salmon, gives this dish a little extra “something” that sure pays off in the flavor department.
Instant Pot Shrimp and Cheesy-Chive Grits
When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much cozier than creamy grits! And when they’re topped with tender shrimp in a scrumptiously seasoned gravy, you’ve got a Southern classic that’s downright delicious and just waiting for you to toss it together on a Fish Friday night.
This dish is all about those fiery contrasts that are commonly found in Tex-Mex cuisine. Spicy fish wrapped in a delicate corn tortilla with crunchy slaw and a creamy lime sauce— build-your-own and adjust the heat as you please!
Keep a few cans of clams in your pantry and you’re just moments away from adding a burst of flavor and nutrition to any low-key Fish Friday. Of course, we have a soft spot for fresh clams too—just soak them for 20 minutes and steam until they open.
What makes our gumbo different? Other than being a surefire way to get your family to gather around the table—there’s no roux! That means this recipe is quicker and lighter than traditional versions, saving you time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste or texture.
Whether you choose to try our air fry or Instant Pot cooking method, both options start with the same essentials—plump, juicy shrimp (tails on for that must-have finger-food grip) and our signature coconut coating that we intentionally made simple to let the tropical sweetness shine.
Instead of deep-frying these little morsels of deliciousness, we’re baking them to crispy perfection. The result? All the crunch and flavor you love, with a fraction of the calories, saturated fat and prep time. While the oven is heating up, we love whipping up a simple veggie side to sizzle away simultaneously.
Salmon Smash Burgers with Sriracha Mayo
We bet you’ve never had a burger like this on your Lent dinner table! Crispy edges, moist patty and a burst of savory goodness in every bite—it’s no wonder one tester raved that these are the best salmon burgers he’s ever eaten.
Here’s a handy kitchen tip: When you bring the clams and mussels home, remove them from the netting and place in the fridge on a bowl of ice until cooking time. Any crustaceans that don’t open during the cooking process should be discarded before you start making dinner.
Skewers historically make a favorable appetizer, but if it’s Friday and your kiddos are already clamoring, “What’s for dinner?” simply add a side of rice or hearty veggie salad! And remember—fresh or frozen shrimp can be used—just leave frozen shrimp to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or run the package under cold water if you don’t have time to wait.
Tilapia, with its mild flavor and flaky texture, is a very common Lent staple—and with good reason. You’ll see it serves as a protein-rich canvas for our bold piccata sauce. It’s also a quick-cooking fish, which is what you want to reach for on those busy weeks.
The air fryer cooking method makes this recipe remarkably straightforward—no flipping, no monitoring, no cold-weather considerations. Simply form your patties, give them a quick chill in the fridge to firm up (5 minutes!) and then let the air fryer do its thing!
To anyone who appreciates the art of a winning sandwich, we’ve got your new favorite obsession—no special equipment or chef-level skills needed! Buttery crab salad piled onto toasted sourdough and broiled until golden creates a family-favorite that’ll disappear faster than you can make them.
Thread a few veggies on your skewers between juicy shrimp for individual grab-and-go portions that can be presented on a large platter or shallow baking tray—a mouthwatering centerpiece to elevate any Fish Friday.
Skip the constant stirring and let your Instant Pot do the work! Scallops seared to a golden brown are amazing on their own, but that’s only the start of this indulgent 20-minute seafood risotto. Enjoy!
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