Seafood is a tasty and healthy option for dinner. From shrimp to salmon, there are many types of seafood you can use in your meals.

This article will give you lots of ideas for seafood recipes to try.

You’ll find 31 or more easy seafood recipes here that you can make at home. These dishes are great for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.

You’ll learn new ways to cook fish, shrimp, and other seafood. The recipes are simple but full of flavor.

1. Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled lobster tails are a delicious seafood treat. To prepare them, cut the top of the shell with kitchen shears.

Brush the meat with melted butter, lemon juice, and herbs.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F. Place the tails flesh-side down on the oiled grates.

Grill for 4-5 minutes until the shells turn red.

Flip the tails and brush more butter on the meat. Cover and grill for another 4-5 minutes.

The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and firm.

Serve your grilled lobster tails with lemon wedges. This quick and easy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the lobster meat.

2. Shrimp Scampi Linguine

Shrimp scampi linguine is a tasty seafood pasta dish you can easily make at home.

Start by cooking linguine in salted water until it’s tender but still firm.

While the pasta cooks, sauté garlic in butter and olive oil. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 4-5 minutes.

Toss the cooked linguine with the shrimp mixture. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved cooking water to create a light sauce.

Serve your shrimp scampi linguine hot and enjoy this simple yet delicious meal.

3. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is a beloved seafood soup you’ll want to add to your recipe collection. This creamy dish combines tender clams with potatoes, onions, and celery in a rich broth.

You can make clam chowder in just a few simple steps. Start by cooking bacon until crispy, then sauté vegetables in the drippings.

Add clams with their juice and half-and-half to create a velvety base.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves. Some recipes also include corn or carrots for added texture and taste.

Serve your chowder hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread on the side.

4. Baked Salmon with Dill

Baked salmon with dill is a quick and tasty seafood dish. You can make it in about 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the salmon on a greased baking sheet.

Mix melted butter, lemon juice, and fresh dill in a small bowl.

Pour this mixture over the salmon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

For extra flavor, make a creamy dill sauce. Mix mayo, more fresh dill, garlic, lemon juice, and mustard.

Serve this cold sauce with your hot, flaky salmon.

5. Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a beloved seafood dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayo, and seasonings.

Mix these ingredients gently to keep the crab chunks intact. Form the mixture into small patties and fry them in butter until golden brown.

Serve your crab cakes with a side of coarse mustard or a zesty remoulade sauce. They make a great appetizer or main course.

For the best flavor, use high-quality crab meat and don’t overwork the mixture. This will give you tender, flavorful crab cakes every time.

6. Paella Valenciana

Paella Valenciana is a classic Spanish dish from the Valencia region. It’s a flavorful rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paella.

The key ingredients are short-grain rice, saffron, and various proteins. Traditional versions use chicken, rabbit, and snails. Seafood paella is also popular.

To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, paprika, and rice.

Pour in hot stock infused with saffron. Arrange your chosen proteins on top.

Let the paella cook without stirring. This creates a crispy bottom layer called socarrat.

Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy this tasty Spanish specialty.

7. Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller is a fancy seafood appetizer perfect for special occasions. You can make this classic dish at home with fresh oysters, spinach, and breadcrumbs.

To prepare, shuck the oysters and place them on a baking sheet with rock salt. Mix cooked spinach with herbs and spices.

Top each oyster with the spinach mixture and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.

Broil the oysters for 5-6 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

The result is a tasty blend of briny oysters, savory spinach, and crispy topping.

You can easily change up the recipe by using different cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago. This dish is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party.

8. Tuna Tartare

Tuna tartare is a tasty seafood dish you can make in under 10 minutes. It uses raw tuna cut into small cubes and mixed with a flavorful sauce.

To make tuna tartare, dice fresh tuna into 1/4-inch pieces.

Mix it with olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and seasonings like wasabi or ginger.

You can add extra ingredients like scallions, jalapeño, or avocado for more flavor and texture.

Serve the tartare cold as an appetizer.

For the best taste, don’t marinate the tuna too long. About 10 minutes is enough time for it to soak up the flavors without overpowering the fish.

9. Seafood Paella

Seafood paella is a classic Spanish dish that’s perfect for special occasions. You can make it at home with a few key ingredients and techniques.

Start by preparing your seafood. Clean mussels and clams, peel shrimp, and cut squid into rings.

Use a wide, shallow pan to cook the rice and seafood together.

Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil. Add rice and saffron for authentic flavor and color.

Pour in broth and let the rice simmer.

Add your seafood in stages. Mussels and clams need more time to open. Shrimp and squid cook quickly at the end.

Serve your paella hot with lemon wedges. The crispy rice at the bottom of the pan is a prized treat.

10. Mussels in Garlic Butter Sauce

Mussels in garlic butter sauce is a tasty seafood dish you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh mussels, butter, garlic, white wine, and a few other simple ingredients.

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until it smells good. Then, toss in the cleaned mussels and coat them with the garlic butter mix.

Pour in some white wine and cover the pot.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mussels open up. Make sure to throw away any that don’t open.

Serve the mussels in bowls with the tasty sauce and some crusty bread for dipping.

11. Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for special occasions. You can make it at home with just a few key ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Then add flour to create a roux.

Pour in seafood broth and heavy cream, stirring to prevent lumps. Season with Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add chunks of cooked lobster meat near the end.

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or brandy.

Simmer everything together until the bisque is hot and the flavors have melded.

Serve in warm bowls with crusty bread on the side.

12. Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a tasty and easy seafood dish. You can use various types of fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi.

To make them, coat fish pieces in seasoned flour. Fry or grill the fish until cooked through.

Warm up some tortillas and add the cooked fish. Top with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy sauce.

For extra flavor, try adding lime juice, cilantro, or avocado slices. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour ones.

Fish tacos are great for casual dinners or gatherings. They’re quick to make and let you enjoy seafood in a fun way.

13. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a tasty seafood dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need large shrimp, flour, eggs, and shredded coconut.

Start by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with coconut.

Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, then coat it in coconut. For extra crunch, you can mix panko breadcrumbs with the coconut.

Fry the coated shrimp in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

You can also bake them at 425°F for 12-15 minutes for a healthier option.

Serve your coconut shrimp hot with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or mango salsa.

14. Cioppino

Cioppino is a tasty seafood stew that comes from San Francisco. It’s packed with different types of fish and shellfish in a flavorful tomato-based broth.

You’ll find clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and fish like cod in a typical cioppino. Some recipes also add crab for extra richness.

The broth is made with tomatoes, wine, and fish stock. Garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano add lots of flavor.

Cioppino is pretty easy to make at home. You can use a slow cooker or make it on the stove.

Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

15. Miso-Glazed Black Cod

Miso-glazed black cod is a delicious Japanese dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need black cod fillets, white miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar.

Mix the miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar to create the marinade.

Coat the fish fillets with the mixture and let them marinate for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated fish on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Bake for about 40 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and nicely browned.

This recipe results in a tender, flaky fish with a rich, savory flavor. The miso glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll love.

16. Prawn and Avocado Salad

Prawn and avocado salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You’ll love the mix of juicy prawns and creamy avocado.

Start with a bed of crisp lettuce or mixed greens. Add cooked, chilled prawns and diced ripe avocado on top.

For extra flavor, include diced mango or tomatoes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions adds a fresh touch.

Make a simple dressing with lime juice, olive oil, and a dash of honey.

Pour it over the salad just before serving.

This salad is quick to make and packed with protein. It’s great for lunch or as a light dinner on hot evenings.

17. Seafood Risotto

Seafood risotto is a tasty Italian dish that combines creamy rice with fresh seafood. You can make it using shrimp, mussels, clams, and crab.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add Arborio rice and cook until it’s coated in oil. Pour in white wine and let it absorb.

Slowly add warm seafood stock, stirring often. This process takes about 20 minutes.

When the rice is almost done, add your seafood and cook until just done.

Finish with butter and Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your seafood risotto is ready to enjoy!

18. Grilled Swordfish Steaks

Grilled swordfish steaks are a delicious seafood option for your next barbecue. Start by seasoning the steaks with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs or a simple marinade for extra flavor.

Preheat your grill to high heat.

Place the swordfish on the hot grates and cook for about 5 minutes per side. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

For best results, don’t overcook swordfish. It should still be slightly pink in the center.

Serve your grilled swordfish with lemon wedges and your favorite sides for a tasty meal.

19. Fried Calamari

Fried calamari is a tasty seafood dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need fresh or frozen squid, cut into rings and tentacles.

Coat the calamari pieces in flour, then dip in a mixture of milk and eggs. Roll them in seasoned flour with cornstarch and spices like paprika and cayenne for extra flavor.

Heat oil to 350-365°F in a pot.

Fry the coated calamari until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve your crispy fried calamari hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauces like marinara or sweet chili sauce. It pairs well with other seafood dishes for a delicious meal.

20. Scallop Ceviche

Scallop ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish perfect for warm weather. To make it, start by rinsing fresh scallops and patting them dry. Cut the scallops into small pieces and place them in a bowl.

Next, prepare a marinade using lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the scallops and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

While the scallops marinate, chop some cucumber, red onion, chiles, and tomatoes.

Add these to the marinated scallops when ready to serve.

You can customize your ceviche by adding other ingredients like cilantro or avocado.

Serve it as an appetizer or light main course. It’s great for parties and easy to make in large quantities.

21. Salmon Teriyaki

Salmon teriyaki is a tasty Japanese-inspired dish. You’ll love the sweet and savory glaze on tender fish.

To make it, coat salmon fillets in a sauce of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Cook the fish in a pan until it’s flaky and the sauce caramelizes.

Serve your salmon teriyaki over rice to soak up the extra sauce. Add steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal.

This recipe is quick and easy. You can have a delicious dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

Try salmon teriyaki for a flavorful weeknight meal. It’s sure to become a family favorite.

22. Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder is a hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days. You can make it with various types of seafood like shrimp, cod, scallops, and clams.

Start by cooking onions in a pot until soft. Add potatoes and water, then boil for about 10 minutes.

Next, add your choice of seafood to the pot. Simmer gently until the seafood is cooked through. This usually takes just a few minutes.

For a creamy texture, stir in some half-and-half at the end. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

You can garnish your chowder with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a filling meal.

23. Cajun Shrimp Boil

Cajun shrimp boil is a tasty seafood dish from Louisiana. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this one-pot meal.

To make it, you’ll need shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and andouille sausage. Don’t forget the key spices like Old Bay and Cajun seasoning.

Boil everything together in a big pot with water and beer. The beer adds extra flavor to the broth. Toss in some lemon slices and garlic for more taste.

When it’s done, drain the pot and serve the food on a big table covered with paper. Pour garlic butter sauce over everything for a delicious finish.

24. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a classic French seafood stew from Marseille. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with various fish and shellfish.

To make bouillabaisse, start by cooking vegetables and aromatics in olive oil. Add fish stock and simmer to create a tasty broth.

Prepare your seafood by removing bones and cutting fish into pieces. Add the seafood to the hot broth just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Traditionally, bouillabaisse includes at least three types of fish. You can also add shellfish like shrimp, mussels, or clams for variety.

Serve your bouillabaisse with crusty bread and rouille, a garlicky saffron mayonnaise. This hearty stew is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.

25. Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is a popular appetizer in American Chinese restaurants. You’ll love these crispy wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture.

The filling is made with cream cheese, imitation crab meat, and seasonings. You can use real crab if you prefer a more luxurious version.

To make them, mix the filling ingredients and spoon a small amount onto each wonton wrapper. Fold and seal the edges to form a triangle or star shape.

You can fry Crab Rangoon in oil for a crispy exterior. For a healthier option, try air frying them at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Serve these tasty bites with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Duck sauce or a mix of apricot preserves, vinegar, and soy sauce works well.

26. Stuffed Tilapia

Stuffed tilapia is a tasty seafood dish you can make at home. You’ll start by preparing a flavorful stuffing with crabmeat, sautéed onions, and celery.

Next, lay out your tilapia fillets and add the stuffing to the center. Roll up each fillet so the stuffing is in the middle.

Place the stuffed fillets in a greased baking pan. Drizzle them with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and paprika for extra flavor.

Bake the stuffed tilapia in a preheated 400°F oven. The fish will be done when it flakes easily with a fork.

This dish is perfect for a special meal but easy enough for weeknight dinners. You can even freeze leftovers for later.

27. Baked Cod with Lemon

Baked cod with lemon is a tasty and healthy seafood dish. You can make it easily at home in about 30 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cod fillets in a baking dish.

Mix softened butter with lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs like parsley and dill.

Spread this mixture over the cod. Put lemon slices on top of the fish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

This dish is light and flavorful. The lemon adds brightness while the garlic and herbs boost the taste. You can serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

28. Octopus Carpaccio

Octopus carpaccio is a tasty Italian-inspired dish that’s popular in Japan. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by cooking the octopus until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Then chill and slice it very thin.

For the dressing, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the sliced octopus.

You can add extras like tomatoes or cucumbers for more flavor and crunch. Serve it cold as an appetizer.

This elegant seafood dish is sure to impress your guests. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather meals.

29. Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Pesto shrimp pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, season large shrimp with garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fry the shrimp in olive oil and butter until pink and cooked through.

Make a simple pesto sauce by blending basil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. You can use store-bought pesto to save time if needed.

Toss the hot pasta with the pesto sauce and cooked shrimp. Add a splash of pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for extra flavor.

30. Tempura Prawns

Tempura prawns are a popular Japanese dish known for their light, crispy coating. To make them, you’ll need large prawns, flour, cold water, and an egg.

Start by cleaning and deveining the prawns. Mix the cold water and egg, then add flour to create a thin batter.

Dip each prawn in the batter and fry in hot oil until golden.

The key to perfect tempura is keeping the batter cold and not overmixing. This creates the signature light, crispy texture.

Serve your tempura prawns hot with a dipping sauce like tentsuyu or sweet chili sauce. They make a great appetizer or main dish when paired with rice and vegetables.

31. Seafood Gumbo

Seafood gumbo is a tasty dish from Louisiana. You start by making a roux with flour and oil. This gives the gumbo a rich base.

Next, add onions, celery, and green peppers. Cook these veggies until they’re soft. Toss in some okra too.

For the seafood, use shrimp, crab, and oysters. Add these near the end so they don’t overcook. The shrimp should turn pink when done.

Season your gumbo with paprika, oregano, and pepper. If it’s too thick, thin it with water or seafood stock.

Serve your gumbo over rice for a filling meal. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want a taste of the bayou.

Benefits of Including Seafood in Your Diet

Seafood offers many health perks and helps the planet too. It packs nutrients that boost your body and mind. Eating fish and shellfish also supports sustainable food systems.

Nutritional Advantages

Seafood gives you lots of good stuff. It has protein to build muscle. You get omega-3 fats for your heart and brain. Many types have vitamin D for strong bones.

Fish like salmon and tuna offer B vitamins. These help your body make energy. Shellfish give you zinc and iron. These keep your immune system strong.

Seafood is low in unhealthy fats. This makes it great for your heart. You can eat it to help control your weight too.

Some fish have calcium. This mineral builds strong teeth and bones. Oysters, clams, and mussels give you iodine. Your thyroid needs this to work right.

Environmental Impact

Eating seafood can be good for the Earth. Many fish farms use less land and water than beef or pork farms. Wild-caught fish don’t need extra food or space to grow.

You can pick sustainable options. Look for labels that show the fish was caught or farmed responsibly. This helps protect ocean life.

Seafood often has a smaller carbon footprint than meat. It takes less energy to catch or farm fish than to raise cows or pigs.

Eating different types of seafood helps balance ocean ecosystems. This keeps fish populations healthy. It also supports fishing communities around the world.

Cooking Techniques for Seafood

Seafood can be prepared using various methods to bring out its best flavors and textures.

Two popular techniques are grilling/broiling and poaching/steaming.

Grilling and Broiling

Grilling and broiling give seafood a smoky flavor and crispy exterior.

You can grill fish fillets, shrimp skewers, or whole fish.

Brush the seafood with oil and season it before cooking.

For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the seafood on the grates and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. Use a spatula to flip carefully.

Broiling is similar but done in the oven. Put the seafood on a baking sheet 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 4-6 minutes, flipping once.

Both methods work well for firmer fish like salmon, tuna, and swordfish.

More delicate fish may fall apart, so use a grill basket or foil packet.

Poaching and Steaming

Poaching and steaming are gentle cooking methods that keep seafood moist and tender. They’re great for delicate fish and shellfish.

To poach, place the seafood in a pan with just enough liquid to cover it. Use water, broth, or wine.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the fish flakes easily, about 8-10 minutes.

For steaming, put water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Place the seafood in a steamer basket above the water.

Cover and steam until cooked through, usually 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.

These methods are healthier as they don’t require added fats. They’re ideal for fish like cod, halibut, and sole.

You can also steam shellfish like mussels and clams.