It’s time for another meal plan, Seafoodies!
When the thermometer hits triple digits and you’re melting faster than ice cream on hot pavement, we’ve got some counterintuitive advice: turn up the heat! Before you think we’ve lost our minds, hear us out. Eating spicy food can trigger that cooling sweat response that helps your body regulate temperature naturally. Plus, who doesn’t love a little indoor culinary retreat into the kitchen AC to help pass the time on those sweltering summer days?
For this month’s meal plan, we’re celebrating all things spicy with a collection of fire-kissed seafood recipes that span the entire Scoville scale. Whether you’re a mild-mannered spice novice or someone who puts hot sauce on everything (we see you!)—there’s a perfect level of heat waiting to wake up your week!
Start your day right with our Turmeric Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowl—a great source of protein and enough warming spices to energize your morning. For a Southern comfort twist, Spicy Shrimp and Grits brings serious flavor without overwhelming heat, an outstanding option for anyone easing into experimenting with spice.
When afternoon hunger strikes and the house feels like a furnace, turn to your air fryer! Our Air Fryer Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce keeps your kitchen cool while delivering amazing results—no takeout trip needed. Speaking of takeout—try these Crispy Rice Rolls with Spicy Tuna for sushi bar vibes, straight from your home kitchen. In the mood for a light lunch? Spicy Clam Dip with some pita chips has got you covered.
Dinner calls for something spectacular yet practical in the heat. Our Spicy Sheet-Pan Salmon with honey-sriracha glaze is table-ready in 20 minutes, while Shakshuka-Style Cod brings Middle Eastern flair to your summer table. For casual dining, fire up the grill for Tilapia with Black Beans and Mago Salsa—a dish that really plays on an ingredient balance of heat with cooling elements.
If you’ve been a reader of our blog for a while you know that in the Dish on Fish kitchen, flexibility is key—just dial the spice up or down to match your heat tolerance or to better serve little Seafoodies. Based on the recipe, you can always add extra jalapeños or pepper flakes for thrill-seekers—or tone it down with chill accompaniments like avocado and extra sauce.
Beyond the cooling benefits, these vibrant meals make reaching those 2-3 weekly seafood servings as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans feel like a delicious challenge. Each dish brings plenty of protein, omega-3s and enough flavor variety to keep your summer dining interesting.
Grab a cold drink, tie on that apron and beat the heat—by embracing it!
Breakfast
Turmeric Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowl
In addition to providing an earthy flavor to this breakfast bowl, turmeric lends some anti-inflammatory properties and helps enhance the subtle spice of the cayenne pepper and smoky flavor from the salmon!
Two kinds of cheese, green chilies and black pepper make these shrimp and grits stick-to-your-ribs spicy and oh-so-good!
Appetizer
Air Fryer Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce
Taking only 10 minutes to cook and less than 25 minutes to prep—this dish makes a perfect snack or appetizer when you are looking for some heat in a hurry.
Blackened Tilapia and Watermelon Salsa Crostinis
Every bite of this summery appetizer offers a contrast of ingredients—crispy toasted baguette against tender fish, along with the fresh pop of basil and subtle jalapeño heat.
Crispy Rice Roll with Spicy Tuna
We like to top these spicy rolls with chopped cucumber, avocado and a sprinkling of sesame seeds—but you can improvise the garnish or omit it entirely. They’re delicious either way!
Sour cream and Greek yogurt make up the cravable base of this dip which helps cut through the heat—making this a great way to encourage challenging eaters to get their recommended veggie intake.
While the nachos are getting bubbly, chop up an avocado and some cherry tomatoes for a tangy-creamy tortilla topper—serve straight out of the oven with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Lunch
Fair warning: Once you make these lightly spicy tacos for friends and family, you’ll probably find yourself getting requests for this recipe all year long!
With a perfectly crispy fish fillet, this lip-smacking lunch takes inspiration from popular restaurants and drive-thru favorites—but kicks it up a notch when made at home.
Air Fryer Shrimp Po’ Boy Burger with Remoulade Sauce
Our Shrimp Po’ Boy Burgers draw on a number of culinary tricks, bringing together the traditional (Cajun-seasoned shrimp and zesty remoulade sauce) with the modern-day (air-frying ease)—resulting in a truly delicious dish.
Salmon Smash Burgers with Sriracha Mayo
Creamy, spicy and oh-so-addictive—a healthy dollop of homemade sriracha mayo sauce adds a zip of flavor that can be customized or omitted to suit spice and dietary preferences.
Dinner
It doesn’t get much easier (or healthier) than baked fish—with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, get ready for a savory dinner that just about cooks itself!
Shakshuka actually means “mixed” which is exactly what you will get with this easy recipe—a mixture of spicy, earthy, sweet and wholesome.
Master cooking spicy shrimp for a meal base that can be paired with brown rice, gluten-free pasta, salad mix, cauliflower rice and more—the combo options are endless!
Tilapia with Black Bean and Mango Salsa
Spice-rubbed white fish for a protein boost, added fiber from black beans, a piquant blend of vegetables and finally a little natural mango sweetness—proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a dull or daunting task.
No Comments